Demo question

[SpiderFingers]

If someone is planning on putting together a 3 song demo what would someone recommend as to the quality of the demo. Good songs with ok "demo" quality recording or good songs with "professional" sounding recording? I've heard that really the label listens to the strength of the song & does not pay attention to the quality as if they like the song they will pump major $$ to make a REALLY professional recording of it. Is there a fair balance when it comes to that? Second how much $$ to spend on a 3 song demo? How much is TOO much?

[thisboyshouts]

i'd say it depends on your idea of 'quality'. If by quality, you mean 24bit 96khz + throughout, all fully digitally recorded on high end interfaces and pre amps etc., then this is probably not going to make a difference.

if by 'quality', you mean musical quality - then it's critical. if you spend a lot of time perfecting the demo - making it sound tight, well arranged, well layered with appropraite overdubs / harmonies / backing vox etc. then this will reflect well on the band - after all, a record company will obviously be interested in how hard and how creatively a band will work in the studio, as well as the songs themselves.

spend a lot of time on the demo - love the song, make them your babies and keep tweeking til you're satisfied it represents the best of the band and makes your full potential clear.

[SpiderFingers]

Those were my SAME thoughts. Thanks for the feedback.

[Scheming Demon]

It also depends on the type of music you're doing. Are you a singer songwriter with just an acoustic guitar or piano accompaniment or are you a full band?

If the first you can make due with a 4-track in your basement because the strength of the song will come through loud and clear and the quality will be quite good.

If you're a full band and trying to get signed as such then you will need the best quality recording you can afford.

Think of it this way. If you're trying to get signed on the strength of your band and you know how difficult it is to obtain a recording deal, then what would you think your band would have more of a chance of getting signed on, a poor quality recording or a professional studio quality demo?

You don't have to go 24 track master quality on a 3 song demo but you should be prepared to layout a few thousand. If you can't afford that then do the best you can but you will be lessening your chances depending on how much your style of music is dependent on a full band sounding good and tight.

Playing tight as musicians goes without saying. The better production you can get the more professional you will sound and the better impression you will make on a perspective label.

[SpiderFingers]

I agree with what you said Scheming Demon. I have a "band" so that's why I want a good recording. Looks like I'll have to travel over to Austin, I'm seriously considering Cedar Creek studio. I LOVE analog so I want to go that route. I'm seriously thinking about perhaps having the old song done with my new vocalist & trying to fix the mix by having a pro work it because I was so disappointed with the original mix.