Before you go sauntering into EMI’s office with your guitar in your hand and a gleam in your eye, you might want to put something together to show them. No, that burnt CD you made with your buddy Tony last week doesn’t count. Let’s face it, if you ever want to hit it big, it’s time to make your Demo! A Demo is your musical portfolio. A Demo gives a sample of what your band has that separates you from the latest Nickleback clone (unless, of course, Nickleback is your thing).
Create Digital Music has written a great guide to putting together a Demo. The guide is specifically geared towards acts operating out of Chicago, but it has some pretty universal tips and tricks. Take this one for instance,
“Figure out your intentions with the demo. Is it to get signed to a label? To book gigs? To find like-minded potential collaborators? To get work scoring a film? Similarly, determine the audience. Is it the A & R people at a label? The talent buyer at a club? Other musicians? Each of these requires a different approach.”
The guide covers making, using and distributing your Demo and what it takes to get your foot in the front door. Take a look, and after that take a trip to the Forums to talk about your “getting started” horror stories. I’m sure we will all feel your pain.
[via: Create Digital Music]
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