Things You'll Need:
- Internet Access
- Recording Studio
- Graphic Designer
- CD Duplication Company
- Envelopes
- Stamps
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Step 1
Do your research! Make sure to read up on the do's and don'ts of submitting a demo and who the correct people of contact are. Collect all your data together from browsing the Internet or buying books such as The A& R Registry.
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Step 2
Begin creating your demo reel. This can take you anywhere from a few months to years depending on your availability, income and effort. To create a great demo you must have great instrumentals, mind blowing lyrics with catchy hooks and a professional studio with the proper equipment to give you the best quality sound possible. Once you have recorded several tracks chose the top 3 to 5 you would like to use and get them mastered to sound perfect! Even if that means having to re-record them, it will be worth it!
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Step 3
Before duplicating these CDs to send make sure to have done your research and know who you will be sending these to, know how many copies you will need to make, you have researched the CD Duplication Companies, and if they do not do graphics you have to found someone that does. Sometimes the Duplication companies do both the graphics for the inserts for you or on the actually CD as a package. You choose what ever is more affordable to you but the more professional your demo looks the more chances of it being heard! So the next step into making your demo appropriate is to open a P.O.Box because you must put some form of contact for the record labels and besides your telephone number you should also have a business mailing address. Remember this is your business, your future career so treat it like one! Some people even get a second phone to be reached at or voicemail box, but this step is optional.
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Step 4
Make sure to choose a catchy cover classy yet cool and eye catching. Do not put more info then is needed. Simply have your artist name, name of your demo is optional, your contact number, address and email. At this point if you do not have a separate email to promote your music, free accounts are available everywhere! You should have your contact information on the inside of the CD insert and on the actually CD in case misplaced. The name of the songs on the CD or the insert as well. You have several options for this, be sure to ask around and get opinion on what looks best.
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Step 5
So by now you should have your Cd's duplicated with an awesome insert and cover, all info on them but we're not done yet! If you've done your research you have found out that the record labels and A&R's also request that you send lyric sheets, a Bio and Head shot along side your demo CD. So be sure to write an amazing biography on yourself even if your not as experienced let them know what you have to offer! If you're not a great writer, have a friend or family member help! As for the head shot if at all possible try to get the most professional looking picture you have if you cannot afford a photo shoot, but keep in mind a photo shoot in the near future might be a good idea for promotional use. Lyrical Sheets are typed or formally printed copies of a song's words. A lyric sheet may also contain the song title, author's name, address, contact number and copyright notice. (Before sending any demo it is highly recommended to get all work copyright) You can do that on your own for a small fee at www.copyright.gov.
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Step 6
Start mailing! Be sure to write up a cover letter introducing yourself briefly and call the labels before sending them your demo package in some cases they request this or will return your package to you unopened.
