How to Shop your Music Demo

In this day and age, record labels recieve tens of thousands of music demos to review each year. This article will help you get an edge on the competition and show you how to stand out when shopping your music demo.

Things You'll Need

• Mastered Demo CD
• Bio
• Photo of artist or band
• Resume listing prior performances
• List of Major Record Labels
• Envelope with certified return reciept

Instructions

Make Sure Your Music Demo is Complete

1. Make sure your demo is ready to be presented to the industry. It should consist of 1-3 original copyrighted songs and must be complete and polished. An A & R executive will usually listen to the first song only, so your best song should be the first track. From vocals to instruments, production to mastering, the first track should showcase your best work. So, make sure you stand out amongst the many other competing candidates all vying for a record deal.

2. Create a press pack that includes your packaged Demo CD, artist or band bio and photo along with a resume of past performances. Also include future scheduled performances with an invite or VIP seating offer to attend. Your packaged CD should consist of a mastered CD with your name printed on it in a jewel case that has your picture on the insert. The more professional your packaged CD appears, the more professional you will appear.

3. Make a list of record labels that you would like to send your music demo to. When making your list, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the genre of music on your demo is the same genre that the record label produces. For example, you would not send a Hip-Hop demo to a label that only produces country music. Second, find out the name of the A&R executive or person in charge of recruiting new talent for the label and “attn:” the materials to him. Do not simply address the package to the A&R department, as it may get overlooked or lost. Be sure to place a return receipt on the envelope so verify that the package was received.

4. Think about any connections that you may have in the music industry. If you personally know any professional artists, radio personalities or people who deal with the record label, ask them if they would be willing to send the materials on your behalf. Or even drop them off at the lable for you. The reason I say this is because a lot of A&R executives at major record labels will not take the time to open an envelope if it is not sent by someone they know. This is sad, but unfortunately true. Also ask if there is any way that your source would help you get an appointment to see the label’s representative in person. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

5. Follow up with each label. Wait about 2-3 weeks and then call the representative directly. This is to confirm that they have received your press pack and see if they have any questions regarding your work. This also gives you a chance to announce upcoming performances and offer the label VIP seating. The performance should have a fairly large crowd in attendance to demonstrate your popularity and fanbase.

Tips & Warnings

• Need help with your vocal or musician skills? Consider hiring a vocal or instrument coach before recording your demo.

• To copyright your music and lyrics online you can visit the Library of Congress. If you don’t copyright your demo, you risk loosing rights to all your hard work.

• Check out online packaging companies such as "Discmakers" that can package your CD including mastering.

• For a list of record labels you can log onto wikipedia and find many labels that deal in various genres of music.

Resources

• Library of Congress
• Disc Makers
• Wikipedia