Entertainment: It's a Business
Recording your Demo/Promo CD
Patience is key when embarking on a new career. Having mastered networking and performing, you are now ready to record a demo. Remember, regardless of which artist aspect you choose (Producer, Performer, or Songwriter) it is imperative you record a demo. Earlier in this series I talked about networking and building organic relationships. Now is the time to utilize those connections. Many people will tell you that your Demo does not need to be professionally recorded (meaning in a professional studio), but I disagree. Granted, your demo does not need to be as slick and commercial as an album but should be pretty damn close. Always put your best foot forward. Also, what better way to get familiar and comfortable with recording in a studio than doing just that. Visit various studios, talk to producers and other singers/songwriters to find out who they worked with and what their experience was. Contrary to what most people will try to get you to believe; You are hiring Them. Ensure you vet at least 3 to 5 choices so you are making an informed decision and not just an emotional one. Always do your homework-I cannot stress this enough.
Singer/Performer
Let us take a look at the Singer/and or Songwriter first. If you want to focus on being a singer in the beginning; there is nothing wrong with that-however, I suggest graduating to singer/songwriter when you feel ready. The first thing you want to do as a singer is find a producer. You want a producer even if you are going to be singing cover songs. A knowledgeable producer will be able to pull from you the performance that will make your Demo quality. If you are lucky, the producer may be aligned with a songwriter who is looking to showcase their songs just as you are looking to showcase your voice. If not, covers always work (American Idol anyone?). Approach your demo as a mini album; although you are only putting 3 songs on this, it should still be cohesive. Regardless of which type of performer you are, Singer, MC, Rapper, Band, your demo should consist of a mainstream song-this should be your best song, a fun/party song, and a ballad (within the parameters of your genre). Recording music in a studio is not easy-I would argue performing live is easier because you have more leeway it terms of precision-multiple hours singing the same thing different ways over and over again until everyone "feels" it's right takes a lot of physical and mental stamina. Keep in mind that it is not cheap either. As mentioned earlier, do your homework, you should not be paying $400/hr to record a demo. With that said, make sure you go in prepared and ready to work. Be a professional at all times. Grab attention early by placing your best song first, then your next best song, etc. Although most who review your music may not have the time or patience to "discuss" your music, always be prepared to talk about how why you selected your songs, what your inspiration was for the songs, who your target audience is, and what type of artist/writer you want to be (All this should come easy to you, since it would be second nature by now-right?). Next week's post will focus on producers followed by MCs and Rappers-there is a difference.
Edmund
Follow Edmund on twitter!
Singer/Performer
Let us take a look at the Singer/and or Songwriter first. If you want to focus on being a singer in the beginning; there is nothing wrong with that-however, I suggest graduating to singer/songwriter when you feel ready. The first thing you want to do as a singer is find a producer. You want a producer even if you are going to be singing cover songs. A knowledgeable producer will be able to pull from you the performance that will make your Demo quality. If you are lucky, the producer may be aligned with a songwriter who is looking to showcase their songs just as you are looking to showcase your voice. If not, covers always work (American Idol anyone?). Approach your demo as a mini album; although you are only putting 3 songs on this, it should still be cohesive. Regardless of which type of performer you are, Singer, MC, Rapper, Band, your demo should consist of a mainstream song-this should be your best song, a fun/party song, and a ballad (within the parameters of your genre). Recording music in a studio is not easy-I would argue performing live is easier because you have more leeway it terms of precision-multiple hours singing the same thing different ways over and over again until everyone "feels" it's right takes a lot of physical and mental stamina. Keep in mind that it is not cheap either. As mentioned earlier, do your homework, you should not be paying $400/hr to record a demo. With that said, make sure you go in prepared and ready to work. Be a professional at all times. Grab attention early by placing your best song first, then your next best song, etc. Although most who review your music may not have the time or patience to "discuss" your music, always be prepared to talk about how why you selected your songs, what your inspiration was for the songs, who your target audience is, and what type of artist/writer you want to be (All this should come easy to you, since it would be second nature by now-right?). Next week's post will focus on producers followed by MCs and Rappers-there is a difference.
Edmund
Follow Edmund on twitter!