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Master Quality Demo Reels That Sizzle!
By Tom Gauger
As a former talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency and founder of ReelMusician.com, I can tell you that
reviewing demos can be both a curse and a blessing. Even as demos pile up on the desks in A&R offices and music industry
professional’s office floors as well, I can almost guarantee that the vast majority of demos 1) won’t have a chance, 2) don’t get
listened to, at least by the major A&R folks and not through a pres-screening process utilizing college interns, and 3) it might
not even be the music itself, but the packaging and marketing colors, etc that are used for the artist press kit that result in the
artist contract denial. What makes for a master quality demo? What makes for a master quality demo that will get listened
to? These are great questions and I can tell you that a host of folks will have all kinds of ideas and suggestions; I will consider
some gut level thinking and ideas that I have mentally compiled through the years that I’ve always felt would be an asset not
only musically, but from a marketing perspective as well. Hopefully there will be some nugget of truth that you can capitalize
on to further your music career and song demos
As we begin to look at master quality demos and what makes them up, what are your goals and ambitions? The reason I am
asking this is because not only does it help to mentally prepare you and help you set goals for your career, but it also helps
set the blueprint for where and what your demo ought to be sounding and looking like. There is a big difference in
submitting your demo to A&R folks and to the club owner trying to gain playing gigs. But regardless of where you are
submitting your demo, you have to exude a professionalism and character of not only your music, but in the credibility of the
act as well. That last statement is critical. If your act is perceived as credible with the ball rolling and with some key elements
in place, you are much more likely to be 1) reviewed by the actual A&R director and 2) any enthusiasm might snowball down
the halls of the record company ultimately landing you a record deal.
But let’s get back to your demo. At ReelMusician.com we compile demos for songwriters and for jingle singers trying to break
into the jingle singing market and I can tell you from experience, that it’s difficult to create a master quality demo when the
song itself is not master quality song demo material. So be honest about any material you are recording. Is this top 10 if
given the chance, or is this a filler, b side song? Yes, you can take a fair song and make it “listenable” to with a great
production, but it still reasons that a fair or b side song cut is still a fair or b side song. You look back through the years at
songs that held your attention and were almost mesmerizing and this is before the onslaught of incredible and affordable
recording gear. These songs were just plain great songs even without the slickest of today’s recording abilities.
As you record, don’t rely on a bunch of “recording tricks” or padding type effects that detract and try to support an otherwise
fair song. Less is more, and you ought to be concerned about the quality of the song and production utilizing all effects that
are needed and not just effects thrown in there without reason or cause.
Who are using for players on your demos? Obviously, if you are a band you are recording your whole group, but if you are a
solo act or a writer creating master demos, then consider a couple of options. If money is not an object, then go for the
whole rhythm section and keyboard pads, etc. One thing that you need to know and understand is that it is better to use
fewer players who are just incredible, than to have the full rhythm section with less experienced players or players that just
can’t support your song. I remember years back when I was first starting out before all of our TV and radio credits, that for
the sake of having a full sound I compromised the overall production for players, while more affordable, not as seasoned and
consequently my productions were not as strong until I learned that valuable lesson. And even today, I will choose to use a
first string guitar or piano player in lieu of a full rhythm section on projects if that’s what the song and production call for.
Always get the best musicians – It always pays. These players oftentimes have ideas and broaden your production and bring
incredible artistical elements that you wouldn’t have thought of - Which leads me to my next point.
Keyboards are incredible and there is a vast array of sounds and pads that can be used to create all kinds of emotional tones
in your music, but don’t get caught in the, “I have a keyboard, mic and computer syndrome. Your music will suffer. You want
the creativity of other players. They bring the musical magic that most of us, quite honestly, aren’t creative enough to
capture, but with their experience, and talent, they are able to deliver not only incredible rips, but a professionalism your
demo might not never otherwise of had. Utilize the best players possible whenever you can. I can tell you that our demos at
ReelMusician.com sound incredible because of our effort in obtaining the best players – Get the best!
Let’s look at some important final notes and ideas. Don’t get discouraged after recording a song you thought would turn out
differently. You know, without sounding cliché, productions and songs get better with time and practice. Always look at
money spent on demos as schooling. Where would you go to learn the lessons you just learned? – From a textbook, of
course not. Keep at it; be honest about your writing and productions. Continue to learn from great writers and producers.
Listen to great classical writers as well and broaden your next pop ballad string arrangement. Don’t be afraid to try new
ideas. Get the best players in an affordable, yet quality studio, and hopefully you’ll start recording the next top ten hit!