Making a Demo – Part 1

Every band wants their music to be heard by other people so that they can appreciate the style of music and maybe even get rich playing it. The easiest way to do something like this is to make a demo tape that you can send around for people to listen to and enjoy your music. The demo tape can also be sent to record labels to let them listen to it and then maybe get you an album deal. A demo tape contains some home or studio recordings of songs performed by a band, mostly originals, but some bands include covers on their demo tapes as well.

Making a demo tape is easy and takes only elementary knowledge of recording methods. Earlier, people used eight tracks and the process of recording was a long drawn one. Also demos then had to be recorded in a single, or a few takes. But with the advent of technology, it has become increasingly easy for bands to record their compositions. All bands need these days is a sound mixer, a computer, and some lead wires and they’re done!

To start with, a band needs to know which songs to put on the demo. They should try and put in songs that will showcase the talent of the band in the clearest way, and choosing songs which display variety, technique and ability is the best policy to follow. Also, a band should keep in mind their target audience while doing the recording.

Guitar parts should be recorded first, along with a drum track, if bionic instruments are being used. If it is a live recording then all the members can perform together. We shall go through the recording process next.