What To Include in Demo For Independent Label

[JohnnyAppleseed]

First off, it seems a demo cd is done one of two ways. Either a demo that is burned. Or, somebody creates a professional replicated EP with 3 or 4 songs and sends the EP in. So my question is, EP vs. DEMO, which is better?

In your opinion, is a burned home copy better or is it better to get some EP's printed up professionally with 3 or 4 songs? Do you think one would be passed up over the other or do they get equal treatment?

Second, it seems that a demo kit is sent in a folder presentation kit. Could this be a regular old black folder with a sticker with your musical act name on the front? Will this be seen as "not going the extra mile" by the label or do they not even care?

Lastly, should I put my cd in a jewel case or an envelope and again, does it even matter? I just feel like a jewel case might bust open in the package so maybe a plastic envelope double sided taped to the inside of the folder might do the trick.

This is what I plan to include in my Demo I'm sending out in a few weeks, can you please critique:

1. 1 page short but sweet bio sheet without bullshit words and dumb things like, "I sound like Boards of Canada." Blah. Just down to earth what Im about. Contact info at the bottom. Maybe some links to my myspace page and what not.

2. A introduction letter to the A&R guy (Hi my name is Johnny, can you please listen to my crappy music?). Contact info on the bottom.

3. My Demo CD in a jewel case with track listings and contact info on both CD and Insert. The demo is going to be burned with my burner that can laser burn an image onto the CD. But it's going into a plain jewel case with no tray insert.

4. Putting all of it into a plain black folder with a homemade sticker on the front of the folder that has the name of my music project.

What am I missing? Should I put a ten dollar bill in every packet I send out. That's a joke of course. Does trying to make a Folder or package STAND OUT really help? Like wrapping the package in christmas wrap or making the cd case look like a little coffin or some kind of gimmick or is that seen as lame in the industry?

Thanks in advance! This is going to independent labels only mind you, not Sony Entertainment because I know they'd just chuck my demo into the garbage. But I know even indies get a crapload of demos every week so I want to know that it will at least get a 15 second listen.

Maybe most indies would too, but that's what I want to avoid. So help me avoid getting my demo kit tossed in the garbage.

Lastly, I have heard that FADING YOUR SONG IN at the beginning rather than letting the 20 second intro play is a good technique because A&R guys get bored and just want to hear the HOOK. Is this true? Would it be better to cut out my long beginnings and just fade in to the beginning/middle of the track after the beat kicks in?


Thanks!

[Nightfire]

Go the extra mile, with everything.

Make the CD real nice, dont just send in a lightscribed disc in a paper envelope.
Go with the jewel case, go with a cover, an inside cover, a back cover, even if it's just an EP. Keep the design simple, but make sure you have a design (not just white with black writing...).

Write a short, to the point, and professional letter. Dont use crap like "we have 890 fans on myspace". Do include a link to your myspace and your webpage though. Include any press reviews you've had, wether online or printed (printed is always a plus, see if you can get some local newspapers to review your cd or some college newspapers, indie magazines, etc.)

Only put your 3 or 4 best songs on the CD. Start with your best song, and then progresively to the weakest of 4. Chances are they'll only listen to the first two.

Some good info here
http://musicians.about.com/od/beinga...t/senddemo.htm


Mike