# of songs for a demo?

[powderfinger]

What is a good amount of songs for a demo??

I have a fairly wide range of songs.....solo acoustic, acoustic/mellow rock, harder electric rock......thus I'm having a hard time chosing tracks.
I know that many people say more than three is overboard, do you guys have any experience/ideas about this??

[stonepiano]

hey powderfinger.

what's it for?

I have two demos (for two different bands) for getting gigs.

One has two songs, one has three. No one has complained either way and we seem to be getting some attention. now, submitting to performers or to record companies, beats the hell outta me.

stone

[powderfinger]

yeah, i was going to send it out to some smaller lables that accept unsolicited stuff............

[zer0sig]

3-5 is what i would lean toward, though 2 or 3 is usually considered best i believe for getting someone to actually listen to it in some corporate office somewhere.

that said, my demo is currently 11 songs. it's also going to be replaced as soon as i regroup and rethink my philosophy on recording.

[Track Rat]

I wouldn't send more than three tunes. If they'll accept unsolicited material then they have a SHIT LOAD of stuff that they have to listen to besides yours. Also don't try to impress them with your diversity of styles. Jell on a style and put your VERY best foot forward.

[BrettB]

3 songs is an absolute maximum. You can always mention in the bio you have enough songs ready for an entire album.

[powderfinger]

Originally posted by BrettB
You can always mention in the bio you have enough songs ready for an entire album.

this is a good point brett.....thanks

[BrettB]

I heared that advice during a workshop over here about getting your band signed. 3 songs with your besty one as the first, but always let them know you are capable of doing a full album.

[David Hooper]

You have a lot of different styles it seems, but keep in mind that the people you are pitching are looking for something specific. They want to think you're a specialist in what you do.

I agree with the above posts that three songs is good. Less is more. Don't give somebody a chance to write you off. If they want to hear more, they'll ask.

[Aaron Cheney]

BrettB got it right, IMO.
It should be 3 - no more, no less. And each should be no longer than 3.5 minutes, and should get to the hook in less than a minute.

I know that 3 songs often isnt' enough to demostrate all the styles of your music. 3 minute songs might be too formulaic for some too. It doesn't matter. If you want to be heard, and eventually make music that satisfies you artistically AND GET PAID FOR IT, then you have to play the game at first.

Then again, maybe not.

Aaron
http://www.voodoovibe.com

[fanito]

i'm kind of in the same place - a variety of styles and making a second (more produced) demo with some people that have gotten their acts signed. they suggested 4-6... do you really think it can hurt to have a couple more (than 3) on there? if they turn it off, they turn it off. if they don't, they know you have 5 really solid songs and that much more studio experience. i mean i still planning on putting my best first but what is ya'll's argument against putting 5 songs on there? je suis interested.