Your Demo package will introduce you to the people that can make you known in the industry.
Make it look right, professional, show that you╒re serious about your career.
A&R people and publishers get tons of tapes every week, many of them go straight to the trash can without being heard. When a package doesn╒t follow certain codes of professionalism they assume it╒s a waste of time. Any mistake found along the routine of opening an envelope, reading the info and listening to the songs becomes a turn down that causes the whole package to fall into the can.
Based on my experience and that one of people that taught me how to send a Demo, I prepared this list of elements that might help you present yours to the industry. Since there's no definition of a perfect package, this information is meant to serve only as a guide and in no way garantees any results.
Query for submission (phone call or mail)
First get the full name and position of the person you╒re planning to send to.
Call and ask for permission to submit
If mail, include SASE for response with multiple choice option.
Elements of your package
1) Cover letter
2) Demo tape
3) Lyric sheets
4) SASE
5) Pictures / Video (only for artists or Bands)
6) Envelope / postage
1) Cover Letter
Make it short and to the point. If possible just one page. Avoid a long bio unless you╒re a well known writer.
Use letterhead if available, if not print on good quality paper, don╒t use handwriting.
Avoid hype, don╒t beg, apologize or show desperation.
Address your letter to the specific person that you contacted.
Write a short statement reminding of your previous phone call and why you╒re sending your package.
Include only significant credits, if any, that might apply.
Also casting ideas, if any.
List enclosed songs and writers╒ names in order of appearance in your tape.
Request for feedback, if you want it so.
Thank for their time and attention
Sign with your name, address and phone number
2) Demo tape
Unless it╒s requested, don╒t send reel to reel, DAT or other digital tape.
Use good quality cassette tape recorded without noise reduction.
Don╒t send your master tape, you might not see it anymore.
Send 3 to 4 songs, all in one side of a short cassette, 60 min. at the most.
Put your best song first (single oriented material), if it╒s up tempo, much better.
Avoid long intros, 8 bars is recommended.
Avoid long instrumental solos.
Don╒t slate your tape.
Label on tape: Name, titles, copyright notice and phone number.
Insert in box: Name, titles, writers, copyright notice and phone number.
Try to avoid contiguous songs in the same key.
Cue your tape properly, right to the start point of your first song.
Allow 4 to 6 sec. between songs.
3) Lyric Sheets
Again, don╒t get too fancy. Avoid strange fonts and dark colored paper.
Use letterhead if available. If not, print neatly. Don╒t use handwriting.
Include title (centered), writers, copyright notice and phone number.
Use space and label sections (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.) Make it easy to understand at first sight.
Lay out your lyrics phrase by phrase, with rhymes at the ends of lines, as in poetry, not prose.
Try to fit each song in one page and organize your sheets in order of appearance in the tape.
Don╒t send Lead Sheets.
Unless your song is been published, don╒t write any publishing Co. name or collection agencies like ASCAP or BMI. They want to see a song that╒s free of any agreements.
Don╒t sign your lyric sheets.
4) SASE
Pros and Cons
If your budget is tight you can get some tapes back and save money.
On the other hand, you might give the impression that you╒re not too confident in your package.
I personally, don╒t recommend SASE for Demo packages.
5) Pictures and Video
This one only applies to artists and bands.
Pictures should be in standard format: 8 by 10 in black and white.
Don╒t send more than 3 pictures.
Video tapes should be VHS copies, unless requested in other format.
Use one video tape with clips of different gigs. Around 15 min. long at the most.
The purpose of video tape is to give an idea of how the band looks.
If the video is very bad quality, stay away from it. Video should only enhance your package.
6) Envelope
You have probably spent a bundle on your demo presentation, don╒t waste it on your mailing.
Use a strong insulated envelope. Big enough to fit unfolded sheets.
Make sure you have enough postage. If possible, send first class or better.
Once more, make it easy to understand and don╒t forget your name, address and phone number.
Important reminder: The single most important piece of information in your package, besides your songs, is your PHONE NUMBER. Make sure it appears in your cover letter, tape label, box insert, lyric sheets and mailing envelope.
