Making a Demo CD

If you are interested in making a demo CD, here are some guidelines that will make the process easier.  Recording a demo CD does not have to be expensive however, most artists come to the studio unprepared and thus spend extra hours of studio time which inflates the cost of making a demo CD.

1. Practice the music and get it right before you come to the studio.  This includes the musicians will be playing on the song.

2. If you are hiring studio musicians for the demo recording session, make sure they get a rough cut of the song, the words and music well in advance of the recording session.  Make sure your agreement with them includes a rehearsal of the song before they come to the studio.

3. Establish a clear set of equipment requirements before the session is schedule.  This should include any special effects, sounds effects, processing or equipment that may have to be configured or ordered for the demo recording session.

4. Schedule a pre-production session with the studio which will include:

  - arranging the song

  - checking that the key of the song is right for the singer

  - deciding if the use of a click-track for the drums is

    desired which allows you to rebuilt the track  if the

    drums are not right

5. If you are making a demo CD to pitch a song, and you are not the singer, make sure you hire the best singer that can really sell the song.  This is often overlooked, so make sure the dinger, song and key are a perfect fit.

6. Listen to other hit songs in the genre that this song will be placed. make sure that your song has some of the elements that have been a proven success; sound, feel, vocalist, etc.

7. Avoid over-producing the song.  Often a clean recording with minimal intervention will showcase your song in its best possible light.  Remember, if someone like your song it will be reworked many times before it is released on the charts.