How To Make Your Demo Properly

Millions of people are making demos, but only thousands are making good demos. Jennifer Lopez cannot sing, but she made a hell of a demo and Sony liked it!! Her vocal performance was non-existent, but the production and song structure masked her imperfections.

The first step in making a demo or recording is picking or creating the music. If you're into creating music then go ahead and make your track. The most important aspect you should be concerned with is the "mix". After you finish producing the track visit your local Wal-Mart, Best Buy, or Circuit City and play your music on as many different stereo systems as you can (don't forget your car as well). If it sounds muffled or unclear on more than one system (cheap or expensive) go back to the studio. Cheap stereos are great for testing your mix on. There is a famous saying among audio engineers: "if you can make it sound good on a cheap system, it will sound even better on an expensive one". Try listening to your tracks on a variety of systems, expensive and cheap.


Buying Music for Your Demo

If you do not produce music visit us, Trackmasterz, and pick from our selection of tracks. Every track has been approved by Def Jam production teams in terms of quality and creativity. However, we do not offer a wide selection. We produce tracks that are industry approved. Ask any A&R if they've heard of Trackmasterz and they'll tell you "YES" and recommend us for your demo.


Picking a Recording Studio

Finally, pick a studio. If your in NC or Florida, we do partner with studios in those areas so send us an email at trackmaster@trackmasterz.com .
Here are some tips for choosing a recording studio.

The most commonly overlooked and forgotten rule of shopping
*****ASK TO HEAR SAMPLES OF THEIR WORK*****

1. $50/hr for a demo recording ($100 if you're recording a live band)

2. Engineer and mix should be included in price

3. Meet the Engineer and see if you like him/her (IMPORTANT)

4. You should be allowed to sit-in on the mix session

5. Make sure it is agreed you will not pay until you like the final mix.

6. Let them hear the track. If you purchased a track from us use the wave file version (not mp3, sound engineers want wave files).

7. Many engineers will try and tell you they need each individual sound seperately to make an accurate mix. They just want you to spend more money!! Remember more time in their studio = more money for them If your track was mixed properly there is no need for each individual part!! The stereo wave file of the track is more than adequate. Ask any record label A&R if it's necessary. They'll say "as long as it souds good". A&R's have no no interests in how you made the music, they just want to find the next Justin Timberlake and make MONEY!!!


They are going to try to stiff you on the engineer and mix charges. More than likely they will try to get you to make the music in their studio. Just say "No thanks, I'm going to continue to shop around" and they'll either give in or let you walk. No harm no foul. It's a rough economy so more than likely they will give in. Most of the producers at Trackmasterz were or are studio engineers. We know all the tricks.


The Bottom Line

Your demo a catchy hook (chorus), catchy beat (trackmasterz or you), some good easy to follow song structure and lyrics, and a good mix so you can hear everything clearly. If J-Lo can do it so can you!!