Chasing Riley Online

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Sometimes I think home recording studios became affordable because many musicians were tired of trying to get a record deal. More times than not, no ones demo gets listened to. It goes directly into the trash bin! Why? Here are some reasons why demos do not get accepted.

Reason # 1: No Contact Information
Sometimes I think we get so excited that we forget very important things, and this is the cream of the crop. If you don't put down your name, address, email, phone number, website, how is anyone supposed to find you? When you are sending out your demo, make sure that you are not distracted in anyway, and keep focused on what you are doing. When you are finished making your demo, check and make sure you have your: a) Contact Information b)Best songs highlighted

Reason # 2: You Can't Play
There are many people out there who love music as much as musicians, but they simply cannot play well. If you want an honest opinion on how well you can play, don't ask your friends or family-unless they are a licensed professional. If a music teacher says you can play well, or you are a great singer, you can believe them.

Reason # 3: You're Awesome, But, No Ones Ever Heard Of You
This is kind of silly, to me, but if you don't play live, no one will ever take a chance on you. It's like they don't believe that you can sell your music. They will be interested only if you 'prove' you can sell, then they will be your very best friend. It has happened to many a band a lot of times. They couldn't get a record deal, so they go it alone only to have the same company bending over backwards to get them to sign their lives away later on.

Reason # 4 A Bad Demo
If the demo sounds horrible, that's a really good reason to send people running away. If you can't afford to book some time in a studio, the best thing to do is to do a simple piano/vocal or guitar/vocal. Some people do ask for that, while a few others want the whole nine yards. If you can't afford it, best to find "real" people who only want to hear the content: lyrics, music, voice. That is done quite easily with just an instrument and a voice.

Reason # 5 You Sent Your Rock Demo To A Country & Western Guy!
Don't waste your time, on a demo, and possibly some money only to send it to the wrong person. They are not going to answer, and just throw it out. Know what your music is, and know the right person to send it to. Read reason # 1 again so you won't forget.

A press kit is a media kit. A press kit is good for promoting your company to build a client list. If you are a musician a press kit can showcase your talent. If you are a performer, here are the essentials that you need in your press kit.

Cover Letter
Send a letter explaining why you are sending a press kit. No need to fill the entire page, make it brief and to the point.

Business Card
Including information on how to get in touch with you, definitely makes it easier for potential clients to find you. If you have a website, you can include that on your business card, also.

Press Release
Got a major release coming out? You would want to make that a part of your press kit.

Upcoming Gigs
Include a brief list of where you're going to play.

News clippings
If you've got news clips of where you've played before, music reviews, or anything about your gigs, you can include them. Perhaps you can make a collage or brochure out of the best places, and or reviews that you've gotten. If you are a fairly new performer, and don't have any news clips, you can have your friends/family/potential fans say how they feel about your music and you can make a flier filled with what they said.

Photographs
8 X 10 glossy black and white photos are the norm. If you want really good photos, you're going to have to go to professionals, like a modeling agency. If however you have a friend or family photographer who's just as good, and will do it for the price of film, or for free, take advantage! It will save you a lot of money.

Biography
Keep your biography brief. I wouldn't do more than a single page. Include important things, but you don't have to talk about your whole life, the places you played when you were in high school. Mention it, but don't elaborate, keep your bio current.

CD/Cassette
Most people are sending CD's now. Include a CD with no more than 3-4 songs-your very best songs at that. Put a label on the CD with your name and contact information just in case it gets separated from the press kit, potential clients can still contact you. If you want to include a cassette, follow the same directions listed above.
The Folder
The folder you should put all your information in, should be a glossy, two pocket folder, preferably one with a slot that holds a business card.

Tips
Appear professional. Nothing will scare away potential clients than someone who doesn't care about their work. First impressions are everything. Don't send your press kits unsolicited. CD's and other materials are costly and you don't want to waste it on someone who will just end up throwing it away. Make sure the person knows who you are and why you are sending it to them.