Sending Out Demos

[PerfectChaos337]

Hey all. I roadie for a band called IDLE VICE (http://Www.Myspace.Com/IdleViceRox). They've been in the studio recently working on some new rough demos. I figured I'd help them out a bit and send it out to places (Labels, possible sponsors, radio stations, etc). The only thing is, I dont really know what exactly the "industry standardized" method of sending out demos is. I mean, no pro-grade cds are pressed yet, so I was just going to print out a simple cover, put it in a jewel case with the cd, and maybe include some press release scans and whatnot. If anyone has any tips related to the process of sending out demos (especially if you're being ghetto about it) let me know.

Since it's probably expected that I'd plug the band I roadie for, check out IDLE VICE at: Www.Myspace.com/IdleViceRox (http://www.Myspace.com/IdleViceRox)

Thanks.

[brandnew741]

Most record labels won't listen to unsolicited demos and will just end up in the trash. Make sure to check each record label's site to see if they accept unsolicited material so you don't end up wasting your money. Some people like mp3s in an email and others like physical copies. It's easier to delete an email then it is to throw away a package though....
Basically, its really hard to get signed off of sending an unsolicited demo and it probably isn't worth your time.

[PerfectChaos337]

What exactly do you mean by "unsolicited"? randomly sent?

I was just basically going to print out a cover, put a burned CD in a jewel case with said cover, and send it off with a page of press releases...Yea, I know, its ridiculously ghetto and whatnot ,but I figure some effort is better than none.

[7dollarsox.com]

What exactly do you mean by "unsolicited"? randomly sent?

I was just basically going to print out a cover, put a burned CD in a jewel case with said cover, and send it off with a page of press releases...Yea, I know, its ridiculously ghetto and whatnot ,but I figure some effort is better than none.

yes, unsolicited means that the label didnt request it.

this was a few years ago, so things may have changed (they probably haven't as the labels get dirtier and dirtier) but if you send stuff the label doesnt request, then it becomes their property, and if im not mistaken, if you havent taken the correct copyrighting procedures, they can just snatch those songs if they hear one they like.


if the band was smart they would work their ass off to get a local following, then play shows with bigger out of town bands and make friendships that grow. eventually one of them will take them on tour.

even if that CD you send out does make it to an a&r, hes only one of three to five people that has to approve it.
its a waste of money IMO, and even if the band DOES make it and gets signed, they will just rape you like they rape the consumer, man!

once again, just all my opinion.

[Yontsey]

I used to work at Alternative Press Magazine and it was amazing the amount of albums that came through that place. In the kitchen/lounge area, there would be huge boxes just filled with random cd's that they would just throw most of them into and anyone could take them.

Any label or magazine that is a more well known one will just throw it away or in a box somewhere. If you are going to do something like, you should take a more professional approach. Make a professional press-kit or have one designed for you and put some money into it.

Besides, you shouldn't do anything unless the band consents to it, even if you are doing it in good will.

[patrickhowell]

this was a few years ago, so things may have changed (they probably haven't as the labels get dirtier and dirtier) but if you send stuff the label doesnt request, then it becomes their property, and if im not mistaken, if you havent taken the correct copyrighting procedures, they can just snatch those songs if they hear one they like.

That's not true, and it never has been.

[patrickhowell]

Really, sending out demos is not going to be worth your time or money. What they need to do is demonstrate that they are serious and that they are something valuable to labels. Then get in touch with an A&R rep, or hire a manager that can things like that up. Having the representation of a qualified manager means a lot, and a good manager will also be able to protect them from any shady contracts.

[7dollarsox.com]

That's not true, and it never has been.
if its really not, then i apologize completely. i just remember looking for addresses at one point a few years ago and came upon a "Unsolicited demo disclaimer" that i had thought read something to that effect, but i have a knack for thinking labels are out to get you, haha.

[xmicxcorex]

heres how i see it. A) Dont do it unless the band wants you to. and B) Don't waste your money on anything snail mail, so many labels are switching to email only. make an EPK and mail that out. Or even as far as labels like Rise who literally just ask that you send them the bands Myspace or Purevolume address. Otherwise youre wasting money....whether your own or the bands. Labels dont give a rightful shit about things like that normally, either theyll find the band, or a band on that label will find them and recommend them to the label.