So 2005 is the year you’re really gonna give it your best shot, get that demo done, work on the live gigs, start learning a few tricks of the trade and whatnot? Here we list 25 tips that, while not guaranteeing you megastardom, will certainly alleviate the frustration of trying to make a go of it in the helter-skelter world of the industry of human happiness. Study, consider and apply.

1 Before you record your demo, give some thought as to what you want to achieve with it.

2 Send your demo only to those companies interested in your type of music.

3 Make sure you send your demo package to the right person at the correct address.

4 Include no more than 3 or 4 tracks.

5 Avoid unnecessarily long tracks and put your best track first.

6 Include clearly legible contact details (name, address, phone number, e-mail, website etc.) plus a brief biog and a letter explaining what you are looking for.

7 Cover versions are not advisable unless they offer a fresh version of the song.

8 Only send a demo you feel is genuinely impressive and representative of what
you do.

9 Don’t apologise for the sound quality or lack of a production budget.

10 Fancy cover designs, elaborate photos and expensive productions are not essential.

11 The demo which you might use for, say, trying to get a publishing deal, may not be suitable to score some gigs.

12 You probably don’t need a manager as early as you think you do.

13 Information and advice are generally readily available, so if there’s something you don’t know – ask.

14 Don’t waste media opportunities, but use them to communicate key bits of information to the public.

15 Learn from the mistakes of others.

16 Find out what contracts are about and what are the key elements.

17 Keep press releases short and to the point.

18 Always put your name on the back of photographs.

19 Avoid blaming others when things go wrong.

20 Forget any notion that making it to the bigtime is going to be easy or that you deserve success.

21 Accept that getting a record deal is only the start, not the end, of your endeavours.

22 Develop a genuine self-belief in your talent and skills.

23 Learn to accept criticism. There’ll be plenty of it no matter how successful you become.

24 Always carry a pen and paper with which you can take notes of contacts and other useful info.

25 Finally, don’t act on any advice from anybody (not even me!) unless you are convinced it’s right.

'PICKS OF THE FORTNIGHT' 2004:

Robbie McDonald / Trip Adagio
Paul Casey
Le Mons
Boss Volenti
Aisling Quinn
The Hansum Binmen
The Rubens
Ham Sandwich
Supermodel Twins
Airborn
Chunky Planet
Dennis McCalmont
The KB Band
Neil White
Hoovers and Sledgehammers
Renko
Velvetron
Cojo
Walter
Brendan Keane
Fuktifino
Nivola
Ali