Tape Expectations

Every generation has to make its own mistakes. Sad fact is that artists now have less time than ever to prove themselves before being unceremoniously dropped by their record companies or abandoned by a fickle fanbase.
This generation of artists will have to learn fast and be aware of multi-media and business opportunities that previous generations never dreamed of. A growing number of local Irish bands have their own web sites, stage their own graphic light shows, and compose soundtracks for the latest computer games. They make use of e-mail to contact international record companies, regularly search the Internet, and record perfect copies of their own CDs in their bedrooms.
Yet this same generation of would be rockers, pop stars and techno boffins to the Irish music scene can still manage to make the same dumb mistakes that have befallen musicians since the showband era.
There are some basics that remain the same no matter what technology is used. Irrespective of what sordid stories of excess the press agents are plying this week, professionalism remains all important. The music business runs as a business first, with profit taking priority over artistic sentiment or indulgences. Consequently, there are professional basics to commit to memory for every new band or solo act. Here are five of the most important..
Always put your best track first. You will only have a few moments to impress the industry professional. Leave out the long intros, get to the chorus. It s also a good idea to include only the three tracks you believe are the strongest. If they want to hear more they will definitely call you. A&R people aren t shy about asking for more material.
Presentation counts. It s your first chance to sell yourself. If you can provide a well written biography, a clear, interesting photograph and a good cover letter you are on your way to proving that you deserve their professional attention. Every guest host on the Demo Dip has remarked how important packaging is when they choose demos. Include contact numbers on all tapes, photos and CDs.
Nothing beats a good song. No matter what technology is at your disposal, if there isn t a hook, a chorus or something uniquely memorable you won t get noticed. Work on your writing, study other songwriters and learn your craft.
Practice, work, learn and keep learning. If the song is great, the presentation professional looking but the band are out of tune and under rehearsed, you ve probably blown it. Learn your instruments, listen to rehearsal tapes, read all the trade magazines and books you can on the industry and keep up to date. Learn how to use the phone to get gigs, how to budget, how to get the best deals for you and your band. Don t rely on a manager to make your career decisions for you.
Keep good company. You know all that advice your Mum said about choosing the right friends? She was right. If any one in your organisation, be it your band members, management, or other representatives, are less than professional, you ll look bad. It is incredibly difficult to find musicians that share a common goal, level of commitment and, of course, talent. You have to be part personnel manager, motivational speaker, diplomat and dictator to keep a band together.
Sadly most bands don t ever get to the signing stage; possibly the majority of bands formed don t get to any stage at all. But even if mega-success eludes you, you will develop a love of music that will last a lifetime, make friends along the way, and learn stuff about life, business and human nature that can t be taught in the class room. n
Debbie Skhow hosts the Hot Press Hot Spot on East Coast Radio, Wicklow s Number One Station. Tune in every Friday night 9-11 for the most exciting indie, Irish, roots, alt country, soundtracks and music news and film reviews.
Feelin lucky punk? Is your demo brilliant? Can it stand the scrutiny of the Demo Dip? Send your tape, CDs or whatever listenable format you re having yourself to Demo Dip, Debbie Skhow, Hot Press, 13 Trinity Street, Dublin 2
On Line? Demo questions Requests for the Hot Press Hot Spot contact Debbie at [email protected] or write the regular way to Hot Press.