Going (Octopus) Underground

Like many trades the music industry has its own language unique to itself. To the untrained ear conversations between musicians and industry pros can sound indecipherable, or have a completely different meaning to modern English.
For the uninitiated Demo Dip provides a handy sampler to some of the often used phrases and linguistics devices preferred by the musical fraternity.

What bands really mean when they say . . .

Major label interest
Sony, Universal, and Virgin are threatening to sue over copyright violations

Various influences
The only drummer in town is a Megadeth fanatic, the rest of the band favour Belle & Sebastian

Tour planned for the summer
We might get a gig at the local pub

Committed professionals
We re on the dole

Manager urgently required
We can t be bothered to make our own phone calls

What music industry professionals really mean
when they say . . .

Don t talk to anyone else
Stay stupid, don t get advice, stay cheap

Send more material in six months
You can play in tune, and sound vaguely like the Verve/Radiohead/Bjork
(this does not mean: quit the day job, sign here now)

You ll be our top priority
Depending on if the market calls for pop, rock, or rap? What was your name again?

We are a top independent label, a lot of big names started here
But they left when the royalty cheques bounced.

We are a major label with major resources
At Christmas we send the prettiest cards if you re not dropped by then . . . what was your name again?
After hearing the first demo this issue Goldrush we could possibly add to the phrase book Dublin soul band We saw the Commitments and can sing in key. To be fair the lads can hold a tune, some of the harmonies are excellent, and they have the savvy to get some good gigs and press attention. The songs will have to have more of a hook with sharper choruses to get the band attention to match their ambitions.
The Keds are alright, but only just. (Rock hack pun # 997). The Drogheda band are one of those multi-influenced types. They have some good ideas, and inspirations but need to focus themselves on one musical direction.
The Keds sound is Seattle 93 grunge, Bleach era-Nirvana with some spicy metallic riffs and a tune or two. It s the latter that just might be the making of them. They have some good melodies, an ear for harmony, and they know how to play with, instead of at, one another. They have the raw ingredients to develop and grow their collective talents. According to the cover letter, the band are planning to release a single from the demo this year. If the Keds want to make an impact they should think about holding that release a bit while the refine their existing skills into a sound that is more distinctive.
Next tape is an odd fish. Nothing wrong with that but . . . all the demos in the dip are chosen at random so we are obliged to at least pass remark without mentioning exact names. This gentleman has sent out five different tapes to Demo Dip, and prides himself on abuse, both in the cover letter posted with the tape, and the verbal knee-capping from the various demo reviewers he courts. The tapes, (all completely self-recorded) show some promise, there is some semblance of a chorus and vague knowledge of musical structure, but any talent this young man may have is wasted with a self-defeating attitude and genuinely sad self-image.
Octopuss Underground take the odd fish stance but use it to interesting and intriguing effect. Okay, we are not impressed by the crayon scrawled cover letter, but the tape is ace. We like this a lot. O.U. tell us that the whole thing was recorded in their bedroom, but the sound is bigger and substantially better than most home tapings. It could almost be a wind-up, some Palace, Built to Spill or especially cheery Smog out takes maybe.
This demo has a vigour and charm of its own and is unique. This is fun, tuneful, indie without excuses. Octopuss Underground come out of your bedroom, get a band, get some gigs, and keep creating. Then you can look forward to that phone call that tells you about being a top priority, with major label resources, with big indie stars, and advises you to not talk to anyone else.
Right about now would be a good time to send in your superb demonstration recordings. Hey we can almost see the cardboard at the bottom of the demo box. So you have a better chance of having your tape, CD or vinyl artefact reviewed as part of the prestigious Demo Dip column. Send your stuff demo, biog, cover letter, photo, chocolates, vintage champagne, to: Demo Dip, Debbie Skhow, Hot Press, 13 Trinity Street, Dublin 2. (The chocolates and rare alcohol are optional.) n
On line? Demo questions? Just want to say hello? Contact Debbie Skhow @ [email protected]
Debbie Skhow hosts the Hot Press Hot Spot every Friday evening 9-11 PM on East Coast Radio, County Wicklow, 95, 96, &103 FM.