The dream of so many musicians is to cut a demo and after sending it around to find that their music has been accepted and they have been offered a contract to record. It may be a dream, but it is very often an impossible one.  Whether it’s an independent or a well known recording label the first step is to get listened to. All too often musicians make so many errors with their demos that they never get the attention they may deserve. Here are some of the pitfalls that must be avoided.

The single most common reason a demo recording is rejected is because the music is just plain awful.  Even though you feel what you have played is great that does not mean that the guys who look for talent see it that way. Unfortunately, in this kind of business so many musicians picture themselves as the next great talent to sweep the music industry and the sad truth is they have no talent.

There are also those who send a really good demo recording, good enough to interest those who have listened to it, but in person, without all the fancy equipment to bolster their sound, the music stinks. This also happens more often then would be expected. The musician, or group, record well, but they could not possibly perform at a concert or anywhere else to promote themselves. Their sound does not work unless it is recorded. This is not what the recording studios are looking for.

Too often a demo recording is sent when the label is not looking for new talent. Only sometimes is unsolicited material accepted. Other times it will be returned to you unopened or thrown out. So, before sending your demo, make sure it will be looked at. Another issue is being certain what kind of music which label is looking for. You would not send a country label a heavy metal demo recording. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that the music you are sending fits with the music produced by the label you want to hear your work. If there is no fit, it does not matter if you are any good or not.

Demos are also frequently rejected for being in the wrong format. The people you are sending to only want to hear you play. This will tell them if your sound is any good. They will judge the musicians, the vocals and the originality of your songwriting. That means do not send them videos. They don’t want to see you dance or see how creative your filming techniques are. They want to listen only.

Other things that can cause your demo to be rejected include the condition of the demo. If the demo has not been done well, then what is on it may not even be able to be heard. It does matter what program you used if the sound is bad it is a waste of time to send it anywhere.

If you want someone to take your demo seriously do not fill it up too much. They may not listen to everything. So only put on it your very best numbers and no more than three or four. You really do not want those listening to get bored and so wind up only hearing the okay numbers instead of the great numbers.

Also, remember if you want to be taken seriously, put your contact information on the CD or at least on its case. Envelopes can be lost, but contact information must remain with your music. If they cannot contact you, they cannot offer you a recording contract.