Every time a writer (or writers) finishes a song, the inevitable question comes up: How should this piece of work be demoed? Let's start by defining what we are taking about. Demo is short for "demonstration," which Webster's Dictionary tells us means "an explanation by example, a practical showing of how something works or is used."
So, step back from your song and take a long, hard look at it. What are its strong points, and what is the simplest, most eloquent way to show it off, i.e. to demo it?
Start Simply
Start with a simple guitar/vocal presentation and apply some logic. If you feel that simple will be enough, then fine. But make sure the guitar playing is excellent, the vocal is solid and well performed (by solid, I mean in tune and in character with the song), and the basic quality of the recording is good -- no pops or hiss or dropouts.
Embellish When Necessary
If the major part of the song is a big chorus, add a harmony part and perhaps a piano. If it's up-tempo and rhythmic, add an electric guitar and maybe some percussion. Now, there are songs that are great vehicles for records, but need a full demo to show them off. So, take out that second mortgage!
Look the Part
And finally, aside from clear labeling (the title, your name, telephone number, address, and the copyright notice) and a neatly typed lyric sheet (in upper-case letters), use a good quality cassette when you pitch your song. Don't put a million dollar dream on a ten-cent tape.
Your song is copyrighted for your lifetime plus 50 years, so remember for at least 50 years, the demo you make today will be the only representation of how you really intended your sing to be dressed. Make sure it's dressed for success.
Write a hit!
Ralph Murphy is a Canadian Songwriter, Producer, ASCAP Vice President International & Domestic Membership.
Some of the highlights of his writing career have been recordings by Brotherhood of Man, Crystal Gayle, Little Texas, Ronnie Milsap, Dionne Warwick, Leslie Uggams, Kathy Mattea, Randy Travis, Don Williams, Mickey Gilley, Jeannie C. Riley, Shania Twain, etc.