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Mentor: Valerie DeLaCruz Mentor Page: Valerie DeLaCruz
Q: I am a young singer who wants to record a demo. I do not write music myself. Should I simply record a demo of a popular song someone else has already recorded, or would it be better to find a strong original song, and record that, so that I won't be compared to the original singer of the cover song? If this is better, how do you suggest I find a good original song?
A: I think finding a good original song that won't be identified or compared to the original artist would do more for you to establish your own sound and musical identity. Most people would want to hear more than one song if they are interested in your voice, so a good option is to make a demo of two to three songs, with your lead song being a strong original song, and your "cover" (the popular song already recorded by a recognizable artist) having a distinctly different arrangement than its popular version. For example, you could alter the tempo and turn a medium tempo song into a ballad. You could select a song that was previously recorded by a male artist and give it a female twist. Do something that showcases your vocal strength. Finding a producer/arranger that can enhance your abilities and give musical direction for your style development is as key as finding the right songs.
I would suggest visiting some studios in your area to gather information (pricing, method of working, equipment available) and listen to some prior work to gauge your compatibility. The relationship between you and the producer the most important one, and you need to feel comfortable and encouraged by him/her.
As for finding new strong original songs, if you live near a "music" city like Nashville, Los Angeles or New York, have your producer contact some publishers, possibly ones he already deals with, to solicit songs for you. Be aware that you will not receive the top tier songs, as they are trying to plug them to "name" artists that can actually earn them some money. Or you may hook up with a songwriter that is eager to have their songs demo'd professionally and you could trade your vocal services for splitting the studio costs with them. And lastly, your resources at Just Plain Folks can pay off. Put a request in the newsletter for songs (narrow your parameters to refine your search) asking for specific style, range, tempo, even genre (love songs, ballads, Latin, etc.)
Valerie's do's and don'ts in trying to promote yourself and get a deal:
The biggest "do" is to constantly be looking for opportunities to promote yourself. Always be aware that you are networking, and building a resource library of people and contacts that you may need to call on in the future, so be polite and appreciative of the time established people spend with you. First, you need to develop some local media contacts where you are. Read the mastheads of your local newspapers and arts and entertainment sections. Call to introduce yourself and arrange to drop off a bio and photo and demo tape once it's completed. Don't bother until then; you need a fairly complete package before they will look at it. As you get performance dates, make sure you contact the local media 10 days in advance to take advantage of the usually free listing service they have in community calendars, etc. Another good and inexpensive avenue is to make up postcards. This is very easy: paste up your performance information or even just an announcement with your photo to make four of the same postcard on one 8-1/2"x11" piece of paper. Bring this to your local copy center and have them run off 50-100 on 80lb. Cover stock (pick a stand out color that won't get lost in the mail). Now cut them and you've multiplied them by 4= 200-400! These can be mailed with a $.20 postcard stamp to all the median contacts and your mailing list (that you will be building up with a sign up sheet at your performances). You can also make up flyers easily the same way on your computer. Type up the information, leave a spot for a picture (always gets more attention) and then have the copy center run off 100 or so on a bright paper. These can be handed out at performances, tacked up to community bulletin boards in stores, coffee shops, etc.
The don'ts of promotion are very simple: Never burn a bridge. You NEVER know how or when you will run into (or NEED) a person again. Don't be upset over poor reviews (easier said than done) and contact the reviewer to disagree; you will never look good in this situation. ALWAYS have the correct name and spelling for media contacts; this simple courtesy goes a long way and you will be thought of as thorough and professional. And I highly recommend the book Guerrilla, PR (available through Amazon.com).
As for getting a "deal," there are many variables and factors there. Don't commit to anything without discussing it with a lawyer. Many "handshakes" and friendly promises result in bitter misunderstandings later unless clarified from the beginning. We all have war stories and head-thumping mistakes that comprise our education in the music business!