Choosing A Demo Studio..Your Thoughts?

[mojobone]

There are some demo houses that give the rest a bad name, (Grammy-winning producer! Your poems set to music!) but how do you know when you've found a good and reputable demo producer?

[Len911]

I've never used one, but I would say I would want to listen to some of their demos. So I would probably bypass the trophy case,lol!

[2lane]

Good question mojo, I guess it's when you like the final product? I know Chits and Cam use Jimi's studio, and like the end result,
though I'm not sure they've gotten forwards with them. But they write country, so you know how that goes. Ott uses Larry
Beaird, and Chits has to I think. Jimi can do any genre I think, not so sure about Beaird? RLD posted on another thread about
Gatorhole, maybe they are good too? Word of mouth from people you trust is the best way probably.
I'm wondering, with your ear and knowledge, why are you asking this now...not that it's any of my business by any means
Forgive my noseiness
Steve

[musicliner]

...how do you know when you've found a good and reputable demo producer?

This is how:
1) You listen to their work and you like it
2) You talk with the producer and you feel that you guys have common approach/taste in music
3) Talk with the producer's ex-customers and you get great feedback
4) You have difficulties booking, because the producer is busy working with other talented people

[Kolstad]

Only way is to hear the final product. You can communicate forever, but if you end up with a demo that can't compete, you're out anyway. Running down the slope in a comfort zone, won't make you a winner.

So only way is 'to try' IMO If they don't do good first time, then they probably won't later either, as there's no bigger incentive than return business.. I've got a couple on my go-to list. Just PM.

Of course, researching websites, ask around, and listen to samples are standard too, before trying.

[Hookjaw Brown]

Mojobone,

The question is 'what are you looking for?' I work with a fellow that can put in drums, bass, rhythm, keys and is a really nice buy besides (plus he has gold records on the wall from past hits he co wrote). He makes time for us because he likes our music and has fun recording it. I have never used a Demo House per se, but there are a lot of producers and players around who can make a good sounding demo.

[mojobone]

.
I'm wondering, with your ear and knowledge, why are you asking this now...not that it's any of my business by any means
Forgive my noseiness
Steve

There was a recent (now-deleted) thread about a well-known Nashville song-shark outfit; I'd expect that if you typed "song" and "scam" into a search engine their name would come up. Because they recently expanded on their (questionable) business model, we can lo longer discuss them by name, due to forum rules. (apparently they're a Taxi competitor, now)

I'm personally somewhat annoyed that these people are in business, because they give demo studios a bad name. You can send them the worst piece of crap your two year old babbled and they'll tell you it's a potential Top Ten hit, then overcharge you for a "demo" that most likely won't even be up to broadcast standards. For an additional upcharge, they'll put it on a compilation CD, which is sent to publishers and radio stations, who promptly throw them in the trash unopened because they all know who these people are and that they'll make a demo of literally anything they're sent.

None of which is illegal, perhaps not even unethical, strictly speaking, because they do what they say they do, but they'll never tell you if you're wasting your time and money.

[2lane]

.
I'm wondering, with your ear and knowledge, why are you asking this now...not that it's any of my business by any means
Forgive my noseiness
Steve

There was a recent (now-deleted) thread about a well-known Nashville song-shark outfit; I'd expect that if you typed "song" and "scam" into a search engine their name would come up. Because they recently expanded on their (questionable) business model, we can lo longer discuss them by name, due to forum rules. (apparently they're a Taxi competitor, now)

I'm personally somewhat annoyed that these people are in business, because they give demo studios a bad name. You can send them the worst piece of crap your two year old babbled and they'll tell you it's a potential Top Ten hit, then overcharge you for a "demo" that most likely won't even be up to broadcast standards. For an additional upcharge, they'll put it on a compilation CD, which is sent to publishers and radio stations, who promptly throw them in the trash unopened because they all know who these people are and that they'll make a demo of literally anything they're sent.

None of which is illegal, perhaps not even unethical, strictly speaking, because they do what they say they do, but they'll never tell you if you're wasting your time and money.

Gotcha Now Mojo, thanks for answering my query. It seems I recall that thread I think, nice idea to start a discussion about it.
Strike one up for the good guys!
Steve

[ottlukk]

Mojo:
Steve's got a good memory. Beaird Music Group (Nashville) has done demos of six of my songs, and (shameless plug) three of them got "honorable mentions" in various song contests. Larry Beaird called me up, without me asking, to discuss lyrics and what I wanted. I highly recommend them.
I will also point out that Larry gives you the "Nashville Sound". But that's what I wanted when I first started getting professional demos.
There's a kicker here, however. Several months ago (I'm not very prolific), I sent Larry my latest effort, "I Want My Virginity Back". He called me and said that some of the lyrics might have to be changed, that they were "inappropriate". He also tactfuly mentioned that he wasn't sure that any of his female demo singers would agree to sing it, the way it was. I said I'd think about it; but a few days later I got my CD & check returned. Had to give him credit for the courage of his convictions, and he is a genuinely wonderful person.
So, I sent it out to my second demo firm, DBW Productions in Los Angeles, headed by David Chamberlin. He had the final production back to me in less than 10 days, and it (another shameless plug) won an honors award in the 2009 GASC.
As long as I'm doing plugs, I want to highly recommend the two singers I used from each firm, both of whom I was able to select myself: Juli Maners, of Beaird Music Group, and Patty Mattson, with DBW Productions.
Ott

[cameron]

I think Beaird, Gatorhole and Studio 515 (Jimi's studio, aka Nashvilledemostudio.com) are all reputable studios. Beaird is probably the best known. I use the latter and am very happy with them, and there is something to be said with being comfortable with the people you work with there and understanding how they work, what they can do and can't do etc. etc.

One thing to keep in mind is that making a demo is not the same as making an album. They might be recording five or more songs in the same session as yours, so don't expect them to take your pitchy guitar/vocal worktape and turn it into Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon in the hour or so they will be spending on you song. I encourage you to attend the session. I guarantee that you will be astounded at how quickly they turn your mediocre work tape into a masterpiece.

Studio 515 tends to use the same musicians regularly, and I'm very familiar with their style by now. One thing I love about them is that their demos don't sound "assembly line". In the very few instances I've received a demo back from them that sounded uninspired, it's been because the song sucked... although it's sometimes taken me awhile to admit that that was the real problem. Also, I was a huge fan of the Desert Rose Band (ex-Byrd Chris Hillman's country band) and ex-Desert Rose drummer Tim Grogan is the drummer and keyboard player at Studio 515. I just think it's extremely cool that he has played drums on every one of my demos. He and studio co-owner Rod Lewis, who is a seasoned Nashville pro and also the bass player on the sessions, are one damned good rhythm section.

One other thing... when you get your demo back give yourself a couple days to get used to it before you pass judgment. Often the song turns out way different than the work tape, and often quite different than what you expected. That's inevitable unless you attend each session and make all the decisions. The initial shock can sometimes disappoint, but I almost always find the studio got it right once I get used to how different it sounds.

Listen to other demos that you like and ask where they were made, go in with reasonable expectations, and you won't be disappointed.

Cam