How many songs on a demo?

[scounter72]

Hi All,Haven't been too active on here in recent weeks, but getting back into the rhythm again. Seems like the good news and good music keeps on comin' anyway Have a couple of questions about submtting a demo CD to a library....how many songs is ideal, based on any experiences you have? And would you deliver different length edits for all songs? Any general advice about packaging detail, info, biog, etc would also be greatly appreciated.Many thanks in advanceShane

[slideboardouts]

Hi Shane,Most of them seem to want about 3. As far as packaging, I wouldn't go too overboard. I would get a printer that prints directly on to CD's (they are cheap, I got one on black friday a few years ago for $25 and the quality is outstanding), use a full size jewel case, and CLEARLY print the following on the CD and jewel case insert:Your namephone numberemail addresstrack names (in order)track lengthsIf you have the ability to do it, I would print your name and email or phone number on the spine of the CD too.I would avoid a bunch of fancy graphics, holographic pictures, ribbons, or any of that other non-sense. The most important thing is the music, followed by clear and concise contact info IMHO.As far as edits go, I really don't know to be honest. I've only seen one library so far that specifically mentions sending in 30 and 60 second edits for submission purposes (although it is likely that if you sign with them, they will want these edits). I would probably just send the full tracks in unless they specifically asked for different edits. If they aren't sold on the full version of the piece, I doubt that any edits will change their mind.HTH-Steve

[scounter72]

Thanks Steve. This sounds like very good advice (and roughly in keeping with what I was thinking) - keep it simple, concise and clear. When you talk about printing directly onto the CD, are you suggesting using a sticky label?

[jlizerbram]

Hi Shane,I don't believe Steve means printing on a sticky label. I use the Epson R220 Printer..it has a CD tray, and you place an inkjet-printable CD on it. It comes with software (for PC, in my case) which allows you to design it any way you want. The printers are cheap. I don't know if the Epson R220 is out anymore, but search for it on Craiglist or Ebay, and it will probably be still available. I'm sure other manufacturers make more up-to-date models, but I love my Epson. Just make sure the printer is capable of printing CD's, not just sheets of paper. -Jeff

[slideboardouts]

Oct 3, 2009, 8:31am, jlizerbram wrote:Hi Shane,I don't believe Steve means printing on a sticky label. I use the Epson R220 Printer..it has a CD tray, and you place an inkjet-printable CD on it. It comes with software (for PC, in my case) which allows you to design it any way you want. The printers are cheap. I don't know if the Epson R220 is out anymore, but search for it on Craiglist or Ebay, and it will probably be still available. I'm sure other manufacturers make more up-to-date models, but I love my Epson. Just make sure the printer is capable of printing CD's, not just sheets of paper. -JeffYes, Jeff is correct. Find a printer with a CD tray and get the printable CD's (NOT lightscribe, those aren't all that great looking IMO). My particular model is an Epson R280, so there is another model to look for if you can't find the R220 that Jeff uses. Mine was cheap too. $25 2 years ago. There are a number of problems with the sticky labels. One is that over time, something in the glue seems to actually destroy the CD and makes it skip. I don't know if its a heat activated thing or what, but my girlfriend has a bunch of CD's from 5 years ago that have sticky labels on them and they are all messed up (they are in pristine condition on the shiny side). The other problem is that CD's with sticky labels will get stuck in some car CD players (and the car is probably where most library owners will listen to your music). The CD player in my car happens to be one of those, I try to never play a CD with a sticky label in it because I'll need tweezers to get it out.-Steve

[scounter72]

Many thanks Steve, Jeff. Thanks for the advice, and posting of actual tools for the job. I know what you mean re: sticky labels!