Ok..... So you've got into music, learned how to play an instrument and
started composing your own tunes. Of course, you perform live and jam
every week, and now it's time for making that demo tape which will impress
A&R scouts at big record labels and ultimately make you ultra famous
(well... maybe). Well then, this is a basic guide on how to do just that!
STEP 1: Ok..so what do I do first?
Before you rush off into a studio with all your hard earned money, sit down
with your bandmates and think about the overall recording. These are some
factors you should bring to mind:
a) What sort of music do you play? Rock? Pop? Electronica? Country (god forbid..)? Recognising your genre will ultimately make it easier for you
and your band to achieve the next step:
b) Decide on what you want the guitars, bass, drums, etc. to sound like on tape. My advice is to use your favorite artist as a springboard. Some
people have such a unique style and sense of vision of what they want their
recording to sound like, and in the end it turns out great. But most do
not, and it's pretty normal. Experiment with your guitar, bass, drums etc
and find the best sound for you. For example maybe you want your guitar to
sound like the guitars on Carcass albums. Maybe you like the bass to sound
thick and fat. And the drums to sound like Korn. This is not copying...it's
only a basic first step to acheiving the sound you want. You could do some
additional tweaking to the sound, or whatever, until you're completely
satisfied with it. Also note that how your band sounds during a jam session
will sound pretty different on tape. The most important thing is NOT to
clutter up the overall sound. Make sure everything balances out evenly (If
you're recording in a studio, the person engineering your demo will affect
what the final result will sound like, as i will explain later in this
article).
c) Decide on how many tracks you are going to record in the studio. Usually a 4 to 5 track demo is suitable enough, but I would not recommend
recording less than 3 for a demo.
d) Practice like hell. Practice till it hurts, then practice some more.
Only hard work and practice will push your demo (and your band) to it's
full potential. Of course, this dosen't apply to bands playing hardcore
(just kidding!).
STEP 2: How and where do I go about recording my demo?
In Singapore, at the moment, there are several studios you can go to record
your demo. My band, Denial, has recorded 4 demos and even 1 full length experimental
project in my own bedroom, and if you're so inclined, there are several
products than you can purchase to record your demo on at home, such as
multitrack machines. In this section I will give you more info on the
various studios and home recording equipment available to aid you with your
task. (For more info on music studios and such, examine BackBeat)
MYX Studios
Home recording is one of the most versatile and convieniant means of
recording. You won't have to worry about studio time, bookings and your
band members showing up late (or not at all!). But then again, there are
factors which you should look over before splurging on equipment. If you
live in an HDB flat, chances are you can't record live acoustic drums and
loud guitars due to the fact that your neighbours will probably beat the
shit out of you. And you probably won't be able to record late at night,
too. So where you live also affects your ability to do home recording.
Plus, not everyone could afford it. Of course, most of this is all just
plain common sense.
Also, learning how to use recording equipment such as multitracks, mixers,
ADATS, etc. takes time, and usually takes more than a year to master. Plus,
you might not like the idea of sitting by a mixing console and fiddling
with knobs to get the perfect sound. Trust me - this can drive you crazy!
But if you're up for all of this, and you're keen on buying some stuff,
then you have to think about what to buy of course. Currently there are
several machines you can purchase here in Singapore. From the least
expensive basic 4-track machines ($400-600), to the average 8-track
analogue console($1200-2400), to an Alesis ADAT 8-track digital recorder
($3000-3500, add. $2000 for mixer). Then you'll need a power amp ($1000)
and a decent pair of monitoring speakers ($500-800), plus all the necessary
cables and connectors ($150). Check out for second-hand deals, but bear in
mind the age of the recorder when doing so. If it's old and often used,
chances your recording will sound like crap. But this isn't always the
case. However my advice for bands who are just starting out and want to buy
something that offers quality as well of value for money is to buy an
8-track analogue machine. The Combo Shop at Suntec City has a 2 models from
Yamaha avaliable. Before buying remember to check with your dealer and ASK
him about the technical specifications and abilities of the 8-track (or
whatever you're buying). Anyway this is about how to make a demo, and not
how to open up a recording studio, so I'll stop there.
a) Studios around Singapore
Tel: 2851613
This studio offers both 8 and 16 track digital multitracking facilities,
via 2 Alesis ADAT machines. Digital recording is very popular now because
of it's unsurpassed clarity . However some folk prefer the saturation and
the 'classic' feel of analogue recording. It houses a single recording
room.
TNT Musical Centre
Tel: 3385065
A common choice of most beginning musicians, TNT studios has been around
for a long time, producing demos for various bands. The material is
recorded on anaglogue equipment. The recording room is quite small and the
results are very average.
Lion Studios
Tel: 4734677
One of the 'bigger' names in Singapore, Lion Studios is somewhat of a
professional studio for those of you who have lots of money to splurge on
your recording.The studio uses professional and VERY expensive equpiment
like (info here) However, if you can afford it, this does pay off because
of the good quality of the final product.
Boss Studios
Tel: 7432020
Also another one of the more professional (and thus more expensive)
recording studios in Singapore. Unless your dad is the Sultan of Brunei,
or you can afford it, you would probably want to record at a smaller
studio. Similar to Lion in equipment.
As I said earlier on, the person engineering your demo will greatly affect
your sound. If he's crap at what he does and dosen't have a clue, chances
are you'll be stuck with a demo which sounds as if it was recorded with a
Walkman. Your drums could sound like tin cans or pillows. Your guitar may
sound like a distorted banjo. And your bass guitarist could be overpowering
all of the other instruments with his low frequencies to the point where
people will think that it's your bassist's solo album, and not your band's
demo. You DON'T want that to happen (unless you're in my band, but that's a
different story!) However there are some engineers that can make the most
simplest 4-track analogue recording sound amazing. Talk with the engineer
and let him know what you have in mind. Don't trust him totally with what
he knows - it could prove to be fatal.
b) Home recording equipment
STEP 3: 'Live' or overdubs? Miked up or DI?
There is also the choice of either recording live as a band, or recording
track by track. Well, this is simple to overcome - If you have a tight and
well-oiled band (no sexual puns intended), and you practice countless hours
and play your songs PERFECTLY, then record live. If not, do overdubs. I
would recommend that when doing overdubs, do the drums and bass first,
guitars next, and leave the vocals and other stuff for last. You must also
decide whether you want to mic up you amps, or just go direct to the board
using a DI (eg. SansAmp). Miking up amps usually produces a more 'raw' and
'natural' sound. DI's are basically amp simulators, so they're pretty
decent too. Ask your engineer more about this and experiment with the two
methods.
STEP 4: Ok. I got my stuff down on tape. Now what?
Your next decision is deciding which format to release your demo on -
Cassette or CD. Of course, releasing a CD is better as it has more appeal
(c'mon...it's a CD!!!!!) and is better in quality, but it is also much,
much more costly than releasing a tape. I personally think however, that
CD's are the best choice, and furthermore you can sell CD's for much more
than tapes. Also, radio stations would most probably play a CD than a
tape. But if you have a very mediocre recording, I would advice you not to
waste your money, and just put it on tape.
a) Finding a manufacturer
Also, find a suitable manufacturer for your tape or CD. Most manufaturers
here include mastering, printing and duplication in their cost price. The
easiest way to send your demo in to these manufacturers is by putting it on
DAT. For more info check out these 3 manufactures here in Singapore.
Send your demo to various radio stations. Don't worry about wondering
whether they'll except it, just send the damn thing in! Chances are, if
you're unique and good enough, they'll play it. Paul Zach is a good DJ to
send your stuff to, cause he's really weird and he'll play just about
anything! Plus he's an avid fan and supporter of homebred (i hate the word
'local') music, so the chances of getting your songs played on air are high
(provided he likes it!).
Anyway....these are the steps to consider next:
b) Deciding on the album cover (artwork, inlay etc)
c) Finding a place which designs and/or just prints artwork (or doing it
yourself)
d) Promoting your demo
e) Distributing your demo
Some people offer custom artwork designs for CD's and tapes, if you're so
inclined. If you're not, get some paper, markers, pens, glue and scissors
and get cracking! Most people who want to save on costs would just design
and create their own artwork, and perhaps get them photocopied at a
bookstore. But to make an impression on people, create something unique and
attracive. They say never to judge a book by it's cover, yet we STILL get
attracted to those covers and flip though the book to find out more. This
goes for your demo as well. When people see a cool looking demo, they'll
most probably check it out.
Summit
General Magnetics
Promote your demo as well. Tell just about everyone about it. Oh yeah, and
don't fall for that "Come on man, I'm your friend...give me a copy for
free" thing. SELL IT TO THEM! Singapore is a small country and you'll most
probably end out giving free demos out to everyone. Print out posters,
flyers, whatever...if you're on the Net (I guess you are, huh..) set up a
webpage for your band and include info and artwork from your demo. Send it
overseas. Perform more, 'live', if you can. Try and get in contact with
'important' people, eg. store owners, Dj's, etc. Stress them out!
STEP 5: Wait...I'm not filthy rich yet....what's wrong?
Well buddy, it's just your first demo. No matter what you play, people
would either love you or hate you. If you feel that you're not acheiving
anywhere, try again. And again. And again. AND AGAIN! The important thing
is to do what you feel comfortable with. Want to create music that only a
few people would like? Fine. Wanna do some Top 40-radio-friendly stuff and
gain instant recognition? Fine! Whatever you feel comfortable with, that's
what you should do. Don't give up. Concentrate on selling 10 copies at
first. Then push that number up to 50...then 100...and so on, keeping your
expectations reasonable at the same time. And I know it's hard to charge
your friends for a copy of your demo, but as long as you're selling it to
them for a reasonable price, you shouldn't feel bad. After all, you put
your time, money and lots of hard work into the demo, and hopefully people,
including your friends, will recognise this and give you the support you
need.
Well I hope this simple guide has helped you go in the right direction. But
don't just stop here. Ask bands who have produced a demo about this.
Remember that this is just a basic guide. Get more hands-on infomation. And
most importantly, be proud of what you are doing. With the right approach
and attitude, you'll get there eventually.
later...
Trevor J. Scully
