How many songs on a demo?

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MVP

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How many songs should i have on a demo before i start sending it out to record companies? Whats a good number?
 
most labels only 3 songs. some will take 5. so 3-5 depending on the label. also, the first 30 seconds of your first song on the demo will have to be so good that the a and r will continue to listen. the first 30 seconds are magic because they get so many demos they only focus on the best.
 
i dont have my headphones so i cant hear anything on this computer.
but it doesnt matter what i think about your songs. if you think they are good, then send them in. I have high expectations when it comes to electronic music. i only like very complex squarepusher, aphex type beats, so i probably wouldnt think your **** was good if i wasnt complex.
good luck.
 
I like your music, MVP, but I am just wondering if its just myspace or you...do you have any effects on any of your tracks like maximizers and other stuff to make your track fuller because if it doesn't sound professional they won't take it. They don't want to waste their time. I want to be an A&R / audio engineer and I think your music is great and all but your only instrumentals. Can you do techno with vocals. I think the best way to get out there right now for your age is to submit your music to contests and try to get people to play your music in clubs. Thats my two cents. Sorry to be a little harsh.

I didn't hear your Silly remix. It's ok but I don't think many people would want to listen to listen to "Get Silly" because people don't really like VIC. Not many people bought there album.

do you use Reason?
 
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--------If you are good, record labels will find you. it doesnt matter if all you make are instrumentals. do you want to be like everyone else? being original will get you farther than using vocals or maximizer effects. and if your stuff doesnt sound professional, but you have skills that isnt going to matter.
 
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no definitive answer. Some A&Rs want to hear 2 some want to hear 8(rarely heard of one wanting to hear anything but 2, 3, 4, or 8 so I guess those are the universal numbers?) IDK I just send what they solicit me to.
 
I have been trying to reply back for the last couple of days and couldnt because the server has been full so sorry it took a while.

First off, whats a maximizer? I havent heard anything about that. Im guessing it will make my songs sound louder. idk I think that is one of the few problems i have. btw i use ableton live. I never took the Get Silly song seriously. I hate soulja boy and that whole **** but i made it as a joke but it turned out really good. The number i got already. I am going to use either 3 or 4.
 
3-5...if they're interested, they'll contact you and ask for more.

The advice about really wowing them early on is dead on. I worked as Music Director for a college radio station for a few years in a small college town. You have no idea of how many Demos I received from all over the country, not to mention international acts. As an artist I wanted to give everything a fair listen, but it just isn't possible. some CDs got 10 seconds max to capture my attention.

An A&R at a big label...imagine how many demos they get. I don't mean to discourage you, just let you know what you're up against. Also, focus on some sort of press kit...to set yourself apart and outline your vision. Def. won't hurt....sometimes reading a good press kit made me want to like a demo and give it a chance...just FyI

EDIT: PUT contact info. directly on disc!!! More important than you think!
 
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