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Demo Question(s)
I am now in the process of making a demo cd, incase someone asks for one, or to hand out to various clubs/places.
Do demos usually have to be one hour? Can't they be 45, 50 mins?
How do you usually end your demo? Meaning, do you backspin, powerdown, wait until the record finishes than, stop the recorder?
Do you put fancy labels/art on your cds/cases? Or do you just write your dj alias/name on them and then throw them out there?
Just curious to see what the standard is.
(Yes I searched) 
concentrate on the mixes between songs rather than the full songs, thats all i can really say about it, these people listen to a lot of demo's and they want something fresh and exciting, if you have got a regular scene going at a smaller venue, video it, then send out dvd's of people having a good time at "your night" as a promo with your mix/transitions between mixes as your soundtrack
I would like to add that you should not try to "polish" your demo. Send out something that is mixed on the spot and for the most part not planned. remember, you will be playing in front of a crowd. If that crowd stops dancing, you will need to switch things up to get them going again, and having a "planned" set will not allow you to do this.
Having some slips is OK. Remember , promoters will want to see that you are human and can correct things like that. Obviously if your mix is one huge train wreck I would say you are not ready to play out.
Watch your gains/levels, and most important, be yourself.
Hope that helps.
I have only played out a handfull of times, some were because i knew the promoter, and the last couple was because I handed out a demo that was unplanned, and un-pollished and sounded natural.
Good Luck!
Jay
Im sorry, i didnt even attempt to answer your questions.
I would say a CD containing your contact info and DJ name would be suffice. 45min to 1hr should be ok to show of any skills you might have 
If you can, try to split up the mix with a CUE sheet if possible, that was promoters can skip through if it sucks
Jay
| quote: |
| Originally posted by veezee Im sorry, i didnt even attempt to answer your questions. I would say a CD containing your contact info and DJ name would be suffice. 45min to 1hr should be ok to show of any skills you might have If you can, try to split up the mix with a CUE sheet if possible, that was promoters can skip through if it sucks Jay |
I'll give you a few tips of things i listen for in a demo.
-45 minutes tells me that you're not comfortable mixing for an entire CDs length. It MAY tell me you're probably frustrated with making multiple mistakes and having to start your set over again. A longer set will prove your ability to program effectively and control the listener from start to finish. 45 minutes is short for a trance set... use up all media space available to prove your skills.
-Ending your set can be part of the creativity and vary depending on the style. There is no right or wrong way to end it. It would depend on what your last track is, the overall feel of the set, and whether or not you're limited by space. My suggestion... Many promoters will listen to CDs in their cars. Bring the listener in a full cycle and end the set on a similar feel as the begining of the set without doing anything abrubtly. This way, it's possible they'll continue to listen to it again without realizing it. The more they listen to it, the more points you'll score.
-Though trance tracks have some great intros, I advise you get straight to the point. I listen to too many sets that go on with an instrumental beginning which drags on. Basically, I want to hear what you're about as quickly as possible without any bullshit. Don't waste their time... they want to hear your mixing abilities, your track selection, and the crativity of the set. Playing a 14 minute anthem to begin the mix does not impress anyone.
-Labeling your CD is important. Essentially, you want to prove that you take DJing seriously... and not that you're some bedroom DJ they're taking a risk on. The more professional you appear to be, the more likely they'll have you in to play. Have your name, contact information and web site. Include a tracklist with the CD. Don't be too flashy... just be direct and to the point with the information you provide.
-Cutting your CD into tracks is a very nice bonus, but not necessary. It won't make or break a DJ getting agig in my opinion, but it does prove your attention to detail and the care you put into your work. I suggest it... especially if you're playing tracks I really like and want to hear them again whie I'm listening to your CD. This will gain you points.
-If you're physically handing a demo to a promoter, look the part. The way you present it to a promoter face to face will be the way they assume you'll represent yourself at their club if you play. Think of it as a 2 minute interview... if they think you're a complete newbie or simply full of shit, don't expect a callback.
-Veezee made a great point. Unpolished does sound natural. Don't edit your sets... most promoters can spot edits a mile away.
-I can't stress this next one enough. SOUND QUALITY IT KEY!!! I hate to hear a DJ that can't handle the EQs. If you're distorting your mixes at home in a controlled environment, who knows what you'll do on a club system you're unfamiliar with! My advice is to record your set at a lower volume and then normalize it to 100% once it's complete. Also, avoid using your favourite, overused records that have lost their luster. Audio quality is a very big deal! Pick your best wisely!
Anyways... those are a few tips I thought of on the spot. Hope this helps!
Cheers Tygon, there are some very useful pointers in there.
Thanks a lot for the help Tygon! Cheers!
Now I know what I must do.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Ministerio Now if only I could figure out what a CUE sheet is... |
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