Demo: how many songs?

[Dakoom]

How many songs would you include in a (rock) demo?

[TonyB]

If the band's good ... 3 to 5.

If the band's bad ... 1.

I've been seeing alot that had 3 to 5 (but mostly 3).

Getting into the 6 to 8 tends to be called and EP (although < 6 to 8 can be considered an EP as well).

[garageband]

Ours are three. We have five to mix and match but only put on three at a time.

[Dakoom]

We're looking to have 4 songs in our cooming demo. Maybe with the latest as an istrumental song. Do you think is a good idea to put an instrumental song (I'm always talking about rock/alternative songs) on a demo of 4 songs?

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by Dakoom

We're looking to have 4 songs in our cooming demo. Maybe with the latest as an istrumental song. Do you think is a good idea to put an instrumental song (I'm always talking about rock/alternative songs) on a demo of 4 songs?

If you need to add the 4th song as the instrumental, I'd personally make it the last song on the CD. It could be your signature song but unless A&R is looking for another YYZ or La Villa Strangiato, you may not want it to be the first or second song.

[brandondrury]

What and who is the demo for?

Brandon

[Dakoom]

Major, labels, etc.

@TonyB: Yes, I will put it on the 4 position of the demo.

[Dakoom]

And for example, if we'd like to send our demo to the US, would be best so send it via internet mail or via a post office? I mean always to majors, labes, etc.

[captaincowhouse]

2 songs. Maybe 3. You want to give them 2 awesome songs that leave them wanting more, rather than adding more songs that decrease in quality.

Also, I definitely wouldn't bother with an instrumental track. That's more of a bonus track for your fans.

What kind of band is it? Pick maybe 5 bands that you sound really similar to, and find out what labels they're on, and go for those labels.

[Dakoom]

You can listen one of our old record here: http://www.myspace.com/skullmonkeysband/.
Rock, grunge, alternative.