How do you decide what to record for a demo?

[CorporateMustache]

My band is going into the studio to record a few songs with Brandon next month and I am having a very hard time deciding what songs to record. I have narrowed my choices to 5 of our originals, but we can only record 2 for sure, and then maybe a third if there is time. We are very tight on those 5 songs, which makes it even harder to choose. I was just wondering what experiences any of you folks out there in Rec. Review land have had with choosing demo songs before and if you have any words of wisdom for me.
Thanks,
Matt

[slimcharm]

I would select that songs that you feel best portray your image as a band and what you want to be known for. If all of them do, then I would select 2 that are pretty upbeat wth perhaps one slower one. Choose the ones that will catch the ear within the first few seconds as that may be all the time you are given.

If you are still having trouble, think about which songs are the most crowd pleasing..and if you are still undecided and like them all equally..flip a coin!

[CorporateMustache]

thanks slimcharm,
I had forgot about catching their ear quickly, I think that helps me some

[brandondrury]

I just wrote an article on this:

<a href="http://www.recordingreview.com/artic...cord">Choosing The Songs To Put On Your Upcoming Record</a>

Let me know what you think!

Brandon

[PhilB]

My advice:

Post, Baby, Post!

You got at least 3 other people here who'll help you pick.

MP3 of band rehearsal would be best.

Acoustic will not show off what is selling the song besides the songwriting/voice, etc...so just the fullest versions you have. but obviously don't let that stand in your way - I'll take acoustic with a few notes on what style is intended ("this will be a rocker similar in arrangement to xxxx song, heavy drums", that sort of thing)

i'm waiting...

[brandondrury]

Acoustic will not show off what is selling the song

I couldn't disagree more.

99% of the selling points of a song is the song itself...meaning the vocal melodies and how they interact with the chords. This is the reason that so many songs end up being crossover successes. There are tons of songs that have been hits in more than one genre. Both versions can be amazing because the "song" is the same. Just a different interpretation. In my opinion, the "interpretation" is little more than gimmictry. So we use a distorted guitar to appeal to rock people or techno whatever to appeal to be people in a dance club.

I'm not saying that music should only be acoustic, but when judging a song, I think the song that is strongest acoustically will be the strongest after you've worked it up with the full band.

There are rare cases where the music won't come through acoustically, so those do have to at least be considered.

Brandon

[PhilB]

I agree and I disagree. hee hee.

I am a songwriter - I judge songs by their intrinsic structure, catchiness, etc.

But I've been blown away by a great song...and then realized it didn't amount to ALL that much...but the arrangement made it very good. I've just seen songs that I really thought were ho-hum...and then they were re-arranged to sound very, very good. So, I give bands credit for finding a very good marriage of song and arrangement that work.

Either way, putting out songs for feedback is a great way to get specific advice..

pb

[brandondrury]

Fair enough... damn it. I was hoping to slug it out.

I think when you are in the pre-recording phase. The idea is to put something simple out there for your buddies and then when you go into the studio, you spend the time to make the song a big freaking deal.

Brandon

[PhilB]

yep hone it.

but I was going to say....

that's it Drury...the gloves are off !! ;D ;D ;D
Post something...

and to get really off CorpM's thread...

better yet, i've got a great idea, let's do a little good cop-bad cop on a song (you can post first if you want,...or I will if nec).

We each rip the other's song to shreds where necessary,,,,of course feeling free to compliment where it's awesome....
yep we get to be as polar extreme as we want..

Then, do a nice review to balance it - the one you give to be balanced, not mean, not break anyone's heart.

Ready? steady...

let me know or post with an invite to get this started...

pb

[brandondrury]

Sounds killer.

I like the idea of being a dick and getting away with it (or being nice just so someone else can get away with being a dick).

I'll hop on this one soon. I've been needing to get that part of the site hopping again anyway.

Brandon