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POP HITS::SO-URBAN::HARDPLACE
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For general enquiries mail: demos@sonymusic.co.uk Or visit dealwithepic.com
Frequently Asked Questions... What should I send my demos on?Cassette tape is the cheapest audio medium for you to get copies done, but C.D. or DAT is always better quality for us. We also get a lot of vinyl 12" from all over Europe & the U.K. and that is a good medium for you to use as you can sell it a gigs/specialist shops etc...We often get videos of live performances, or P.A.'s and we recommend that, if possible, you supply visuals with the package. ALWAYS INCLUDE AN S.A.E. TO ENSURE RETURN OF THE PACKAGE!
Who should I send demos to?Sony Music UK is comprised of several labels. Please read this guide to help you;Columbia, Epic & S2 are looking for pop, rock, R&B;, hip-hop, dance - you name it. What they really want to hear is signs of a great talent. Therefore, you'll need to send a seperate demo tape/CD to each of the A&R; depts at the 'Great Marlborough Street' address. Higher Ground specialise in alternative dance, from Drum 'n' Bass to Rap/Hip-Hop. Their acts include Leftfield, DJ Rap, Grooverider and Pressure Drop. If you feel your music fits in with these then send a demo to their Head Of A&R; at Great Marlborough Street. We also have a Jazz & Classical dept. Once again, send your demos to the respective dept.
How many songs should be on a demo?It is better if you don't supply too many songs, perhaps 4/5 tracks which you feel are the strongest and are representative of the style you want to portray and if it is dance/club based material then, if possible, include remix versions of one track
Who listens to my demo?The scouts & the A&R; managers are the first in the filtering process. If they like what they hear they will play the material to the Head of A&R.; From there, if it is really liked, then over the following weeks most people who are likely to be involved on the act will have heard it.What are you looking for in a demo?Outstanding Talent! Originality! Musicality! A suggestion of real quality! A great voice/ voices! Great songs! Great ideas! A real understanding of what you are doing in whatever genre of music you are working in.How do I become a singer?Most well known singers say they started singing along with favourite records, and that is probably the best place to start. Someone in the near vicinity will either tell you to shut up or keep singing as it sounds good. From there it is a matter of getting a vocal tutor to help you expand your technique, range and ability and they usually let you know if you have what it takes. Again, try getting out to talent contests, even Kareoke is as good a place as any. If people like you, you'll soon know. Then you need to make up a demo tape or get with a studio and offer your services as a session singer for any sessions they have coming in & out of the place. From there it's a matter of writing or finding material that suits your vocal ability, and finding someone to demo your voice with.I am a songwriter. Who do I need to speak with to get my songs recorded? Publishing companies and not record companies handle the copyright of a song and do seperate deals with those who consider themselves as writers rather than performers and plug the songs to the various A&R; managers responsible for any artist looking for songs. But if you are not published it can be productive to look at the various publications within the industry such as the 'Green Sheet' that publish details of who is looking for songs for which artist and then send out a cassette of songs you think might be relevant. Can you come to a gig and listen to us play? It is a well known fact that if you have 5 gigs in or around London over a two week period, and you are really good, then somewhere a scout will either see you or be tipped off about you. Further to that, if the scout or A&R; person brings a tape to people's attention and it is thought of sufficient merit for them to see a gig, they'll be there. It is always better to try and do as many live dates as possible as there are often many bands any one individual scout or A&R; person may want to see in a night ( Friday's & Saturdays) and they can only be in one place at one time. It can be very dissapointing if A&R; say they'll come to see you and they don't show, but you should be playing for the love of it as much as for A&R; to see you!
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