The allure of playing in a band is one that’s too much for many teens to ignore. The opportunity to hang out with your friends and play music is too great to miss, and it can spark a lifetime interest in playing and recording music. For those who want to turn their hobby into something more serious, the next step is to lay down some demo tracks and try to build interest in your group. Here are some tips for recording a demo album before stepping into the studio.
Practice, Practice, Practice
People say “practice makes perfect,” and recording a demo is no different. Even if the song is still open for adjustments, you should be able to play it in your sleep before you even consider recording. Remember that the goal of a demo is to attract interest, so you need to put your best foot forward.
Minimize Background Noise
Nothing will take your listeners out of the moment more than distracting noises in the background. Not only will this irritate your listeners, but distractions also make it more challenging to pick out individual elements of the composition on which you want to improve. Record the demo in a quiet place that lets in as little noise as possible and doesn’t produce an echo.
Avoid Overproduction
The record business is a collaborative one, and these songs, while mostly complete, should still remain open for fine-tuning. Overproducing your demos leaves little room for recording labels to put in their own ideas. Demos give labels an idea of what your sound is, and they aren’t a complete product ready for release.
Use Proper Equipment
Even if you want to avoid overproduction, one of the most essential tips for recording a demo album is to use high-quality pro audio equipment and gear. This gives your listeners a more accurate representation of your sound and makes improvements easier.
Find the Interesting
Your practice sessions aren’t the only time band members will make mistakes or improvise. Don’t be afraid to take ideas and make adjustments based on variances in recordings of the same time. Pick out what makes each take of the song unique and identify whether its inclusion helps or hinders the song before making a final decision.