Make a vocal demo
Introduction
If you're a singer and you want to remain as a solo artist you'll still probably need to hook up with a producer or an engineer so you can get a backing riddim to show off your skills.
You could just send out your acapella but that's not gonna let anyone who's interested in you really hear how your voice responds to changes in the music.
Read on for:
What to record
Keeping it simple
Finding a producer
Using production companies
"If you want to be a singer then you have to hook yourself up with some producers."
Jenna G
Uncut
What To Record
Despite what you might think from the charts, it's actually quite unusual for someone to make a living simply singing.
Most singers write or co-write their material. So a manager or label will probably want to hear your ability to write melodies or lyrics.
However good your voice is, sending in a tape of you singing along to a karaoke version of a Whitney Houston tune is extremely unlikely to start you on the road to stardom.
Avoid songs that are the trademarks of someone currently hugely popular. In a few months time it could sound very out of date and unoriginal.
Try taking a song that's a classic and do it in a completely different style. This, if done well, should stamp your identity all over it, and prevent you being compared unfavourably with an established artist.
Sing something which is interesting straightaway. There's no guarantee that the person you send it to will listen to it all the way through.
Start Simple
The cheap and easy approach is to simply buy a track with an instrumental mix on it and write your own vocal to go over the top.
You can do this at home with a four-track recorder but, as you're trying to show off your voice, it'll be worth the extra cash for a couple of hours in the studio.
This will give you a better result and the engineer will be able to balance your voice and blend it into the track more effectively. They'll have better microphones so the recording will also be clearer.
Remember a track made like this can only be given away. It's copyright, so selling it may get you into trouble.
Finding a Producer
There are quite a few budding producers around who need singers and songwriters to work with.
You'll often see them advertising on musicians' web-boards or in the classified adverts of papers such as Loot.
You do each other a deal - they get a singer, you get a backing track.
If they're very career oriented, you'll probably need to come up with some kind of contract beforehand as they'll want some rights over the recording. See Radio 1's OneMusic section on Production Deals.
Don't forget that you're here to sell your voice.
Make sure that if you're working with a producer or arranger that they understand this.
Don't let them distract from your singing with tricky effects or overpowering instrumental parts and keep the introductions as short as possible.
You might need to do two versions - one for you to show off your voice and one for them to show off their production skills.
"The best way to make contacts of all sorts is to visit your local record shop. Get to know the staff and they'll tell you what's what and who's who."
Jaimeson
Producer
Production Companies
There are people and companies who will arrange for you to record a vocal demo in return for a fee.
You'll find them advertising in places like the Music Noticeboard at www.loot.com or on noticeboards in music shops. It'll say something like "we'll arrange and record a professional version of your song."
Remember that the only people checking the quality of their work are their customers so be careful about who you hire.
Some are great. Some will make you sound cheesy. Always ask for examples of their work and be objective about what they send you.
Play them to your friends and family. If they think it's really naff, go somewhere else - you're not obliged to hire the first one you talk to.
Check very carefully about what rights they ask for on the final recording - they may want a cut of any money you make in the future.
ALWAYS check with someone you can trust before you hand over any money. Never sign a contract without getting legal advice first.
More... from How to...
Choose tracks for a demo
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/recording/whatrecordp01.shtml
Find a recording studio
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/recording/findp01.shtml
Get ready to go into the studio
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/recording/readyp01.shtml
Why playing PAs is important
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/performing/importantp01.shtml
Press CDs
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/distribution/cdsp01.shtml
(c) BBC 1Xtra 1XMusic 2006
