4 Common Mistakes When Recording Music Demos and How to Avoid Them

Are you planning to create a demo to give to the pros of the music industry? If the answer is yes, you must know all of the mistakes to watch out for. Sure, the people within your surroundings say you're hot, however what will the pro's think about your demo? Below I have listed common mistakes when it comes to creating a demo and how to avoid them.

Drowned Vocals: If your vocals can barely be heard thru monitor or car speakers, turn them up! Sure the vocals may sound excellent and perfectly mixed within the headphones, however most headphones lack the bass intensity that car and monitor speakers put out. The vocals are essentially the main instrument within your song so they must always be on point. Stand in front of the monitor speakers and walk around the room while the song is playing to see if you can clearly understand all the vocals. If you have panning on certain vocals from speaker to speaker, pay attention that you can hear all of the minor ad-libs and details, these are what will essential keep everyone's attention.

Pump Up the Music Mix: Although the vocals are the main topic when it comes to a demo, you must still remember that the background to your vocals must be at it's best. If the instrumental mix is lacking feeling, so will your vocals. Once again, if you are strictly listening to the mix through headphones, you're missing out on the bigger picture. Record Executives won't be listening to your mix in headphones, 90% of the time they will be blasting it on big speakers from multiple listeners. Add feeling to your music mix by setting all the EQ settings properly. Add effects such as drive and bass to your mix, not only will the song sound better, it will literally be hugging your vocals for that maximum effect.

Boost Your Confidence: When Record Executives listen to demo's they aren't just listening to the music you presented them, they are trying to see if they can detect your personality thru your music. Anyone can simply recite words on a paper, however; it takes a true artist to bring the words to life and make them sound believable. If you lack confidence in yourself, so will everyone else. If you are a rapper, you must present yourself strong and aggressive even if you're style is laid back. Come across as if no one is better than you. Singers must have similar goals; confidence must come thru the lyrics as well as the notes.

Ask for Help from Professionals: If you are strictly an artist, leave all of the mixing to the pros. If you listen to many mainstream artists, they are just that, artists and nothing more. They don't try to mix their own songs or assume other roles besides being an artist; you must be the same way. If you know many professionals, don't only ask them to mix down your songs, ask them what their professional opinion is of the song/s. Many sound engineers have a keen sense of hearing and will be able to point out weak parts of any song.