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Frequently
Asked Questions About The Demo Process
1) What kinds of services do you provide?
This is a full service recording studio- For demos,
I usually do the pre-production myself, including
ascertaining what kind of arrangement the song might
need, and laying down the basic rhythm tracks. Then
I have access to a number of talented musicians if
need be to help demo the client's songs so that it
may be submitted to industry for consideration as
cuts on artist's records. Some of the players I hire
are the same ones who perform with artists on major
labels- players like Troy Klontz who played steel
guitar with Brooks and Dunn, Steve King who toured
with Keith Urban, and Rich Redmond, known for his
drumming with artist Jason Aldean, among many other
acts.
2) Schedule of fees for
demos, add-ons, etc.
I charge $150 for a guitar/vocal demo, when you (or
someone you hire) sing the demo. Another vocalist
would be an additional $50 to $150, depending on
what they charge for their services. If I, for
example, sing the demo, I charge $50. Most pro demo
singers charge $100, but some charge more. I charge
$560 for a basic full production demo- this will
include acoustic guitar(s), electric guitar(s), bass
guitar, drums, possibly Dobro or mandolin, possibly
some keyboards. Additional instrumentation is extra,
usually costing $50 to $75 per instrument, and
again, vocalists run an additional $50 to $150. So a
typical demo with, for example, a pedal steel and a
female vocalist would cost about $710. Without the
steel guitar, subtract $50.
3) Is there a
difference in an "Artist Demo" and a "Songwriter
Demo"?
Yes- typically, the artist demo will involve much
more time from the producer, therefore the cost will
reflect the extra time it takes to "produce" the
demo. An artist may need guidance in many aspects of
their recording experience, from song selection to
final product. The artist demo must be carefully
polished due to the fact it will be representing
that artist's efforts when presented to music
industry professionals. The costs (usually about
$1000 per song) will vary depending on the artist's
needs, and the rules of the "songwriter demos" don't
necessarily apply.
4) What do you need
from me, the client, to get started?
All I need is your rough draft on tape, CD, etc.,
and a lyric sheet.
5) Can you accept
internet submissions (MP3, lyric sheets, Paypal/credit
cards)?
Yes, you can send me the rough via email, as well as
lyrics. I accept PayPal payments as well as checks
and cash. (Paypal customers must add a 5% surcharge
since Paypal extracts their fee) I do not require a
down payment- you pay only when you are happy with
the demo. *
6) What's the typical
turnaround time?
It varies as to how busy I am, but usually runs
about 2-4 weeks, but in some instances can run
longer.
7) Is there a
guarantee?
If you're not happy, I'm not happy- and since I
don't ask for payment until you are satisfied, you
can't lose.
8) Any "hidden fees"?
No- but sometimes clients ask for
things (extra mixes, replacement vocals, etc.) that
weren't stipulated in the original work order. Demo
making isn't an exact science, and it isn't cut and
dried. So sometimes there can be fees that are above
the parties' first expectations. Just be aware that
even though I will bend backwards to make the client
happy, if there is undue extra work involved there
may be associated fees. I make every effort to keep
the client apprised of the possibility of additional
fees so as to not surprise them.
*Out of state clients are asked to pay a
deposit, however I will refund the deposit if you're
not satisfied. PayPal customers also must include a
5% fee to offset PayPay's charges and bookeeping
fees. |