Demos: A demonstration of your musical ability and style. If you're looking for a venue to book you a gig, you'll need a demo. If you're looking for a contract with a record company or publisher, you'll need a demo. If you're looking for a manager or agent to represent you, you'll need a demo.
It's important to wait until you are ready to record your demo. You should ideally have three cracking songs that you have rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed. It can be a good idea to have a practice run by recording a live attempt straight onto DAT, minidisk, or at a push, cassette, so at least you get a basic idea of how your songs sound before you do the real thing. If you decide to record in a studio make sure it has the equipment you need and an engineer with experience in recording your type of music (give them your 'practice' tape to listen to beforehand so they can get a feel for your style). Ask other bands you know about studio engineers and producers they have used.Once in the studio you need to be disciplined. Have your songs ready, there's no point trying to write and rehearse in the studio, it's just throwing away good money. Set a rough amount of time to record each instrument, try to stick to it and don't forget to budget time for the mix, probably a day for three songs.
Don't forget that if your demo gets into the hands of an interested party, the first song has to catch their interest. Bear that in mind when choosing the running order of the tracks. Let friends help you with this choice if there's disagreement in the band over track one. Don't worry so much about the cover either. It helps to have something eye-catching that gives an idea of your band's image, but it's the music that counts.
When your demo is done, and you're ready to send away copies ALWAYS put the band's name and contact details on both the CD itself AND on the cover/insert.If you decide to send an unsolicited demo off to a record label, manager or whoever, you should include a press pack; a collection of items that would entice the press into reviewing you; a short biography (one A4 page is enough) which should include the name of the act, the members, your style, a good quote from the media, and contact details. If you already have some recent press clippings or reviews, include them. Put in a list of upcoming gigs, radio sessions, etc. and publicity photos if you've got them. Put the band's name and contact on the back of your photos.
A website is almost obligatory now as it allows people to download excerpts of your music, sell your CDs and merchandise, and keeps people informed of your news and gigs - maybe set up a message board and your mailing list here- so try to get a site set up as soon as you are gigging regularly and getting a profile.
When it comes to advertising your gigs, do as much as you can reasonably afford. Tell all your mates. Start a mailing list at gigs and email your news regularly. Try to get free press (radio stations/newspaper gig guides).
Radio Shows:
XFM (105.7-106.1FM); X-Posure with Jim Gellatly. (Weeknights, 10pm - 1am).
Clyde 1 (102.5FM); Billy Sloan (Sundays, 7 - 10pm)
Radio Magnetic; Digital Station . Various Shows.
Radio 1 (97-99FM); BBC Introducing with Vic Galloway(Thursdays, Midnight till 2am).
Radio Scotland (92-94FM); Vic Galloway (Mondays, 8.05 - 10pm).
Six Music (digital station); The BBC Digital Station play unsigned acts. Various Shows.
Tartan Podcast; Web-based Scottish station
Press/Listings:
The Big Issue: Spotlight interviews and reviews. Weekly, £1.
The Fly: News, reviews, interviews adn local gig listings. Monthly, free.
Gig Guide: Guide to live music in Scotland.
Is This Music?: Independent Scottish music magazine. Monthly(ish!), £3.00
The List: Glasgow and Edinburgh events guide. Fortnightly, £2.20
Metro: Newspaper including local artist reviews and listings. Daily, free.
Music News Scotland: Music related Scottish news. Free, monthly.
Noise: Arts & enterntainment magazine. Free, fortnightly.
Message boards/forums:
AUBL: Aberdeen Ultimate Bands List. Prom
