Music Industry Blog 07
Demo vs. Single
By: Matthew Mazer

Why Go Single?
No matter what line of music you intend to get into, you should know presentation is everything. In today's flooded market, you have to stand out from the rest. Since sending demo's directly to record labels has proven to be nearly useless, you have to sway the public. In addition, you have to accomplish your real goal as an artist, to support yourself doing it. This is the primary reason the single has replaced the demo. Having a finished product you can sell after shows is one of the most viable ways to build a fan base and your bank roll.

The Promotional Hour
The suggested method for sales of singles at shows is called the "Promotional Hour". Have you ever been to a venue where the act will spend an hour after the show talking to fans, signing autographs, and selling product? They don't do this because they are "cool", they do it because they are told to by industry analysts. Doing this accomplishes several goals:

1. It makes the fans think your "cool".

2. It gives you the opportunity to sell product to a hot market. These people are already interested, the sale is much easier. More than 80% of the albums bought at a venue happen within this single hour. Why? Because they have to buy something for you to autograph.

3. It puts a finished product into the hands of the public. There is no better marketing than word of mouth. This is why having a professional looking, sounding, and presented single is important.

Make A Big Deal Of It!
Have the announcer mention you are going to be spending this time with the fans after the show. I am sure you have heard them do this before. Make an event out of it. If you make a big deal about the promotional hour, the fans will too. Come out with 6 tons of bling bling and three bodguards strapped with fake UZIs (I'm exaggerating). Put on a show they will never forget.