Frequently Asked Questions
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We've compiled a list of our most commonly asked questions. We hope this helps you. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call or email us. We'll be happy to help. I’m a singer. Where do I start? I’m a singer and I’d like to make a MUSIC DEMO. Where do I start? I don’t play any instruments. Can I still make a MUSIC DEMO? I don’t write music. Can you guys write a song with my vocal style in mind? What should I look for in a MUSIC PRODUCER or MUSIC PRODUCTION COMPANY? How much should I expect to pay for a MUSIC DEMO? I hear the music business can be shady. What should I watch out for? Now that my MUSIC DEMO is done, what should I do? I want you to do my MUSIC DEMO. What do I do next? |
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Q: I’m a singer. Where do I start?
A: Step one is to get the highest quality recording of yourself doing original songs. This is referred to as a "music demo" or "demo tape." When you start contacting people in the music industry on your quest for a record deal, they will want to hear your demo tape and see your package.
Every record company receives thousands of letters and emails everyday from singers telling them how wonderful they are. Have you seen some of the singers on American Idol who can't hold a tune? Just telling someone you're great doesn't do anything for your career. But when you send them a fantastic music demo of yourself with great original songs, you're taking the first step to a record deal.
Q: I’m a singer and I’d like to make a music demo. Where do I start?
A: You need to find a reputable music producer or music production company that has experience making HIT records.
Q: I don’t play any instruments. Can I still make a music demo?
A: Absolutely! The music producer will arrange the music and hire professional musicians to play it. A music producers job is to coordinate all aspects of the musical production, including working with the musicians and engineers, booking studio time, picking songs, etc. This leaves the singer to concentrate on what they do best- SINGING!
Q: I don’t write music. Can you write a song with my vocal style in mind?
A: Yes, and we do it often. Many artists like us to come up with a music track, and then they write their own lyrics to match. Sometimes artists come with just lyrics or just melodies, or any combination. We work with it all. That’s what songwriting is all about. (Click here for more info on Songwriting)
Q: What should I look for in a MUSIC PRODUCER or MUSIC PRODUCTION COMPANY?
A: The first thing should be experience. Who have they worked with, & how long have they been around?
- The next thing to inquire about is whether or not they make records for a living, or are they part time producers with day jobs? This is how you'll know how serious they are about your project.
- Do they have experience with the style of music you wish to pursue?
- Will you be recording in a home studio & singing in some guys closet, or a professional recording studio that will give you the sound you need?
- Does the engineer who will be mixing your music demo have any Hit record credits? Any credits at all?
- Are there any hidden fees like tape costs, musicians, studio time, engineer, rentals, etc., or is it all inclusive? Be sure you know all the costs before you're dragged into something you weren't prepared for.
- Where are they located? New York and LA are the hubs of the Record Industry. We make thousands of records here, all the big studios that host the big stars are here and all the engineers and music producers feed off each others energy. The sound is on the cutting edge. No offense to the studios or producers in Nebraska or Ohio, but they're sort of working in a vacuum. They don't work on records with signed artists, only on local demos. It's a completely different standard of work. Not likely to impress the record company execs in New York or LA. (Or Nashville, if it's Country music) It's a great feeling when we mix a record during the day, have someone walk it down the street to the record company, and hear it bumping on the radio that night! Yes, that has happened.
- Lastly, you need to hear the quality of their work. Does it sound contemporary, like the music that’s out there now, or does it sound dated? Are the vocals clean and up front, or buried behind the producers musical arrangement? Would you be happy with the same quality for your music demo? Finding a producer who matches your style is the difference between a hit and obscurity.
We've worked with artists including: Madonna, Mya, Brandy, Pink, Will Smith, Missy Elliot, 98 Degrees and many more. We have 13 Platinum and gold records. Hundreds of album credits. A professional studio with great musicians and engineers with no hidden fees. Our songwriters have been published. This is the place to do your music demo!!
Q: How much should I expect to pay for a demo?
A: You can spend as little as a few hundred dollars and your demo will probably sound terrible and not impress anybody. You need to have an outstanding music demo that will compete with the professional product that record companies receive everyday. Doing a cheap demo is worse than not doing one at all. You will give a bad impression to the people that you’re sending your demo to, and it will be harder for you to be heard the next time around.We have 2 levels of pricing to match any budget. If this is your dream, you need to give yourself a genuine chance of succeeding! If you expect to actually impress record company executives who receive hundreds of music demos everyday, the only way to do it is with quality from professionals like us.
Q: I hear the music business can be shady. What should I watch out for?
A: First, read our 10 Pitfalls you MUST avoid when doing your demo! Unfortunately, there are many scams to watch out for. Believe it or not, the business is a lot more shady with non-professionals who have very little legitimate music industry experience, then it is when dealing with professionals who make records for a living.
Remember, if something looks and feels shady, it probably is.
Q. Now that my MUSIC DEMO is done, what should I do?
A. First, SkyeLab will help you get your Presskit together, assist with writing your bio and getting your pictures done. Then we'll upload your music profile onto music sites that can give you exposure to the music industry, along with exposure to millions of potential fans. You'll also be given access to the VIP/Password protected portion of our website where you can download FREE ebooks, and view additional resources to help you in your career. We want you to succeed! Also, Start sending your music demo out! Our must have book "The Essential Guide to Shopping Your Demo" will put you on the right path and give you some basic guidelines to follow.
Q. Okay, I want you to do my MUSIC DEMO. What do I do next?
A. It's easy. Just call us and we'll schedule a time for you to come to our studio and tell us about your project. You can hear samples of our work and tour our studio. There's no obligation on your part. When you're convinced we're the right music production company for you, we'll set up a plan that's within your budget and start production on your original music demo. We'll put you on the road to achieving your goals.
Q. I'm not in NY. Can you still work with me?
A. Of course! Click here for more information.