Demos

Neurojazz · 20-07-2010 1:15pm

The last decent band i heard, i went out of my way to make sure that music got heard by a friend working in a large record company.

The last time i heard someones demos here, i never even bothered to return to see the progression as it was so awful/off putting.

PB is right on target with this one.

MilanPan!c · 20-07-2010 1:23pm

PMI wrote: »

Paul was just interested and if the guy you worked with was a heavy weight with contacts bud you would of stuck the surname in as quick as his 1st ya get me

Like This: Martyn Ware, J.R Rotem etc...

Also you wouldnt of needed to say it we dont

He does have heavy-weight contacts... and yes, I can vouch for that.

But this isn't a pissing contest is it?

maccored · 20-07-2010 1:31pm

PaulBrewer wrote: »

Where one wants I guess ?

I can't imagine any current band with a molecule of pride or self belief wanting to put themselves where you could get stamped with 'coming last'.

By entering a competition you're tacitly saying to 'The Judges' that you have confidence in their opinion and acknowledge their authority to judge - I don't believe art is a competition.

The crowd is probably partisan so you're not really going to impress anyone.

At best you might win something...... but probably not. And if you do win, so what ?

How many people were stamped with the 'You're a Star' Cross of Shame ?

'Oh, you're the guys who went out in the first round?'

Imagine carrying that stigma or similar around.

I suppose there is the Summer Season in Trabolgan to aim for ....

You (as usual) have a point. I must be a freak though, cus I never think of things like that. Playing the gig and sharing the music is whats important to me - and I'll play any gig thats going - not really worrying about coming last or any of the other 'what do people think of us' bullsh!t. Plus in my eyes, entering into any kind of competition doesnt mean you actually trust the judges. I rarely remember who they were.

Im not arguing though - maybe to some bands what you mentioned is the be all and end all - to us playing the gig is the actual important bit.

PMI · 20-07-2010 1:32pm

MilanPan!c wrote: »

He does have heavy-weight contacts... and yes, I can vouch for that.

But this isn't a pissing contest is it?

Im not trying to bust your balls.... but lets piss in the wind for a bit more at least until the surname

maccored · 20-07-2010 1:32pm

PaulBrewer wrote: »

I suppose there is the Summer Season in Trabolgan to aim for ....

* fires up goggle and gets pen ready *

MilanPan!c · 20-07-2010 1:34pm

PMI wrote: »

Im not trying to bust your balls.... but lets piss in the wind for a bit more at least until the surname

Umm... I already posted his surname.

PaulBrewer · 20-07-2010 1:37pm

maccored wrote: »

You (as usual) have a point. I must be a freak though, cus I never think of things like that. Playing the gig and sharing the music is whats important to me .

That's cool, if that's all you want to do.

But if you have a longer term goal it seems like a short sighted distraction that might have a negative impact on the bands progress.

Part of being in a band is being cool !;)

Coming 4th in the Semi Final ain't cool.

PMI · 20-07-2010 1:39pm

PaulBrewer wrote: »

That's cool, if that's all you want to do.

But if you have a longer term goal it seems like a short sighted distraction that might have a negative impact on the bands progress.

Part of being in a band is being cool !;)

Coming 4th in the Semi Final ain't cool.

And looking cool while being cool and feeling cool and acting cool dont forget them

maccored · 20-07-2010 1:46pm

im too old for goals other than writing tunes and having a bit of craic. well, thats always been the goal but how and ever ... i would really fail in one of theose 'and where do you see yourself in 5 years' type of job interviews

PMI · 20-07-2010 1:47pm

MilanPan!c wrote: »

Umm... I already posted his surname.

Cool I missed it will look back cheers

Rockshamrover · 20-07-2010 2:18pm

[QUOTE
A Battle-of-Band Competition is one ( Jedward forgive me !)

Imagine a Tailor or Jeweler putting unfinished work in their window ?
That seems like a fair analogy .....

They just wouldn't do it.[/QUOTE]

U2 had no problems doing a battle of the bands, it actually got them a lot of recognition.

"We couldn't believe it. I was completely shocked. We weren't of an age to go out partying as such but I don't think anyone slept that night.... Really, it was just a great affirmation to win that competition, even though I've no idea how good we were or what the competition was really like. But to win at that point was incredibly important for morale and everyone's belief in the whole project."

—The Edge, on winning the CBS competition

The tailor analogy doesn't work either as tailors sell everything they put in the shop window. Only a tiny proportion of the best produced music get's to sell.

jtsuited · 20-07-2010 2:25pm

i'm fairly sure the thrills got their original break from a battle of the bands (open to correction of course).

SeanHurley · 20-07-2010 2:32pm

Interesting thread. Personally I wouldn't be into putting demos up. I understand Chris's model of getting feedback but is that not the job of a producer? I personally would trust the opinion of a professional working in the industry over that of the great unwashed

.

The days of the demo are dead. The fact is there is more music available to people than they ever have time to listen to and, in my opinion, you get one shot to make an impression. I don't want that impression to be one of an unfinished product. Again this is personal opinion and if it works for you great.

I genuinely believe there is no other way to "make it" in the music business other than hard graft. Clever marketing ideas, competitions etc while great in the short term dont pay out in the long term and can be a stigma. I am speaking from experience here - we won a radio competition on FM104 to support Bon Jovi in Punchestown, now dont get me wrong it was a great expereince for the day and a great story to tell, however, in any media exposure since we are referred to the band that supported Bon Jovi, regardless of what we do, the music we make, that is the thing that is said. Anyway I am rambling.

TelePaul · 20-07-2010 2:42pm

jtsuited wrote: »

i'm fairly sure the thrills got their original break from a battle of the bands (open to correction of course).

Where are they now? Oh...wait...

TelePaul · 20-07-2010 2:44pm

SeanHurley wrote: »

I genuinely believe there is no other way to "make it" in the music business other than hard graft. Clever marketing ideas, competitions etc while great in the short term dont pay out in the long term and can be a stigma. I am speaking from experience here - we won a radio competition on FM104 to support Bon Jovi in Punchestown, now dont get me wrong it was a great expereince for the day and a great story to tell, however, in any media exposure since we are referred to the band that supported Bon Jovi, regardless of what we do, the music we make, that is the thing that is said. Anyway I am rambling.

I remember you guys!

SeanHurley · 20-07-2010 2:48pm

TelePaul wrote: »

I remember you guys!

Ha at least someone did

TelePaul · 20-07-2010 2:55pm

SeanHurley wrote: »

Ha at least someone did

Oh wait...was there more than one competition? Or were you guys called something like "Dark Sun" or some such?

SeanHurley · 20-07-2010 3:06pm

TelePaul wrote: »

Oh wait...was there more than one competition? Or were you guys called something like "Dark Sun" or some such?

No that was the year (possibly 2) before, Jaded Sun was the band in Croke Park. I'm in DC Tempest. I think FM104 do it everytime Bon Jovi play here.

PaulBrewer · 20-07-2010 3:37pm

Ah fer fecks sake , that was 1979 !

Rockshamrover wrote: »

[QUOTE
A Battle-of-Band Competition is one ( Jedward forgive me !)

Imagine a Tailor or Jeweler putting unfinished work in their window ?
That seems like a fair analogy .....

They just wouldn't do it.

U2 had no problems doing a battle of the bands, it actually got them a lot of recognition.

"We couldn't believe it. I was completely shocked. We weren't of an age to go out partying as such but I don't think anyone slept that night.... Really, it was just a great affirmation to win that competition, even though I've no idea how good we were or what the competition was really like. But to win at that point was incredibly important for morale and everyone's belief in the whole project."

—The Edge, on winning the CBS competition

The tailor analogy doesn't work either as tailors sell everything they put in the shop window. Only a tiny proportion of the best produced music get's to sell.[/QUOTE]

Rockshamrover · 20-07-2010 3:41pm

PaulBrewer wrote: »

Ah fer fecks sake , that was 1979 !

Yes, I remember it well.

PaulBrewer · 20-07-2010 3:42pm

Rockshamrover wrote: »

PaulBrewer wrote: »

Ah fer fecks sake , that was 1979 !

Yes, I remember it well.

Me too !

I remember seeing them in Leixlip Castle supporting The Police shortly after 11 o'clock Tick Tock, I think ...

DamagedTrax · 20-07-2010 3:46pm

SeanHurley wrote: »

I'm in DC Tempest.

how is young wardy doin? still lugging the heavy stuff for you?

SeanHurley · 20-07-2010 3:48pm

DamagedTrax wrote: »

how is young wardy doin? still lugging the heavy stuff for you?

Ha ha no not any more, he did kit out our rehearsal space for us there last year tho an he still comes to all the gigs.

old gregg · 20-07-2010 3:58pm

PaulBrewer wrote: »

Rockshamrover wrote: »

Me too !

I remember seeing them in Leixlip Castle supporting The Police shortly after 11 o'clock Tick Tock, I think ...

Me too. I saw them in the Arcadia in Cork round about the same time and left cos I thought they were awful.

Rockshamrover · 20-07-2010 4:07pm

old gregg wrote: »

PaulBrewer wrote: »

Me too. I saw them in the Arcadia in Cork round about the same time and left cos I thought they were awful.

They're lucky Boards wasn't around then so:D

I saw them in the Dandelion Market and thought they were ok.

krd · 20-07-2010 4:10pm

Rockshamrover wrote: »

U2 had no problems doing a battle of the bands, it actually got them a lot of recognition.

.

Yeah, and if you read up on it, you'll find the Battle of the Bands competition U2 entered was rigged for them to win.

That's how show bizzness works.

I've been at "Battle of the Bands" competitions, where the only other people in the audience were the other bands waiting to go up and do their thing.

I really love (this is being sarcastic) all the ****ty little tricks played on kids in bands and their friends to get them to come to crap nights out.

But I shouldn't be negative.

Bill Cullen has turned my life around - even though he's on the verge of bankruptcy and only being bailed out by Fianna Failers changing the MOT conditions - so he can flog more cars, as his other business ventures are turning into disaster. BUT HE STILL HAS A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.

To be a success, you have to be positive and listen to Bill Cullen - the secret to sucess is getting up a 4 in the morning to sell penny apples to an empty street for five hours - because nothing opens til 9.

To be a success there are three things you must do; One: Bull****, Two: Bull****, Three: Bull****.

Saying that.

I'm running a battle of the bands with real serious prizes.

1. €250,000 of studio time.
2. A major album release. On a new Major Irish record label.
3. Pop superstar super success.

Entry: Must bring 50 of your friends and cousins from Coolock - €10 a pop at the door, and €50 entry fee for the competition. €1,000 gets you a headline slot. €4,000 makes sure you get in the top 3. €10,000 and the competion is your's.

Rockshamrover · 20-07-2010 4:24pm

krd wrote: »

Rockshamrover wrote: »

Yeah, and if you read up on it, you'll find the Battle of the Bands competition U2 entered was rigged for them to win.

That's how show bizzness works.

I've been at "Battle of the Bands" competitions, where the only other people in the audience were the other bands waiting to go up and do their thing.

I really love (this is being sarcastic) all the ****ty little tricks played on kids in bands and their friends to get them to come to crap nights out.

But I shouldn't be negative.

Bill Cullen has turned my life around - even though he's on the verge of bankruptcy and only being bailed out by Fianna Failers changing the MOT conditions - so he can flog more cars, as his other business ventures are turning into disaster. BUT HE STILL HAS A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.

To be a success, you have to be positive and listen to Bill Cullen - the secret to sucess is getting up a 4 in the morning to sell penny apples to an empty street for five hours - because nothing opens til 9.

To be a success there are three things you must do; One: Bull****, Two: Bull****, Three: Bull****.

Saying that.

I'm running a battle of the bands with real serious prizes.

1. €250,000 of studio time.
2. A major album release. On a new Major Irish record label.
3. Pop superstar super success.

Entry: Must bring 50 of your friends and cousins from Coolock - €10 a pop at the door, and €50 entry fee for the competition. €1,000 gets you a headline slot. €4,000 makes sure you get in the top 3. €10,000 and the competion is your's.

Good stuff, Apples is so yesterday though. It's all hot cakes now as they sell like hot cakes ( has anyone ever bought a hot cake?)

Can I pay for all 3 winning slots out of my winnings?

PaulBrewer · 20-07-2010 4:24pm

krd wrote: »

[€10,000 and the competion is your's.

Is the extra apostrophe thrown in ?

krd · 20-07-2010 4:38pm

PaulBrewer wrote: »

Is the extra apostrophe thrown in ?

Big Deal Paul.

I've got more important things to worry about that apostrophes.

Like the Dublin rocks compilation I'm putting together. 10 of the hottest Dublin rock bands all brought together on the one CD - free when you sign up for a monthly donation to trocaire from one of those people who keeps wanting to shake your hand when you're walking down Grafton street or whatever.

I've just heard from Sony records - they're willing to pitch in another €250,000 recording expenses to my battle of the bands - that brings the prize up to €500,000 in recording fees. Looks like I'll have to adjust all my other fees to reflect what's in the pot. Can't go flushing that away.

PaulBrewer · 20-07-2010 4:42pm

Feck it , may I enter my band , "The Superfluous Apsotrophes" ?

Rockshamrover · 20-07-2010 4:46pm

PaulBrewer wrote: »

Feck it , may I enter my band , "The Superfluous Apsotrophes" ?

No point, I've already won first, second and third prize. and I have the receipts to prove it.

maccored · 20-07-2010 4:58pm

krd wrote: »

Like the Dublin rocks compilation I'm putting together.

oh oh I know that one. Thats where you collect a lot of big stones and pile them together isnt it?

krd · 20-07-2010 4:58pm

Rockshamrover wrote: »

No point, I've already won first, second and third prize. and I have the receipts to prove it.

Joking aside. There were people who used to make a living out of doing this kind of crap.

Good thing they're all gone these days.

And the bizzness is just left with solid, decent, honest people.

If you've got a great recording I'd love to hear it - so would all the industry insiders I know. I just need €250 for postage stamps to send it to the small players I know, €500 for the medium, and €1,500 for the big players. I can get you a big London showcase gig, with only industry insiders for €3,500.

Rockshamrover · 20-07-2010 5:03pm

krd wrote: »

Joking aside. There were people who used to make a living out of doing this kind of crap.

Good thing they're all gone these days.

And the bizzness is just left with solid, decent, honest people.

If you've got a great recording I'd love to hear it - so would all the industry insiders I know. I just need €250 for postage stamps to send it to the small players I know, €500 for the medium, and €1,500 for the big players. I can get you a big London showcase gig, with only industry insiders for €3,500.

Ok so, will cash do?

krd · 20-07-2010 5:05pm

Stop being so negative.

When I met U2 first they were nobodies. And I couched them. I told them to stop being so negative. And then look at them.

The only problem with people in Ireland succedding is negativity.

And I am will to give my anti-negativity course at a reduced fee to anyone who has the balls to drop their negativity and put their money where their mouth is.......and stop whinging and become a SUCCESSS.

€250 for a four hour seminar - reduced fee for people on the dole - €200

SUCCESS IS WAITING FOR YOU - IF YOU'D ONLY DROP YOU NEGATIVITY.

SUCCESSS IS WAITING FOR YOU!!!!!!

TelePaul · 20-07-2010 5:08pm

krd wrote: »

And I couched them.

What, with one of these? :eek:

krd · 20-07-2010 6:35pm

Very funny TelePaul.

Very funny... but... also very negative

You know if you just dropped that negativity, there's no telling how far you could go.

8k2q1gfcz9s5d4 · 20-07-2010 7:08pm

PaulBrewer wrote: »

Or, horror of horrors, they think it IS good enough ?

for younger bands, this IS the case! Most young and inexperienced bands have no cash, and dont understand the recording process so they go to the dreaded "garage" studio who advertise on bebo/myspace. with offers like "300 euro for 12 hours, 10 song limit", they sound great (ironic pun

) to these bands, who think they can record an album in 1 day!!!!

PaulBrewer · 20-07-2010 8:36pm

That's not my quote there Frank

maccored · 20-07-2010 9:51pm

youre just too famous for your own good there paul

krd · 21-07-2010 3:23am

Jake Cool Tequila wrote: »

for younger bands, this IS the case! Most young and inexperienced bands have no cash, and dont understand the recording process so they go to the dreaded "garage" studio who advertise on bebo/myspace. with offers like "300 euro for 12 hours, 10 song limit", they sound great (ironic pun ) to these bands, who think they can record an album in 1 day!!!!

Nirvana's Bleach was recorded in a day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleach_(album)#Recording

novarock · 21-07-2010 9:42am

krd wrote: »

Nirvana's Bleach was recorded in a day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleach_(album)#Recording

it says in the same article that the band were billed for 30 hours..

MilanPan!c · 21-07-2010 9:50am

novarock wrote: »

it says in the same article that the band were billed for 30 hours..

This is what happens when musicians and engineers are allowed to deal with money:

How many hous are there in a day?

I don't know? 24?

Then let's just round up to 30.

Sure.

SeanHurley · 21-07-2010 10:15am

I think they were billed for 30 hours because they did 6 five hour sessions no? December 24, 29-31, Jan 14 and 24?

MilanPan!c · 21-07-2010 10:27am

SeanHurley wrote: »

I think they were billed for 30 hours because they did 6 five hour sessions no? December 24, 29-31, Jan 14 and 24?

Yes, I was just joshing.

all the stars · 21-07-2010 11:35am

krd wrote: »

Rockshamrover wrote: »

But I shouldn't be negative.

To be a success, you have to be positive and listen to Bill Cullen - the secret to sucess is getting up a 4 in the morning to sell penny apples to an empty street for five hours - because nothing opens til 9.

To be a success there are three things you must do; One: Bull****, Two: Bull****, Three: Bull****.

Saying that.

I'm running a battle of the bands with real serious prizes.

1. €250,000 of studio time.
2. A major album release. On a new Major Irish record label.
3. Pop superstar super success.

Entry: Must bring 50 of your friends and cousins from Coolock - €10 a pop at the door, and €50 entry fee for the competition. €1,000 gets you a headline slot. €4,000 makes sure you get in the top 3. €10,000 and the competion is your's.

Agreed, positive attitude is key.. Focus & Bull****ting well are good also.

I'd also like to pay from the winnings

TelePaul · 21-07-2010 12:21pm

krd wrote: »

Nirvana's Bleach was recorded in a day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleach_(album)#Recording

Yeah but it kind of sucks...is that drum intro in 'About a Girl' out of time?

MilanPan!c · 21-07-2010 12:23pm

TelePaul wrote: »

Yeah but it kind of sucks...is that drum intro in 'About a Girl' out of time?

It sucked all the way to millions of units sold.

PMI · 21-07-2010 12:43pm

Lads did my 1st battle of the bands last night.... (honestly never ever done one)

it was rigged for us not to win, how weird is that then....

MilanPan!c · 21-07-2010 1:05pm

PMI wrote: »

Lads did my 1st battle of the bands last night.... (honestly never ever done one)

it was rigged for us not to win, how weird is that then....

So the plan worked?

We're actually considering not doing the Phantom thing.

There's another good gig we could do the same week...

I'm not against BOTBs, but I'd rather play a good gig I guess.

Who won the thing last night then?

Demos

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