The Non-Techie’s Guide To Recording Demos

Many of you have asked me the best way to record demos.

To be honest, there are numerous options available. It all depends on what current gear you have and how detailed you want to be.

My first advice would be start with what you have. Don’t waste time dropping tons of money into gear. First, build the discipline of writing and recording yourself, even if it’s singing into a lame tape recorder. Who cares?

But to go to the next level, I’d recommend a setup that allows you to record instruments and have a workstation of inspiring musical options.

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m no gear head. Once you steer the conversation from worship to the inner workings of a gate or filter, I’m lost.

My Current Setup

My current demo setup consists of a number of simple, affordable devices. I’m currently using:

• Apple MacBook Pro
• Propellerhead Reason 6 (recording/music making software)
• MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone
• PreSonus Firebox (audio interface)
• M-Audio Oxygen 8 25 Key Midi Keyboard Controller (midi controller)
• M-AUDIO Keystation Pro 88 Full Size Keyboard  (midi controller)
• M-Audio Portable Studio Pack
• M-Audio Studiophile AV40 Powered Monitor Speakers

I love this setup for its portability (besides the Keystation Pro). I can set it up at home, in a car, or in my office to record when inspiration strikes. And if you’re like me, it comes at the strangest times.

Oftentimes, I’ll ask many songwriters if I can hear their music. Surprisingly, they have none of their music recorded. Here’s a simple process to get you going.

5 Steps To Getting Your Music Out Of Your Head

Setup aside, let’s look into the process of recording demos:

1. Write Every Day

Just the fact that you’re interested in recording demos means you plan to get serious about your songwriting. You need to. Take time every day to write, even if you only have 5 minutes to spare.

To challenge people, sometimes I say to start a new song every day for a week. The following week, finish each one. Do what you haven’t done before. Stretch yourself. Great writers sit down to write and don’t edit their work too soon.

2. Just Record It

At this stage, it’s tempting to get lost in arranging your song. Before you go there, I’d recommend getting your song recorded, bare bones, with either vocal and piano or vocal and guitar.

The goal here is to listen to the playback of your song. It helps to hear from a more critical perspective. Utilize this list when listening:

• Is the melody melodic enough?
• Is the theme of the song worth singing about?
• Can I make the chords more colorful?
• Is it in the right key?
• Should this be a slow or upbeat song?

After this, you’re ready for some experimentation.

3. Experiment

At this point, start experimenting. Don’t think too much about the feel or arrangement of the song. Just follow your gut. See what is possible. Try something weird. Copy another song.

This is my favorite stage because one idea triggers another idea and 6 hours can pass before I’ve taken a break. My wife oftentimes needs to shake me from this musical trance 🙂

4. Tweak

After you’ve recorded your demo, it’s important to listen back and make changes. It’s only in this stage that I’ll often hear that a part of a song isn’t working. Or if the song “works” at all. Or if the arrangement just needs tweaked.

Some questions to ask:

• Does the music serve the lyric?
• Is the arrangement too cluttered?
• Can the vocals be heard above the rest?
• How’s the mix?

5. Get Honest Feedback

Also, get some feedback from some trusted friends. You’re so emotionally wrapped up in the song that you may not be hearing clearly. Have someone speak the truth about what they hear and take it into consideration.

This is not always easy. Matter of fact, critical feedback always hurts. But the more you press into it, the better you’ll become. Welcome the feedback.

Question: What gear are you currently using to record your own demos? What does your process look like? Let’s dialogue about this in the comments!

* A few links in this post are affiliate links. That means I make a few pennies when you purchase the products. Thanks for your support!