I've been gone for four days, lots of stuff to catch up on, and this was the first that seemed of interest.

Though I hate to do this, I must respectfully disagree with with my mentor DNJ. A well made demo CD, at least for me, has been an excellent tool that has resulted in a very positive response. In fact, I DO NOT send out a package now without one included.

This is solely based upon my experience, and in my area, which may or may not reflect the response in other areas of the globe. A couple years ago, I mailed out what I believed was a very professional advertising package, one that included lots of solid, informational, promotional material. After waiting a week for the packages to arrive at the various locations, I began making the usual follow-up phone calls. The results were neglegible at best.

Six months later, the same package, pared down to some degree, but including a demo CD with a half-dozen upbeat songs, was mailed to the same locations. Approximately 30 packages were mailed, and before I had a chance to make the follow-up calls the response was overwhelming. Nearly 30 percent called me within three days after the package was mailed and asked for available dates. Subsequent phone calls produced another 25 to 30 percent positive responses with bookings for 2 or more jobs during the next few months.

DNJ is right, however, about doing your homework and thoroughly investigating any and all prospective venues in your immediate area, and in doing this, the computer is an extremely valuable tool. Also, look to the Yellow Pages for such things as retirement communities, assisted living centers, nursing homes, senior centers, etc.. From a single Senior Newspaper that is published 6 times a year I was able to get the names and addresses of more than 200 prospective clients, many of which I sent CDs to and now perform at on a regular basis.

As for the type of CD, this depeneds on the audience you intend to target. I have one for senior centers, another for assisted living centers, one for nursing homes and one for private parties. All of them are different, all are upbeat, all have about 6 full length songs, and they're constantly being updated and improved.

Additionally, I have heard of some individual performers that provide just a small snippet of various songs, but never make a Demo CD with full length songs. From my perspective, and from talking with many of my clients, the full length CD's seem to be passed around to other activities directors and individuals who play it in their car CD player while driving to and from their various places of employment. Most don't have time to listen to a CD at work, and nearly all have told me they get CDs from lots of performers, but rarely get full song CDs. Most said they forwarded the full song Cds to other ADs, while the partial song CDs were tossed in the trash after listening to a few snippets.

One last thing. All of my demo CDs have my phone number, Web Page and Email address imprinted on the label. You would be amazed at the number of folks that loose your business card, but retain your CD. As for thost business card CDs, the ones that will fit in a PC or CD player, but are the shape and size of a business card--forgetaboutit! No one I ever sent them to had a clue they were a CD, and they're expensive as hell.

Good luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Well Gary...yes you have your opinions and I respect that also.But if anyone has the idea that a CD demo overrides a live performance they are very mistaken. I have seen many many people lose their one opportunity because of them due to disapointed clients...bottom line eventually people will have to hear you play & if you ain't got the goods your Doomed Nuff said....carry on Gumba

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 01-15-2006).]

As to comparing a live performance to a CD--there is no comparison. Kinda' like phone sex! However, the CD can open a lot of doors that may have been previously closed. Then, if and when you manage to get in that door, you better have the goods to deliver or you'll never be invited back again. With few exceptions, evern job you play should result in obtaining more or more new jobs.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Excactly, why take the chance? Eliminate that step of false impressions and just serve the "Steak on Plate" for the client to taste! This seperates the Men from the Boyz

Thank you for your comments. I respect your opinions as you are all performing pro's.

My thoughts are 1. Never distribute a CD you can't readily go in and do live. 2. I like using all available resources to target your prospects. Sending out kits with an offer, in person, or in the kit, to ask for a free trial in order to interact with the clientel.

I have gained some good insight, Gentlemen, thanks.
Bernie

The CD is a form of advertisement..It is gone out to doors that are not open to you yet, and probably never will, until they know something about you...That is why we call them Promo Pacs[with a CD]..A live demo and a demo Cd are two different things...The live demo is your "SHOT" at getting a job....The CD is avenue at getting the "SHOT"..

The CD will reach people, you had zero chance of reaching any other way...let alone a live demo..

The live demo brings about a decision time....the CD avenue creates interest.

Treat the Cd as any other advertisement...business cards, brochures, radio and TV adds...word of mouth..It's another means to an end...use it..

Excactly, in that respect you would have to RECORD the so called Demo CD LIVE in One take AS IF YOU WERE DOING IT LIVE, which many DON'T do thinking a better studio sounding CD will get you the job......if you fluff it up with studio EQ Hijinks & then Cannot reproduce that sound Live in front of the client or audience you'll be in for disapointment every time. Plus you will NEVER show off your stage presence & entertainment ability on a CD. There is so much more regarding this topic that has not & will not be touched upon here. I actualy welcome people sending out Demo CD's ....I can't tell you how many jobs this created for me & how many clients told me how bad their CD's were,. I think I've said enough on this topic, but who am I?.
Good luck to all of you out there.



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 01-16-2006).]

Let me add my 2 cents here. We live in an ever changing world and what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. I have always profited most from word of mouth and live situations. Very rarely have I ever sent out CD's. Two weeks ago while in Florida for a few days, I got a call from an activities director who had my demo CD. I really couldn't remember sending any out. She refreshed my memory. I handed a few out at a senior expo two years ago. She proceeded to hire me. I just got a call from another person from the same organization requesting that I send her a CD. The bottom line here is, this has the potential to turn into a really big account. So my position is never say never. While it's not my first line approach, it's working in this instance. Something else I never did much of that is really working out well, cold calls. I made a series of cold calls last fall and got lots of positive responses. One of them has booked me for 25 dates during 2006. We need to use whatever tools are out there to get into the door, and then deliver the goods. I never consider a job successful until I book at least one more job as a result of that one. This is an awesome business we are in and I'm having some of the most fun I've ever had with it right now.

Happy hunting,

Joe

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Songman55
Joe Ayala