Preparing and Sending Demos¶
If I had a dollar for every file I received named untitled.wav, untitled.mp3, or new track.mp3… I’d be done. This is a partial rant, partial instruction manual on how to prepare your demo so it doesn’t go straight in the trash.
Always Use Project Name, Song Name and Version¶
You got a project name, artist name, whatever — use it. Make the filename make sense.
Format:
Example:
Version Numbers¶
If it’s a new version, sure, use master2, master3, master4, whatever. But if you get lost in that shuffle, that’s on you.
I recommend using a descriptor for the version and letting your file dates tell the truth.
Examples:
kirkwoodwest_-_zone_blazed_(draft).mp3
kirkwoodwest_-_zone_blazed_(mix).mp3
kirkwoodwest_-_zone_blazed_(hype_master).mp3
Use underscores in files¶
Yeah, it’s a '90s thing. But not everyone uses the same file system, and spaces still break things. Use underscores. Keep it simple.
Utilize Meta Data!¶
If your track has proper metadata and an image, it’s ready for playback in someone’s set.
WAVs don’t support metadata. AIF does. If you’re sending uncompressed audio, use AIF.
Use a tagging tool:
Indicate if it’s mastered or a mix¶
Sending a quiet mp3 that isn’t mastered? Don’t expect it to get played.
If it’s not a master, label it clearly. Otherwise, it won’t hold up and I won’t waste time trying to guess.
You don’t care about metadata or file names?¶
Then I don’t care about your music.
If I can’t identify your track, attribute it, or even tell who sent it, it’s gone. Deleted. I’ve got too many demos already that are properly labeled and tagged. Even if you're Jesus, I’m not giving it a second look.
I will no longer be listening to demos or projects without attention to this¶
I have hundreds of tunes with zero metadata, random filenames, or missing info — making it impossible to give feedback, attribute them, or even know if they’re mine or someone else’s.
If you don’t take the time to prep your demo right, I’m not taking the time to listen to it. End of line.