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| T2K |
When you look at a demo package do you prefer a finished CD or is a 2 to 3 song demo ok? |
| Matt |
Coming from the publishing side, I get packages from bands with and without record deals. When the band has a record deal, it's great to be able to hear the whole album. If the band is without a record deal, a three song demo is best to start with. That usually gives me a good idea of what the band is all about and if it's something that I'd be interested in pursuing further. |
| T2K |
Do you look at production value of demo's or do you look at songwritng as the main aspect? |
| Matt |
If it's just a demo, the production doesn't really matter too much. It's pretty rare that I get something that's been recorded terribly but I would say to use your best judgement. If you think the recording is a good representation of what you do it should be fine. Ultimately, the songs and the vibe are the most important things to me. |
| T2K |
When EMI considers a band do you look at how many demos the band has sold to date? |
| Matt |
I think it's great when bands get out there and make and sell their own cd. Being proactive and taking matters into your own hands is an important thing for bands to learn to do. I think that when a band does this, it gets them ready for the realities of being on a major label. They learn that they can't sit around and wait for the label to do everything for them,and that they need to be more in charge of their careers.This being said, weather or not a band has made and sold their own record isn't really a determining factor for me. It ultimately comes down to the songs and if I think there's a market for what the bands doing. |
| T2K |
Do you look at a band more serious if they have an agent or management? |
| Matt |
Not really. I think it obviously helps if you've got someone with experience that can offeradvice and guide you in the right direction but it doesn't really matter to me if they have a manger at the time they come to me. Eventually, they will need one though. |
| T2K |
Do you ever look for bands on the internet, and if so where do you look? |
| Matt |
There's a few sites out there like farmclub.com and loudside.com which I'll check out but mostly I still go about finding things through submissions and clubs. |
| T2K |
Whats the craziest thing someone has done to shop a record to EMI? |
| Matt |
I haven't had anything too crazy. You occasionally get guys that show up at the office and want you to listen to their demos with them but it doesn't happen too often. |
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| Bill Metoyer Metalblade Records |
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| T2K |
Do you listen to solicited demos faster than you would listen to non solicited demos, and what may the time difference be? |
| Bill |
Yes I try to listen to solicited demos as soon as possible. Non solicited demos usually don't get listened to for about 3 months because that is how behind I usually am in reviewing the demos. |
| T2K |
Is seeing a band live a factor before you would consider signing them? |
| Bill |
Defiantly. There have been many bands in the past who have made great demos, then you go and see them live and they are boring, so they don't get signed. When a band is on this level and they don't get radio or MTV airplay, the way you sell records is have the band tour. If they don't impress people live, they aren't going to sell records. |
| T2K |
When someone sends you a demo, what do you like to see in a package and what dont you like to see in a package? |
| Bill |
The usual picture and bio is what I like to see. I usually listen to demos in my car, so what I will do is separate the cd or tape from the package, and if I am interested in the music, I will go back and look at the picture and bio. One mistake bands make is not putting there name on the actual CD or tape. It is not uncommon for the actual disk or tape to get separated from its jewel case. There have been a few CDs or tapes I have listened to and liked, then I pull it out of the player, and there is no name on it, and I have no clue who the band is. So it is very important to put the bands name and contact on the CD or tape itself. We also respond to the bands who send in an e mail address, since it is so easy. If there is only an address and phone number, and we decide to pass on the band the odds are you will not get a response. |
| T2K |
Do you ever look for bands on the internet, and if so where do you look? |
| Bill |
We get so many demos and even though downloading MP3s are getting easier, I would much prefer to have a CD or tape. |
| T2K |
Is a video presentation a plus or is it overkill? |
| Bill |
It certainly is not necessary in my book. |
| T2K |
Whats the craziest thing someone has done to shop a record to Metalblade? |
| Bill |
Many bands will put odd promotional items in the packages. I've received candy, macaroni and cheese, shampoo, nude pictures. (women only please) We get many shirts hats, ect. Multicolored envelopes and things like that are actually good because it makes a package stand out, and I may just pick the interesting looking ones out of the piles first. But I cant really think of anything crazy. We do get many bands who try to stop by the office and hand in there demo in person, only to find out that the mailing address is a PO Box. So they call and say "Hey we tried to drop in, but your address is only a PO BOX! Where is the office?" Needless to say, we don't give that info out. |
