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How to make the perfect demo tape
Tips and tricks on how to best sell yourself on tape and how to make sure you're not filed into the rubbish bin.
Getting into radio professionally normally requires, at some point, producing a demo tape. Here are some ways to make sure yours does you proud.
1. No-one has ever been hired on the basis of a demo-tape...
Demo-tapes are not intended to get you a job. They get you noticed by the programme controller and get you into the station. Before you get on-air you are going to have to do some more demo's to prove you can work to the standard the station requires. Therefore your demo tape should make the programme controller desperate to meet you.
2. Your demo tape is all about your on-air self...
A programme controller will be looking out for two things on a demo tape - a good voice and a good personality. They are not interested in good technical skills or good production skills: there are computers which do these nowadays.
3. Short and sharp is best...
You demo tape should be no longer than three minutes, at the very most. The whole point of your demo is to leave whoever wanting more, so don't be afraid to send a demo with just three or four links. Edit out all the music and don't start with a rundown of your six favourite hospital radio jingles.
A good tip is to start as a listener probably would: turning on the radio in the middle of your show. So don't start with a menu of bits coming up, start with a link is actually talking about something.
4. Record it in a studio...
There is nothing worse than receiving a demo tape that has obviously been done using only a £6.99 microphone and a tape recorder than didn't cost much more. It is absolutely essential your demo tape is recorded in a proper studio - it demonstrates that you have had some "flying hours" if nothing else.
5. Use your best bits...
It is expected that your demo tape will contain your best performances, so make sure they are. You don't need to make it chronological or sequential - simply use the three or four best pieces that demonstrate your ability and versatility. And your first link should always be your best.
6. Don't imitate, demonstrate...
As said above, programme controllers are looking for good voices and good personalities which are right for that station. So you need to demonstrate that you would be suitable for the station. However, this doesn't mean copying an existing presenter - you need to prove you can bring something new to the station as well.
7. Add variety...
Most radio shows are going to require some interaction with the audience, so demonstrate an ability to speak to someone on the phone. Don't simply send three identikit "that-was, this-is" links.
8. Final tips
- Make sure your name and number is written on the CD.
- These days most programme controllers expect to receive a demo on CD, and increasingly they'll ask for them to be emailed as an MP3. But don't sent speculative emails containing large attachments - if you want to email it either put it on a website and send the link or ask if they are willing to receive it by email.
- If you do send it by cassette, spool right to the beginning of the demo. Make sure that as soon as the programme controller sticks the tape in they hear your sound.
- Make it clear which side of the tape to put in.
- Use a blank, new, good-quality tape. There is nothing worse than receiving a second-hand scruffy tape, and even worse reusing a tape of a show you did a couple of years ago could be very embarrassing!
- If you are currently broadcasting, especially if you are available on the web or can be picked up by the station you are writing to, make sure you mention when you can be heard. PDs love to snoop on people whose demo tape interests them.
- Gimmicks can be great; but don't let the packaging get in the way of the product.