Demo Vs. Full Production - What’s The REAL Difference?

by Brian Stephens

In another lifetime, this article would have been titled “Demo Vs. Album.” As a producer, I am continually asked, “Having heard my CD, would you consider it a demo or a full-production CD and why?” Maybe the question usually isn’t phrased so eloquently, but the general question involves the real difference between a ‘demo’ recording and a recording that would be considered by most to be a full-production, retail ready. With advances in home recording equipment and digital technology, the lines seem to get blurrier everyday. To best tackle this subject, let me fully explain the criteria for each type of recording.

In this day and age, a demo recording is simply a ‘snapshot in time’ of what your music sounds like in its most natural and unfettered setting. For bands, this may be a DAT recording from a live show or a studio recording that was produced from setting everyone up together and playing your songs live in a sonically controlled setting. For a singer or rapper, your demos may reply heavily on sequencing, keyboards, and loops. In most cases, demos utilize a minimum amount of overdubs or fixing to reach the final product. These kinds of products are usually turned out very quickly for little or no money. Demos will give the listener a good idea what genre your music is in and approximate what you sound like.

On the other hand, a full production release should be a fully actualized, wholly realized account of who you are as an artist and the statement your music is trying to make sonically. Many times I hear people say, “If only I could have...” With full production, every care is taken to choose just the right sounds for EVERYTHING. In making a full production effort, we go to any length to get the exact sound and performance needed for each song. In the end, a listener comes away with an exact picture of what your message is, both lyrically and sonically. That picture may be created with only a single vocal track and an acoustic guitar or it may require Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and a couple of off-duty Falcon cheerleaders to complete. In either case, there is an purpose to the production and a sense of completion to the final product.

In some case, there is a considerably higher price tag connected to full production projects but not always. In most every case, there is a lot more time and attention involved in every step of the process from songwriting, sounds, and performances, through to the final mix and master of the entire project. With today’s technology, some of the actual recording may have come from a home studio, but many aspects of these projects are completed in more professional digs, including mixing and mastering.

In the end, the real difference is intent. Are you trying to give people an idea of what you sound like or are you trying to give the listener a complete and accurate picture of who you are as an artist? Therein lies the REAL difference.

Brian Stephens is a professional drummer, engineer, record producer, and music educator. He is also the CEO/Managing Director of Sound Decision Studios in Atlanta, GA (www.SoundDecisionStudios.com). He can be contacted via email at Brian@BrianStephens.com