• CD's are always preferred
• All Contact information should be printed on both CD and Cover(if any)
• Phone numbers are preferred over e mail addresses.
• If there is no phone number your CD may end up in the bin without even being heard !
• Interesting covers will help in getting your music heard first
• Above all please be aware that we get 1000's of demos a week and it can take a long time to get to yours, so do not ring or bombard us with emails as this will just delay us

• The first three songs of your CD will probably be the only ones that will be heard.
• Try your best to show the full scope of the bands performance.
• Long intros may show off the bands musical ability but invariably become boring

Send your demo to:-
DEMO.
JB's Dudley
15 Castle Hill
Dudley
DY1 4QF

Self promotion is essential. If you want to gain a following you will need to advertise where you are playing and build a database of fans contact details.  Standard press release letters should include a brief description of your act/band and its achievements, contact number, venue address and contact number, gig date & time and the nearest transport available. Including photos may encourage local press to do a feature on you!

There is no point in relying on 'Word of Mouth' recommendation from your friends, relatives and fans to build up a fan base big enough to attract media and A & R attention. Whilst it is probably one of the most effective ways of marketing, it is important to supplement it with other forms of advertising techniques.

Advertising does not have to cost a fortune, there are many places that you can advertise your latest gigs and keep your adoring fans up to date for nothing more than a few minutes of time and the cost of a stamp!

The following tips should give you few pointers towards ways you can promote and market your act or band, for a minimum cost. Start with what you can afford and put aside a few quid from your gigs towards printing and postage costs.

Local, National & Trade Press - usually have an Events/Diary/Gig Guide or music column where you can advertise your gigs free of charge

Radio Stations - regional and college stations often have a weekly show for new talent, check their program listings or contact the station for details.  Listen to the show for a few weeks to gain an understanding of the style and quality of acceptable demos then send a demo with covering letter to the shows presenter/producer.

Teletext - Provides free gig listings to bands and artists. Send your gig dates 2 - 4 weeks in advance.

Posters - Design something striking but simple with an empty section at the bottom where you can write in venue/date.   Don't stick them up just anywhere, ask your local shop, community centre, friends, venue, library, and college to put them on their notice boards/windows/fences for you and ensure the venues receive copies well in advance of your gig date.

Flyers - Should contain logo/name and contact number and can be used to advertise gigs, merchandise or demo, be smart and add a small section at the bottom for people to write their details for inclusion on your 'Mailing List'.  Some promoters will happily negotiate a reduced admission price for people carrying flyers which is an added incentive for them to be picked up!  Always carry a bundle and leave a handful in local pubs, clubs, shops, record stores, community centers, libraries and civic centers (remember always ask first!), put some on tables at your gigs, hand them out to mates etc.

Flyers 2 - If funds are available many newsagents will insert your flyer into newspapers assigned for delivery for a small fee. Local newspapers will also supply the same service on a larger scale.

Internet - Build a site promoting your act/music and add it to as many act/band databases, free for all link pages and music sites as possible

CD Inserts - Include an insert or tear off section for fans to send you their details for inclusion on your mailing list.

Electronic Notice boards - Many local councils have these scattered around busy Towns, Roads & Shopping Centers.  Many allow free advertising of events, contact the Reception or Computer Department and ask who deals with them in your Town.

Independent Publications - produced by local councils, arts groups etc., are often distributed free of charge throughout the borough.  Check your Civic Center , Town Hall or Library for information and examples of local publications/newssheets.
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Billboards - Static 'Announcement Boards' are dying out somewhat and many people are resorting to 'Fly Posting' (which is illegal so do not do it, a fine or conviction for defacing will not help.)  Look round your area for legitimate boards, often placed outside or near Libraries and Town Centers . (Again remember to ask first)

Mailing Lists - are one of the most effective ways to build a local fan base.  Create flyers or blank postcards with a section or label stating Free 'Mailing List' or 'Information Service', please write your details and hand this back to 'the band/the artist' for future gig dates & news.  Add an incentive like a free CD (a 3 song demo is adequate) and before long you'll build up a healthy database of interested fans who you can then send gig details, sell merchandise and provide demo 'list members only' tracks.

Allowing Mailing list members reduced price tickets is one way to ensure they turn up and if you have a decent fan base this can be utilized to the fullest by negotiating and offering coach trips to your out of town gigs.  Make sure you sell the tickets as a joint package (keep the monies separate the promoter and coach company will need to be paid!) and ensure the return coach picks up at the gig itself.

SMS - Text Messaging is a popular solution to keeping fans informed about the latest gigs! There are several providers around who make this affordable for artists and bands

Merchandising - splashing out on a few cheap pens with your logo printed on them, mugs, t-shirts, CD's etc can all be produced at a reasonably low cost and sold at gigs.  Keep track of stock including 'give aways' and don't overcharge, the end aim is to get people to come and see you and buy your music. Not to make a profit

Video's - Don't get conned into paying to have a gig recorded, the lighting is invariably inadequate and the sound from the desk often disappointing.  A talented mate or film student with a good camera is an asset and will give you a perspective on how you look when performing but should not be used for any other purpose unless you have specialist knowledge and excellent editing facilities.

Websites - are a useful advertising tool which are relatively easy and cheap to produce where you can advertise gig dates, sell merchandise and Cd's etc.,  Adding 'sound clips' photo's, band news, reviews, contact details and an interactive section (live chat/message board/mailing list form) will help to gain new fans and interest. It is always a good idea to include a Press section so that venues and promoters can download material such as bio's /posters/logos etc