You've made a really great demo, and you've managed to get it to some record company people through an attorney, or a manager, or through your own hard earned connections. "Not bad," they say. "We'd like to come out and see you." Now what do you do?

It's time to get ready to showcase. An industry showcase is an integral part of getting a recording deal. In years past, many bands were signed even without a live appearance before industry executives, because the music on the demo tape was enough to convince them that the group was destined for major success. Sometimes there wasn't even a band, just one or two musicians, who then put together the group with the assistance of the record label and the producer assigned to the project by the label. But these days it's a different animal. The live show is considered a vital piece of the puzzle in developing a band. The days of using uncredited studio musicians to record an album, and using the band to play live and be the "face" of the band to the public, have pretty much disappeared.

There are many different ways to go about doing a showcase, and the best method for each particular group will depend on a host of different factors.

First, be sure the interest you have is real. Many times, label people will find a tape interesting, and tell you they would be willing to come see the group. While they may be sincere, and they say that with good intentions, it won't be a priority for them. So before you go to a lot of energy and expense, be certain that the individual expressing the interest will definitely be there.

I've seen many cases where an A&R exec won't make it to a show, due to inclement weather, family obligations, having to stay late at the office, etc. They simply tell you to let them know when you will be doing another show, and they'll do their best to come to the next one. This can be frustrating after you've done a costly mailing, hired a soundman, used special effects, and made an all-out effort to get a crowd to the show.

Of course, if you're a band that gigs regularly, this is no problem. If you've developed a following, and do a few shows a month around town, it will be easy to let industry representatives know when you will be playing again. But for the average band, shows are few and far between, and to simply "set one up" again will be a great deal of work, with no guarantee that the same result won't occur again.

One effective, though costly, way is to offer to hire a limo to bring the exec to the show. This way, the odds are good that if s/he accepts, he will be there. It makes it easy for him, ridding him of the nuisance of getting a cab to the gig and back, and making it efficient time wise, as well as showing him the seriousness with which you are taking his interest.

Keep in mind your goal... getting seen1x Utilize whatever method possible to insure your efforts at setting up the showcase won't be in vain1x