When making a performance demo my best advice is to:
1) Try to keep all your sources the same. Its hard to mix and match live performances with studio recordings unless your live recordings are top notch. If you're going to go the studio route, keep all your tracks studio. Keep in mind that you don't need to spend $100/hour. Find a buddy with ProTools in the basement or check craig's list for "up and coming" producers/studio owners.
2) Record a lot of short tracks (Approx. 1 min. each) Most people have either a vary short attention span or are "on the go" and don't have time to listen to one or two very long tracks.
3) Mix styles. Do you play both E9 & C6? Do you play traditional or modern? If you're an all in one guy show that side but if you use the C6th neck as a arm rest then don't try to tell me that you're the best C6th player in the world with your two or three western swing licks.
4) Get it mastered! Again check craig's list. Out here in L.A. there's always some new kid on the block trying to get his start with mastering and you can usually find a good deal and save money that way.
5) Get a short run pressing of your demo with nice text on the CD (please don't hand write on your CD...this tells someone that your not pro).
Good luck![This message was edited by Craig Ferguson on 04 September 2006 at 09:58 PM.]
