Season 3 of Making Music: Building the Demo
By now, your song’s structure, tempo, and key are locked in. It’s time to bring your vision to life with a demo that captures the essence of what the final production might be.
This phase will look different depending on your genre and workflow, so I’ve broken it down into a few different paths—each with personal insights to help guide your own approach.
🎸 Live Musicians Approach
If you’re working with live players, this is where your prep pays off.
Your guide tracks are now more than just reference—they’re tools to help your bandmates lock into the feel and structure of the song.
🔍 Personal Experience:
When I hit this season in my process, I typically send lead sheets to my drummer and bassist - the backbone of my rhythm section. We’ll book a rehearsal space and run through the songs, focusing on:
Drum grooves and bass lines
Guitar parts and interplay
Transitions between sections
Overall arrangement: Does the bass need to be in every section?
After a few focused rehearsals, we’re usually locked in. And the payoff? Our studio sessions run way smoother.
🎤 The George Marios Approach
Shoutout to my cousin, George Marios - an incredible guitarist and gritty singer-songwriter whose music hits with both power and heart.
When working on his demos, George takes a one-on-one approach. He’ll send a guide track to each musician, then meet individually—at his home studio or in a rehearsal space (especially for drums).
This works especially well if your music involves complex parts, changing time signatures, or intricate vocal harmonies. One-on-one sessions allow you to dial in those details without distractions.
🎹 Electronic/Virtual Instrument Approach
For those of you layering beats, synths, and samples—this is your playground. Fire up your virtual instruments and start painting.
But here’s the catch:
Don’t lose yourself in the sound hunt.
It’s easy to spend hours chasing the “perfect” patch or drum loop. Keep your core idea in focus. The goal is to support the song—not just fill the space.
Tip: Mute a few layers and play the track through. If it still works, you might be onto something. Sometimes, less is more.
Also, take breaks. Come back with fresh ears and ask:
Are all these elements necessary?
Could the arrangement breathe more?
🎙️ Acoustic Singer-Songwriter Approach
If you’re working with just one instrument and your voice, this season is all about performance.
I strongly recommend recording live takes over multitracking. It captures a vibe and honesty that’s hard to recreate with overdubs.
Set up your phone to record audio or video.
Watch it back. Listen like a fan.
Where does it connect? Where does it lag?
You don’t need polish—you need presence.
Whatever your setup, the demo stage isn’t about perfection - it’s about clarity. You’re sculpting the foundation for what’s to come. Make it intentional, make it honest.
Which approach do you use - or mix and match? I’d love to hear how you bring your demos to life. Hit reply or find me on socials and let’s talk process.
Until next time, stay inspired and keep producing with purpose.
- Billy
