How to send a radio demo tape

What is a demo tape for?

Paul Easton says: "PCs rarely, if ever, hire purely on the strength of a demo. The purpose of the demo is to get invited in for "a chat" - so treat it as an audio version of an application form. If you do get that call, it’s highly likely the PC will want to hear more of you - whether by requesting a longer, unedited recording of a show, or getting you to do an audition in the studio - before finally deciding whether to take you on.

"If you’re already working on a station that streams, there’s a good chance the PC might have been eavesdropping during one of your shows to see what you really sound like live. Sometimes, they may do that before deciding to invite you to come in."


Make sure the start is the best bit

"It’s a harsh fact of radio life that few demos get heard for more than the first 30 seconds. That’s not always because the demo itself is bad - although it has to be said that the overwhelming majority of demos received by radio stations is depressingly poor - but because that person may not be right for the station, or for what the PC is looking for at the time. However, it does mean that if your best bit is about a minute into the demo, there’s a very good chance it won’t get heard. So, make sure you start strong, and give the PC a reason to want to keep listening. Make a good first impression. If you haven’t got their attention by the end of the first link, then you’re unlikely to do so at all."


...and make sure it's compelling and good.

One programme controller says... "Out of the demo-tapes I got sent, most contained weather, music marathons, star birthdays, etc - but nothing that a person listening to my station could relate to! I tend to look for broadcasters I can relate to as people but don’t get in the way of the music. But one thing’s for sure - they need to be clear, bright and compelling."