MANY MUSICIANS WANT TO KNOW WHAT A PRODUCER LOOKS FOR WHEN CHECKING OUT A DEMO. HERE'S WHAT I LOOK FOR:

I want to know everything that can possibly be known about what's going on. You should:

* Detail the recording equipment and explain how the demo was recorded. Your demo may have the greatest sound in the world, and maybe it was done on a four-track. If so, that tells me you really know sounds, and you worked to get the demo happening.

* Explain the demo's purpose. What am I listening for? Do you want to be a producer? A writer? Do you want to be a singer? A lot of times I get a tape from someone who wants to be a singer, and the singing is horrible, but the song is great. Well, did you write the song? I don't want you for a singer, but I can use the song. You just got to communicate. You got to let me know what I am listening for. The more I know, the more accurately I can make a decision.

* Keep the songs short and avoid long intros. When I listen to a tape, I put it on, and I listen to the intro for about 10 or 15 seconds. If there isn't a verse starting or something happening in the first 10 or 15 seconds of a song, forget it. I'll fast-forward to the next song.

* Start the song at its strongest section. I don't have time to sit and listen to the whole song. So if the hippest part of the song is two minutes into it, just start the song at the two-minute point!

* Name your influences.

* Include a photo.