Q & A September
Each month, MusicBizAdvice.com answers your questions about the music industry.
Demo Critiquing Dilemma:
Q: I started a new job at label. A friend of mine has
a girlfriend who’s decided to become a singer. My friend--who’s in a band and
should know better—thinks she’s great and wants me to critique her demo.
I’ve heard from reliable sources that she’s terrible. What should I do?
A: Many have lost friends or bandmates as a result of this dilemma, so
you’re smart to tread carefully. First, consider the friendship: how close of a
friend is he? (He’s putting you in a very awkward position, after all.) Next, ask
yourself which is the most expendable: your reputation at work, your friend’s
feelings, or the friendship itself? Worst case scenario, what would happen with each one?
Now follow your gut.
Now decide how you’ll handle this situation the next time it happens, and the time
after that, and the time after that. You’re in the biz now, baby! I handle it by
saying, "I’ll be happy to listen, but I have to warn you that I’m brutally
honest, so don’t get mad if I don’t tell you what you want to hear."
About
half of the people who approach me ask for their demos back. They’re looking for
kudos and "yes" people, not sincerity, and they’re not ready for the harsh
realities of the music business. By warning them in advance—therefore developing a
reputation for being honest—you’ll start attracting people who are really ready
for the music industry, and you’ll ultimately be respected for it. Good luck!
Q&A
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Answers in the MBADC Q&A are to be taken as general advice only and are not intended
as a substitute for legal advice from a competent entertainment or intellectual property
rights attorney.
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