by Scott Turner

The Demo Can Really Make The Difference

Many times, a well done demo can actually help a writer land a cut. Case in point - a good friend of mine namely Don Robertson wrote and demo'd a song titled "Please Help Me I'm Falling". Don used what was to be later tagged the Floyd Cramer style on piano on his demo. Chet not only reacted to the song, but was taken with the piano sound and Floyd played it on the #1 Hank Locklin recording. And the birth of the Cramer sound was born, but it was really Don Robertson who actually created it. Some have likened the sound also to some of Andre Previn's unique jazz stylings.

For those of you who are qualified musicians and writers, the demos done on new tech equipment are more than adequate, but for others who must have professional made demos, the costs, at times, can be very hefty.

A few years ago, I received a well-written song plus a great demo presentation from a writer/artist in (believe this) Knightstown, Indiana. The artist/producer is a very personable fella by the name of Kevin Stonerock. And his wife Laurie is also a wonderful vocalist and pianist.

The nice part is that Kevin's demos are ultra-competitive, but they are also ultra-economical cost-wise. Just keep in mind though that Kevin's demos can only be as strong as the songs the writers send him. Kevin's address is 4765 S. Greensboro Pike, Knightstown, IN 46148.

Certainly, there are some excellent demo services in Nashville (and also some whose reputation is a little shaky), but the only problem is at times the time-factor can be lengthy because of a work overload, but not with Kevin. His prices vary from a guitar/vocal demo to a full-blown production, but his prices are about 1/4 of some of the Nashville firms. I just know that he won't let you down. He's very honest.