Roger,

Normally song critiques are something I am paid to do. But for people involved in JPF and other forums I participate in, I do a free critique. I do need you to MP3 it to me and send it to my private e-mail address, MBarne4908@aol.com. It just helps cut down my time I spend looking for something and I can respond to you directly. Just remind me who you are and the nature of our conversation.

I look at demo's a bit differently than many people do. I use them not only to pitch a certain song, but believe that they are a certain element of accomplishment. As writers, we all reach higher and higher levels, and it is good to have a representation of that as you go along. I have demoed many a song that might have not stood a chance as a pitch but gave me a sense of accomplishment as I continued on my journey. And I have demoed several songs (sometimes feels like hundreds) that might have just been a good idea at the time.

But there are other uses for demos. Everything now is a My Space or Face book moment. We all have web sites. They represent our overall catalogue. They represent us to other writers for potential future co-writes. And you never know how someone will respond to what you do. If you have a really good representation of your song, it can help you in many ways. I have recieved cuts from out of the way places, independent bands and singers that might not have record deals but have large local or regional fan bases.
And guess what, that can give you OTHER demos on your song. I have had songs that have gotten up to eleven versions on the same song, based around multiple artists doing their own versions. You just don't know what is going to happen with songs or the journey they take you on.

So the key to anything, co-writing, solo writing, performing, recording, networking, business, is about doing homework, getting outside of yourself, getting various opinions, being open to change and working hard.

Write for yourself. Demo when you feel it's right and when you want to make your own statement. That is what you are doing this for.

MAB