Acoustic Demo or Full Band Production?

[BrandRecordingCo]

mmmyello,

So about a year ago I released a 12 song album consisting of the first songs I ever really wrote. It was basically a really good project for me to sharpen my producing, mixing, recording and editing skills. I seemed to spend more time on the production part, than I did writing and playing the material. You can check out some of the songs Here as a reference.

I play all of the instruments myself, so I did not have any other musicians on the album.

I am now writing my 2nd album. This time around, I'm spending WAY more time writing and perfecting my songs and plan to take a minimalist approach when it comes time to record, as opposed to the "over-production" of my first album. This next collection of songs is more me, and the style I'm wanting. Think John Mayer (a mix of both earlier stuff and newer stuff like Continuum), The Fray, even The Beatles, etc.

Anyways, I'm debating on if it would be better to record my songs acoustic and put that out for awhile, trying to build a bit of a buzz, or just go all out the first time and do a full production. I just moved into a nice big house with a huge room I use as my recording studio, and could get a nice live vibe with all real instruments this time around. What are your experiences with the success of a well produced acoustic album showcasing a singer/songwriter? Would I be better off doing this for now, then maybe later if I build any kind of buzz, do a full production? If so, I've considered finding some great musicians to jam with on the album just to get a different approach and vibe than if I play everything. I could always do both an acoustic version and a full band album, but am looking for suggestions on how well a good acoustic album really does. I guess it would be a good way to get out there quickly and start showcasing the songs around, and then do the full album down the road...

Any info would be great!

Thanks!

[tommyd123]

Originally Posted by $uper$tar

mmmyello,

So about a year ago I released a 12 song album consisting of the first songs I ever really wrote. It was basically a really good project for me to sharpen my producing, mixing, recording and editing skills. I seemed to spend more time on the production part, than I did writing and playing the material. You can check out some of the songs Here as a reference.

I play all of the instruments myself, so I did not have any other musicians on the album.

I am now writing my 2nd album. This time around, I'm spending WAY more time writing and perfecting my songs and plan to take a minimalist approach when it comes time to record, as opposed to the "over-production" of my first album. This next collection of songs is more me, and the style I'm wanting. Think John Mayer (a mix of both earlier stuff and newer stuff like Continuum), The Fray, even The Beatles, etc.

Anyways, I'm debating on if it would be better to record my songs acoustic and put that out for awhile, trying to build a bit of a buzz, or just go all out the first time and do a full production. I just moved into a nice big house with a huge room I use as my recording studio, and could get a nice live vibe with all real instruments this time around. What are your experiences with the success of a well produced acoustic album showcasing a singer/songwriter? Would I be better off doing this for now, then maybe later if I build any kind of buzz, do a full production? If so, I've considered finding some great musicians to jam with on the album just to get a different approach and vibe than if I play everything. I could always do both an acoustic version and a full band album, but am looking for suggestions on how well a good acoustic album really does. I guess it would be a good way to get out there quickly and start showcasing the songs around, and then do the full album down the road...

Any info would be great!

Thanks!

I think you shoud do a record that you think best represents the songs and creates the end result that you envision. I wouldn't do an acoustic version just to get it out faster and see if it catches on. Do the real deal, all out, then let the chips fall where they may. You could do a seperate release with acoustic versions as a compliment to the original.
Also, a question to you. How do you see yourself creating a buzz? Will you be performing live as well? Are you sending it to contacts you have at labels or publishers?