Book a recording session at an affordable music studio or use your home studio if you have one. You don’t need a high-specification recording studio to record a demo. For example, Venture Studios in Brooklyn offers recording services for reasonable hourly rates.
Record your best three songs. Rehearse before you go into the studio so that you’re ready. Use the studio time to make sure you capture your best performance. Don’t worry about adding post-production effects--the purpose of demos is to showcase your song and sound.
Sign up to a music-sharing website, such as Sound Cloud or Band Camp. Music-sharing websites let you host your music online for free. Click the “Sign Up” link, select a user name and hit “Finish.” If it’s available, use your band or artist name as the user name. If that’s taken, add “music” or “official” to the end of your user name.
Click “Upload” once you've registered, browse for your music file and upload it.
Book a show. Contact a local club that has a track record of hosting musical acts with a similar style to your own. For example, Acme Underground in Greenwich Village hosts rock bands and The Continental in the East Village specializes in promoting up-and-coming bands. Visit the venue website, click “Contact” and send an email requesting a show. Include a link to your music-sharing profile.
Make a list of two or three suitable record labels. Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group all have offices in New York City, but such large labels typically only accept demos from trusted sources such as agents. Fortunately New York City is also home to many independent labels that are more suitable for up-and-coming acts. Examples include Buckyball Music and Temporary Residence Records, both of whom have contact forms on their websites. Look through the credits in your CD collection to see which labels release records from your favorite bands. Even if the label isn’t based in New York City, labels typically have scouts based there.
Email your selected record labels using their online contact form. Include a link to your music and explain that you have reserved them a place on the guest list at your upcoming show in New York City. Include a one-paragraph description of your sound. If you’ve received any positive reviews, cut and paste the best snippets of these into the email.