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Building a killer music demo reel — Part 2: Sequencing

Read time: 9 minutes

Sequencing for success: Selecting tracks for a winning demo reel

Welcome to part two of our series on creating a killer demo reel for composers navigating the realms of film, TV, commercials, and video games (read Part One here). This time, we’re pulling back the curtain on some not-so-obvious strategies that could be the difference between a reel that warrants a second listen and one that books you the gig. It’s all in the details—like picking and arranging your tracks (spoiler alert: the first cue is kind of a big deal) and polishing your reel’s focus. 

Before we dive in, here’s some good news: this article’s strategies and concepts apply to both targeted and general pitches. While we do mention tailoring a reel to the project’s mood and tone throughout the piece, remember that when it comes to your general, non-targeted reels, YOU are the one setting the vibe, not the project.

Kicking off your demo reel with a bang

Let’s start with the very first track on your demo reel because you never get a second chance to make a first impression. And that definitely holds true for demo reels. The opening track is like the amuse-bouche of a fancy dinner—it sets the tone for the entire experience and could determine whether the listener eagerly anticipates more or reaches for the “next” button. In this section, we’ll serve up some tips on how to choose the perfect opening track.

The opening track is like the amuse-bouche of a fancy dinner

Why your opening track matters 

The first track on your reel is your golden opportunity to make a splash and get listeners pumped about your work. With an avalanche of demo reels flooding the inboxes of industry decision-makers, you’ve only got a fleeting moment to make a lasting impression—about ten seconds, to be specific. A powerful opening track that shows off your skills and offers a taste of your unique style will stick in listener’s mind and make them crave more.

So, what makes a first track a showstopper? First, it’s gotta be attention-grabbing and memorable, whether that’s through unusual instrumentation, an irresistible melody, or a surprising twist that sets it apart. Secondly, it should spotlight your strengths as a composer, proving that you can create music that’s both technically polished and emotionally stirring.

Pro tip: Bigger is not always better. In fact, don’t open with your biggest and most bombastic track because you’ll leave your listener nowhere else to go after that.

Hand-picking the right opener

Think you’ve found a track that checks all the showstopper boxes? Not so fast. You can’t just pluck a track from your library and give it the #1 slot for all eternity. Every targeted pitch is like a unique piece of art, and you must carefully hand-pick a stellar first track for each project you pursue.

For example, if you’re gunning for a horror film, you might opt for something spine-tingling, goosebump-inducing, or tension-filled. But if you’re aiming for a rom-com, then an upbeat, playful, or swoon-worthy track could win hearts. Knowing your target project’s vibe will help you choose an opening track that’s both attention-grabbing and a perfect fit for the project.

For your general reel, the sky’s the limit for your first track—go ahead, choose your most show-stopping cue, regardless of the genre! Someone looking at your general reel just wants to get a sense of what you do best.

No matter the pitch type, picking the perfect track to kick off your reel will leave the listener eager to dive headfirst into more of your work.

Get more tips

Choosing the best track to start your demo reel can feel like picking the right pair of shoes for the red carpet. That’s why we’ve whipped up a quick checklist for selecting the ultimate opening piece. Sign up for our email list below, and we’ll send you our exclusive “First Track Power Play” to help you confidently kick off your next demo reel like a champ.

Crafting an unforgettable demo reel: The art of sequencing

So, you nailed that fantastic opener—high five! But we’re not done yet. Now it’s time to tackle the all-important (and arguably more fun) part of the process: sequencing your demo reel. Consider sequencing the trusty sidekick to your first track. The first track is the one that gets people through the door, but it’s the art of sequencing that keeps them moving to the third track and beyond. In this section, we’ll explore how to arrange tracks like a pro so your listeners stay hooked and captivated all the way through your demo reel.

Why sequencing matters

The perfect first track alone can’t guarantee success. And don’t buy into the misconception that simply front-loading your reel with your top three tracks will do the trick (though the first three tracks are critical because often that’s as far as the listener will get). Instead, make it your mission for every track on your reel to be your “best work.”

To truly become a demo reel maestro, you’ll need to perfect the art of sequencing and arrange all your chosen tracks in the most effective order—starting and ending with a crowd-pleaser.

Crafting a cinematic journey

When you get your sequencing just right, you can craft an immersive story that highlights your best work while flowing seamlessly. Think of your demo reel as a cinematic masterpiece: after that jaw-dropping opener, the subsequent tracks should unfold like a natural narrative, captivating listeners from start to finish.

And just like you did with the first track, be sure to tailor your sequencing to the specific project if you’re sending a targeted pitch. Again, choosing cues that resonate with the project’s tone will demonstrate how your music is the perfect choice to elevate the story.

Think of your demo reel as a cinematic masterpiece

As you build your narrative, change things up with different styles, tempos, and moods to show off your versatility. You can group similar tracks together to create a more cohesive listening experience while showcasing your range. And feel free to sprinkle in some unique touches that reflect the project’s theme or add a surprising twist. 

These little details will help you stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on the listener. And don’t forget, transitions between tracks should be smooth and natural. You don’t want any jarring shifts interrupting the musical story you’re weaving.

Putting your demo reel to the test

To test your sequencing, imagine your potential client sitting down to listen to your playlist over dinner (or better yet, play it for friends at your own dinner party). If the flow of tracks creates an engaging atmosphere without distracting from the experience, you’ve likely struck the right balance in your sequencing.

Never underestimate the impact the arrangement of your tracks can have on how your demo reel is received. By making sequencing a top priority, you’ll soon be crafting reels that show off your diverse skills and your ability to tell a compelling story through your music. Excellent sequencing is like the secret ingredient that could increase your chances of winning the gig. 

Fine-tuning your demo reel for maximum impact

Now that you’ve nailed the opening track and crafted a cohesive theme for your demo reel, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dig into the nitty-gritty details that can elevate your reel from good to fabulous. In the upcoming sections, we’ll explore some lesser-known strategies in demo reel construction, like clean/immediate starts, editing for conciseness and impact, and striking the right balance between variety and consistency in your track selection. By the end of this article, you’ll be more than ready to create a demo reel that’ll leave listeners wanting more! 

Striking gold: Finding the perfect length and balance

You might feel compelled to cram your demo reel with tracks galore, but keeping your reel trim and focused is crucial. Keep that playlist tight. Aim for a sweet spot of 5 to 7 minutes, as industry pros often have a limited window to review submissions (and you always want to show that you respect their time).

Within this Goldilocks zone, you should be able to showcase a dynamic and diverse playlist while keeping a cohesive listening experience. And don’t forget: quality over quantity. It’s always better to have a shorter, carefully curated reel with well-produced tracks than a lengthy one that lacks consistency or polish.

Hitting the right notes: Clean starts and unforgettable openings

The opening moments of each track on your demo reel are a high-stakes game of musical chairs. To keep listeners from moving on, every cue should begin with a clean start and a captivating opening. Ditch drawn-out intros or needless build-up; instead, jump straight into the heart of the piece, showcasing its one-of-a-kind features and your signature style. 

Cutting to the chase: Editing cues for brevity and punch

The idea of “trimming the fat” holds true not only for openings. An outstanding demo reel showcases succinct, powerful cues that put your talents on full display. To achieve this, snip away any redundant or less thrilling sections, focusing on the most captivating and memorable moments. Presenting a lineup of potent, well-edited cues will create a compelling listening experience that demands attention from start to finish.

Fun fact: Our dedication to showcasing only the “main meat” of a track inspired ReelCrafter’s innovative feature: the non-destructive snippet editor.

Walking the tightrope: Balancing diversity and consistency in track selection

Featuring a broad range of tracks in your demo is a testament to your adaptability as a composer. But it’s also crucial to keep your selection consistent so your unique voice doesn’t get lost in the mix. To strike that perfect balance, consider these tips:

  • Pick tracks that spotlight your strengths: Opt for pieces that showcase your trademark sound, while still demonstrating your ability to work in various styles and moods. This confirms your versatility and readiness to tackle diverse projects.
  • Cultivate a unified theme: Even when incorporating a wide assortment of tracks, make sure your reel maintains a consistent theme. This can be achieved through similar instrumentation, tonalities, or moods. Choosing tracks that embody your uniqueness is always a winning strategy.
  • Sequence or bust: This is where perfecting your sequencing skills will serve you best. The perfect arrangement of diverse tracks can create a sense of consistency for the listener. While the wrong sequence can quickly fall flat.

Keep your selection consistent so your unique voice doesn’t get lost in the mix

Cue the finale: Crafting the ultimate demo reel masterpiece

And there you have it—the inside scoop on crafting a demo reel that will leave your audience wanting more. Remember, perfecting your reel is an ongoing process, so don’t be afraid to experiment, refine, and grow as a composer. With the right balance of unforgettable openings, captivating cues, and artful sequencing, you’ll be well on your way to creating a reel that wins hearts, minds, and gigs.

Ready to jump-start your demo reel journey? Sign up for our email list below to get your hands on our exclusive “First Track Power Play” checklist, which will help you choose the perfect opening track to wow your listeners.

And why not give ReelCrafter a spin? Start your free 14-day trial today and discover how our intuitive platform can help you build, share, and manage your demo reels with ease.

Check out the rest of our music demo reel series:
Building a killer music demo reel — Part 1

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