Would you brave an old sock to listen to a demo? Discuss this one, industry professionals!

Some things should go without saying, but it is genuinely ill-advised to send in your demos wrapped in unwanted woollies as one band have done. Lesson one pop kids – do not send your old socks to the Demo Dip. You don’t want your music to be associated with smelly foot wear.

It is difficult enough for artists to get their tapes listened to by A&R people. A number of record companies even have a ban on listening to unsolicited material. We’ll try the sock test on our guest co-hosts next issue to see if they’ll take the sock challenge.

First non stocking-clad demo pulled from the Dip comes from Stripped a three piece from Co Antrim. The sound is akin to a ’90s Mamas and Papas without the Mamas. The overall effect is a pleasing pop folk (polk?) amalgamation that has a lot of commercial potential. The singer has a pretty voice, all sweetness and delicacy. The songs are good, with melodies, identifiable choruses and are well structured.

According to the enclosed biography, two members of Stripped have already toured the US as part Northern Irish folk rockers The Norwegians. With a bit of major label help and strong production they could have a wider radio-friendly, mainstream appeal, well beyond the folk clubs and pubs. They even have their own web site at: http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~rball/stripped

The mandelbrot set, are also from the North, but boast a different sound altogether from Stripped – or from almost anyone else for that matter. They use acoustic instruments alongside drum machines to excellent effect, and manage to avoid the “naff” quotient that comes with a lot of low-budget programming by using it with subtlety and taste.

There is a quiet, studied intensity about the mandelbrot set that is intriguing. The music is independent in the true sense of the word, as their influences aren’t easy to spot. They mention that they are hoping to record at the studio where Massive Attack re-mastered their current album, and there is a touch of that Bristolian sound in their “the future i desire” demo. The pace is slow, and thoughtful of sombre moods and reflection.

A step sideways from sending your tape in an old sock is submitting it without a contact number. Stone De Crows tell us that they are virtually un-contactable but that we could try a certain restaurant in Kenmare, Co. Kerry. The band may have some bright moments but they aren’t quite worth the detective fees it would require to track them down.

They seem like a fun, if somewhat ramshackle, band and are probably a real hoot live. The songs are ripe for after-hours playing and memorable enough to sing along to. They make the mistake of putting their best track, the excellent ‘Anybody Hurt’, last on the demo. Always put your best song first!

There is an air of both frivolity and “can’t give a monkey’s” about their approach to their music and presentation. Whether its pure artistic spontaneity and whimsy or un-professionalism is debatable. If Stone De Crows really want to get further in the music business they’ll literally have to get their act together.

In the meantime, if you happen to be in the Kenmare area, buy ’em a pint and ask for a tune.

• On line – contact Debbie at [email protected] (telecom Internet)

for demo queries or information.

• Debbie Skhow hosts the Hot Press Hot Spot every Friday night 9-11 on East Coast Radio County Wicklow.

• Send Demos, with a cover letter, photo, and one page biography to Demo Dip, Debbie Skhow, Hot Press, 13 Trinity Street,. Dublin 2.