Meaning & use
demo tape
Last updated
UK/ˈdeməʊ teɪp/
US/ˈdemoʊ teɪp/
Meaning
nouncountablemusic
A rough recording of songs or performances that a musician sends to record companies or promoters to show what they can do.
Grammar: Countable: send a demo tape, two demo tapes.
Patterns
- send a demo tape to someone
- record a demo tape
The band mailed a demo tape to ten record labels.
She recorded a demo tape in her bedroom.
A producer finally listened to their demo tape and called them back.
Word forms
| plural | demo tapes |
|---|
Common combinations
- send a demo tape
- He sent a demo tape to local radio stations.
- record a demo tape
- They recorded a demo tape with borrowed equipment.
- listen to a demo tape
- The manager listened to the demo tape twice.
- submit a demo tape
- You can submit a demo tape through the website.
- a rough demo tape
- It was only a rough demo tape, but the voice was striking.
Synonyms and how they differ
- demo
- Demo is the shorter, more current word and can also mean a digital file, while demo tape sounds older.
- sample recording
- Sample recording is generic and does not suggest sending music to the music industry.
- audition tape
- Audition tape is used for actors and performers applying for a role, not just for musicians.
Word family
- demo noun
- a short sample of music or software
- demonstrate verb
- to show how something works
- demonstration noun
- an act of showing how something works
Practice
Why would a young band send out a demo tape?
Choose one answer.
A demo tape is a sample recording sent to people in the music industry. The other options are unrelated to its purpose.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “demo tape”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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