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Demo Factor 2020 – Live Blog
And that’s a wrap! Thank you to everyone who entered a demo, we hope the feedback has been useful! We can’t wait to see you all, hopefully in person, next year!
22:47 Special well done to Jack Hellier and Mollie Finn! You’ll also be hearing from some of our judges very soon!
22:46 And the winner is… ALEX WEST from URY! You made the judges think and they want to hear from you again! Paul wants to put our winner Alex straight onto Absolute Radio! Congratulations!!
22:43 In a surprise move, Paul wants to hear from URY’s Alex West again! PAUL FINALLY GETS TO PRESS HIS GOLDEN BUZZER FOR ALEX! Congratulations Alex! This is one of the best demos Paul has heard in all his years on Demo Factor. Alex has got a human connection, and a 10 out of 10 from Paul!
22:38 Tom Levins from Shock Radio sneaks in before we end this year’s Demo Factor! Aled needed a little more realism from Tom. Paul wanted to hear the full minute, the demo was grabbing enough for a full minute but needs a little more polishing.
22:34 Eleanor Anderson from Radio Sonar is up next as we approach the end of this year’s Demo Factor. Paul thought Eleanor’s demo is good, but it’s not quite got the grab some other demos have had.
22:31 Back to Leeds Student Radio for Jenna Green. So close to making it to the full minute! Aled thought he heard some edits in this demo. Pippa sees some solid presenting skills in Jenna, but needs more oomph!
22:28 Next to Leicester’s Demon FM for Thomas Fair’s demo! Thomas got a full minute with no buzzers, Paul really enjoyed what he heard. The judges can hear Thomas on LBC!
22:26 Lily-Rose Lenton from FZN Radio next. Pippa and Aled think the demo was lacking pace, it needed more direction. The judges need to be grabbed instantly, make sure your demos start with a bang!
22:24 Just ten demos left! Ed Farrar from RAW 1251AM is up next. A full minute for Ed with no buzzers! Almost Aled and Paul’s golden buzzer, the judges loved Ed’s passion for the music in his first link. Paul loved how the link was paced, radio-ready! Well done Ed!
22:20 Back to Leeds Student Radio, Ben Swift, you’re up! Paul wants Pandora to press her golden buzzer. The judges are very impressed with Ben! Aled enjoyed Ben’s demo but wants to be wowed. Keep going Ben!
22:16 Off to Purple Radio, hello Sophie Banerji! All judges buzzed for this demo, a note from Paul, if you’re doing a demo with multiple presenters, talk to the audience, not the other person.
22:12 We’re onto Tyler Selby now, back to Spark! A late final buzzer from Chris just before the minute. Pippa thought Tyler had a great voice but the demo fell a bit flat as it went on. Pandora’s got Tyler’s energy but the second link lost her. Come back next year Tyler!
22:02 Another individual member, Katie Tyler, you’re up! Another full minute, but two buzzers from Aled and Chris. Chris likes Katie’s voice, reminiscent of a young Lynn Parsons, but maybe not for our judges’ stations. Paul and Pippa thought Katie’s warmth came across.
21:56 From Cardiff to Sunderland, Pascal Maguet is up next! A full minute with no buzzes for Pascal. Paul thought the demo got better as it went on. Aled can hear Radio 1 specialist show in Pascal’s demo, almost a golden buzzer.
21:53 For the third time tonight, we’re back to Xpress Radio, this time with Ryan Beckerleg! An early buzz from Pandora, she loves the energy and the voice, but she’s not here to listen to dinosaur sounds! Aled wants a conversation, not a broadcast. Not the strongest feature, but they like you, Ryan!
21:49 Onto Gwenda Killick from Livewire now. Some quick buzzers for Gwenda’s demo, Chris and Aled think this isn’t the best link Gwenda’s produced. Chris wants to hear from her again next year with a better link.
21:45 Conor Finn is up next, he’s an individual member. Can he keep up the strong start to this half? Aled is not a fan of singing in demos. Conor made Pandora laugh, but she couldn’t stay engaged.
21:39 First up, Jack Hellier from Spark! WE HAVE PIPPA’S GOLDEN BUZZER!! Pippa sees plenty of potential, she thought Jack was speaking directly to her. Paul sees a young Jordan North in Jack, now that’s a compliment! He’s one for the future!
21:31 After a quick break we’re back for the second half! Judges have been impressed so far, let’s hope the demos keep up this very high bar. Good luck everyone!!
21:22 Back to Xpress Radio in Cardiff for Agathe Dijoud. Aled was hooked with the first link but the next link lost him! Pippa loved Agathe’s voice and passion for the environment, promising from Pippa.
21:15 We’re off to Nerve Radio to hear from Mollie Finn now. WE HAVE OUR FIRST GOLDEN BUZZER!! Chris wants to hear more from Mollie. Applause all round from the judges! Chris was engaged, got that Mollie is a natural storyteller, and is radio-ready! One note from Paul, let the punchline breathe before you move on. Amazing, congrats Mollie!
21:09 To Wales now! With Angus Mitchell from Xpress Radio. Chris liked Angus’ early natural vibe but was thrown by the second voice. So nearly a golden buzzer from Pandora, but the second link dropped off, come back next year Alec!
21:03 Next up is Jelena Sofronijevic who is an individual member! A very quick buzz from Aled, and the other judges followed. Aled needed more passion. Pandora and Chris wanted more from you Jelena, not the interviewee!
21:00 Toby James from SARC Radio, you’re up! Paul doesn’t want to hear clichĂ©s, this is Demo Factor, not CV Idol!! Aled and Pandora want your demos tailored to the station you want to fit into.
20:54 Exeter calling! James Moses from Xpression FM is up next! Two quick buzzers from Paul and Chris, the judges aren’t messing about! Never start with a jingle! Pandora wants to hear the real James next year.
20:45 Onto Sophie Wales from Surge Radio! For Aled, the bar is so high this year that Sophie just needs a bit more conviction in her speech. Paul really liked Sophie’s passion for the music early in the demo.
20:41 We’re off down to Stag Radio in Surrey for Jenna Pacini. Pandora saw potential but wanted more! Everyone liked Jenna’s voice, but think a little more work is needed.
20:35 Now up to Yorkshire with Alex West from URY. No buzzes from the judges, Paul loved the passion for music and Alex’s ability to discuss mental health. Only five words Paul didn’t like in the whole demo!
20:32 Next up, Callum Reeve and Chloe Williams from Smoke Radio! Paul and Chris need you to start with your best material, that opening 30 seconds is vital!
20:28 And we’re off! First up, Alec Feldman from Leeds Student Radio, a full minute for our first demo! Paul thought the joke went on a little too long but wanted more of Alec’s personality.
20:20 Here are our judges for this evening, Chris North, Paul Sylvester, Aled Haydn Jones, Pippa Taylor, and Pandora.
20:18 Our host, Ben Burell gets us going from his kitchen!
20:17 What an opening! We’re still bringing you all the fireworks you expected from Demo Factor!
20:13 The countdown is complete. Good luck to everyone who entered the first-ever Virtual Demo Factor!
20:00 We’re just getting ready to start, who’s excited? We are!!
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You can’t keep a good thing down!
As promised weâre bringing Demo Factor back for 2020, but this year, virtually! We may be socially distanced but weâre going to bring the show and our BIG GOLD LETTERS to you so you wonât have to walk very far to grab a drink! Sadly we canât bring you a glitter cannon, smoke machine or an ice sculpture due to logistics.
Our very own first time winner of Demo Factor, Ben Burrell from Absolute Radio returns as our Virtual Host and will try and keep the five judges in check. As is tradition, those entered, who will be picked out at random, will get the chance to join Ben and the judges virtually to hear their feedback.
The show will be recorded âas liveâ on the evening of Friday May 22nd, and will be broadcast on the evening of Monday 25th in all its glory! The team will be in touch with everyone whoâs uploaded a demo. Oh, and there may also be a few surprises thrown into the show, as is our way! Remember, you have to be in it to win it, and it could change your life, forever. Seriously!
Deadline to upload your demo is 2pm Monday May 4th 2020 at demofactor.com
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You have to be in it to win it! 2019 Winner, Finlay Panting explains all.
I still look back at Demo Factor last year and have to pinch myself at what happened that night. I entered this having never played my demo to anyone in industry, simply looking for feedback on what I could do better yet there I was in a room with some of the best voices in student radio, with judges I’ve idolised growing up, having just won Demo Factor 2019!
It’s embarrassing to admit, but at the point of entering I thought it was just about the buzzers, the judges and the tension of the night, I didn’t even realise there was an overall ‘winner’! Although that’s kind of the point, no matter whether you’re lucky enough to get a golden buzzer, or the dreaded 5 red buzzers on the night, you’ll gain that valuable feedback that you need to hear to push your presenting style forward, additionally you get the opportunity to be inspired by what other students are adding into their demos. From that night, I fortunately got to meet with some incredible people like Aled Haydn Jones (Head of Programmes for BBC Radio 1), Chris North (Agent & Founder of North Media Talent), Paul Sylvester (Content Director for Absolute Radio) and Ben Burrell (2008 Demo Factor winner, now Absolute Radio presenter), but importantly it also gave me so much more confidence and excitement to go back to my own student station and put everything into practice for a future in radio.
This year there’s even less to lose from submitting your demo, as not only can you do it from the comfort of your home, you don’t have to live through that torturous experience of standing in a room of about 200 people as your demo is played out loud over the speakers! It’s even a chance to get creative – with lots of Unis unfortunately now closed, there’s a chance to set up a mini-studio in your own bedroom & take the opportunity to practice different styles.
So if I could simply recommend one thing, find some clips that are authentically you and show off your best qualities on radio, do a bit of cut & paste into 2-3 minutes of audio and send it off to Demo Factor. The worst thing you’ll get back is constructive feedback that you need to hear & you truly never know, you might just win the thing!
Have fun & best of luck!
Finlay Panting
DemoFactor Winner 2019 -
Never done a demo before?
In the current circumstances DemoFactor will obviously be slightly different this time around. However it doesn’t mean that the feedback you get from a judge won’t be anything other than their honest opinion (maybe good or bad) and it will still be constructive and hopefully as helpful as usual! A demo should be up to 3 minutes long with your best bit at the start. Make the first minute impress us.
With a lot of you not being at your station at the moment we thought we’d also let you know that we appreciate that editing your demo might be more complicated than usual. Please remember that it’s your content / best links that represent you as a presenter that we’re judging you on so a rough cut or edit won’t count against you – this year!You may know most of this but if you’re new to making a demo from home here’s some editing suggestions in case you need them.
Audacity is the first audio editor you’ll probably stumble upon through Google, and it’s perfectly adequate, runs on Windows or MAC and supports a massive number of file types including MP3 or WAV. You can record straight into the App, or edit existing files. There’s an enormous number of effects you can use, and a multitrack editor for tweaking that running order and ensuring you’ve got the most impactful stuff in the right places (i.e the first 30 seconds to a minute!).Â
Remember to save your sessions regularly, and put the best stuff at the start, and make sure you name the file too! Once you’re happy with your demo, upload it at demofactor.com. What could be simpler?Â
Good luck!
Virtual DemoFactor 2020
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The show must go on, right?
With SRACon postponed until 2021, in these rather bonkers but difficult times we at DemoFactor have decided that our show will go on. Somehow!
It might not be the live first night of conference we were hoping youâd be part of in Salford, but the whole team, along with the SRA Officers felt you should still get the chance to submit a demo, via demofactor.com as usual and get some feedback from at least one judge. (Weâre just working out the finer details as the days go by.)
What I would love you to do is get a demo made, around 3 mins long but donât stress about that or how slick it is as there are other, more important things to worry about. Make the first minute count to grab the judgesâ attention. Upload it to demofactor.com and await the feedback. Just do it. Donât be worried about it. Celebrate all the great radio youâve done and the great times you had doing it.
Each judge, as is usual, will get one âBig Gold Buzzerâ for someone theyâre impressed with â then all the judges will listen to them again to help chose a winner. We will publish all those in the buzzer shortlist.
You have until 2pm on Monday May 4th to upload the demo. You or your station should be a paid up member of the SRA to enter.
We will announce when youâre to get the feedback in the next few weeks and the judges will be announced in the next few days! Things are changing fast so we will keep you updated on any additional information about this yearsâ virtual DemoFactor.
Good luck, and get making that demo.
Remember, again, you have that first minute to impress â a minute to win it. We look forward to hearing you. Any questions please message us.
Now wash your hands again.
Chris North
Head Judge, Virtual DemoFactor 2020
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Demo Factor 2019 – Live Blog
22:30–Thatâs all from us here at Demo Factor 2019. Congratulations if you had your demo played but fear not if you didnât, you have plenty more opportunities.
22:21 – The judges are back… after a lot of deliberation and lots of filling by our host Ben Burrell, the judges have decided who has won Demo Factor 2019⊠IS FINLAY PANTING FROM FORGE RADIO!
22:16 â The judges are now deliberating! Who is your Demo Factor winner 2019?
22:13 – Final demo of the night and the final golden buzzer from Chris!
Dafydd Evans from Demon FM absolutely smashed it! Could he be the next winner of Demo Factor?22:10 – Beth Hemmings from Shock Radio – Aled wants to be her friend and she is a warm likeable person, well done Beth you have great potential!
22:08 – Naomi Gildert from URY! Chris was brutal and said the first link could have been better! Better luck next time Naomi.
22:06 -We have just one golden buzzer left, but Emma Snow from Fly FM sadly didn’t get it!
22:04 -With just 10 minutes left of Demo Factor, Jordan Scudder from NSU/Radio is up next! Fiona said it started really well but she didn’t know where it was going… She loved it but got bored! The feedback from judges is getting fierce!
22:01 – Char Stape from Burn FM got some incredible feedback and has definitely got lots of room to improve for next years Demo Factor.
21:59 – All the way from Yorkshire is Hannah Sackville-Bryant from URY! Aled said you have the skill just learn your out… and Adele agrees but feels there is something special about her! Watch out as could Hannah a one to watch?
21:54 – The next demo up is Lauren Moore from Rebel Radio! Paul wanted more pace and energy as it was missing personality but he knows she will come back with even more passion and an incredible demo!
21:49 – Aled gave Dan Girst from Xpression FM in Cardiff the GOLD BUZZER! He thought he was very fun, creative and sleek! Could we be hearing Dan on BBC Radio 1 in a few years?
21:43 – THE THIRD GOLDEN BUZZER OF THE NIGHT! Congrats, Ollie Brooks from University Radio Bath – he certainly kept Adele gripped as she gave you the golden buzzer! She felt she was listening to the radio in the office – has he got what it takes to win Demo Factor?
21:41 – Sadly, Aaron Anderson who is an individual SRA member wasn’t here tonight. He got all red buzzers, wow, these judges aren’t holding back now.
21:39 – The quickest red buzzer of the night so far! Alexander Greensmith from FlyFM – Paul was brutal and so was Fiona… just chop the time checks and don’t be a cliche radio DJ, OUCH!
21:36 – The first demo of the second half is Harry Van Daalen from Shock Radio in the North West. Chris was the last to buzz, he was gripped but he felt it definitely needed more of a push as he kept drifting out of the demo… Adele loved the use of story but be more real. Well done Harry – the nerves of the interval must have been a killer.
21:34 â The judges are back on stage for the second part of Demo Factor. So far we’ve only had TWO golden buzzers… which judge will be the next one to buzz?
21:09 â Can you believe it? Weâre halfway through already. Demo Factor will return in 20 minutes with Harry Van Daalen’s demoâŠ
21:03 – ANOTHER GOLD BUZZER!! Congrats to Joe Carden from Wired, in London. Paul absolutely loved it… you really got him hooked and he believed in you as you are passionate and dedicated! What a great way to end the first half…
21:01 – Stephen Bailey from Smoke Radio in London. Aled said he has come so far in the past year, you have grown in to a confident presenter but you just need to push it a little more. Chris wanted just a bit more from the demo, he thought it was too commercial and he wanted to hear of his personality.
20:56 – He was off to a great start but ended with all red buzzers. Marlon Camacho from Shock Radio in the North West was in with the chance of getting a gold buzzer but played TOO much music meaning we didn’t get to hear you and you are the star of the demo. You have potential so just keep working hard.
20:51 – Another demo from Xpress Radio, up now is Ryan Beckerleg. Paul thought it was brilliant, if you continue like this you could be a Demo Factor winner. But, Fiona had something else to say… even though it was interesting she wasn’t a huge fan. I guess the judges tonight are all looking for something different!
20:46 – Cecile Howard from Surge didn’t get ANY buzzers and she certainly left us all on the edge of our seats! Fiona just said you’ve got the skill, just be yourself and enjoy it – it’ll feel more natural. Aled got totally lost in the demo he didn’t realise he had listened to the full minute. Well done Cecile!!
20:43 – The judges have great feedback to brand new presenter Eric Valdimir Berfela from Rebel Radio. Adele, loved his voice but has given great feedback saying craft your links with a start, middle and out! We expect to hear an incredible demo next year.
20:37 – WOW OUR FIRST GOLDEN BUZZER! Well done Finlay Panting from Forge Radio in Yorkshire. Our very first gold buzzer of the night from Fiona! Here is what she had to say… ‘you really thought about what you put in your demo, it was very strong and you have great potential. I really loved it and would happily go for a coffee with you’!! Could Finlay be a potential winner?
20:34 – Annabel Smith from Stag Radio in the south sadly got all red buzzers… Adele was a little unsure whether she liked the song but gave incredible feedback by saying to spend more time in the studio.
20:31 – We are getting in to it and up next is Kerrie Coshan from Fly FM in the Midlands! So, Aled didn’t buzz and loved her personality, if you keep it up you will go far. However, Paul had something different to say… make sure you have the punch lines and that it is only yourself in the first minute at least.
20:28 – Next up is Jacob South-Klein from Xpress Radio in the South West & South Wales. Here is what the judges had to say… Aled says if I was in the office listening to that you are funny & you’ve great personality but it wasn’t the strongest demo I’ve heard.
20:25 â Up first we have Kiran Evans from Surge in the South. The judgeâs response wasnât the best⊠Paul said it was like a night out with Chris North… oh dear! New judge for 2019, Adele, said great voice but if she agreed with Paul and Chris.
20:23 â The judges have arrived in style! Swansea you better be prepared for this!
20:20 â Here comes the host with the most, Ben Burrell
20:15 â Weâre about to start⊠Are you ready?
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Be Demo Factor’s Class of 2019!
I can still remember sitting in that room terrified that I was next. I knew my demo faded in on the end of a Sugababes track (that dates it an embarrassing amount) and the moment I heard it ring round the room at Bath Uni I knew I was about to hear myself do my opening link.
What I didnât know is that that day would change my life. In that afternoon (it was an afternoon back then, it was much less showbiz in those daysâŠ) I would meet the person who would become my agent, Iâd meet a future boss and a really good friend who has offered endless advice, all on the judging panel.
So while the whole experience has a side order of absolute terror it is actually worth it, the success rate of past winners going into the industry is very high, but not even that, youâre getting feedback from some of the best in the industry tailored specifically to you. And it might not seem it at the time even if the feedback isnât good but it will help, believe me. Sometimes bad feedback is better than good.
Working in radio really is one of the best jobs in the world, thereâs nothing quite like it. If thatâs what you want to do then Demo Factor really can open the right doors for you. So make sure you get to SRACon in Swansea and become the class of 2019, and I look forward meeting you!
Best of luck!
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Demo Factor 2019 is back!
The countdown has begun. Demo Factor 2019 is returning to SRACon on the evening of April 16th 2019. Hosted by Swansea University alongside its student radio station Xtreme Radio.
Only SRACon delegates who are members of the Student Radio Association can take part in the show. Got your ticket? It could change your life, FOREVER!
ARE YOU READY?
More exciting news to follow! @DemoFactor
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Thank you Norwich!!
Thank you for making Demo Factor 2018 fabulous. The quality of this yearâs demos was the highest weâve ever seen!
https://twitter.com/DemoFactor/status/981621681318973440
Congratulations once again to Tom Hinckley – you are this yearâs Demo Factor Winner!!
That feeling when you win @DemoFactor
@shockradioâs @Tom_Hinckley! #SRACon pic.twitter.com/sIGDNroWnL
— Student Radio Association (@SRA) April 4, 2018
Watch out for Tom in the future, he could be popping up on a radio station near you.
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Relive the best demos of Demo Factor 2018
Tom Hinckley from Shock Radio
This yearâs winner was a very popular man and managed to get 2 golden buzzers from Chris & Pandora. Pandora said ‘babe you’ve got a job in radio’. Chris North said he is SO gutted that Pandora hit the golden buzzer before him!
Kerrie Coshan from Fly FM
Kerrie was our first golden buzzer of the night. Despite the rest of the judges buzzing early, Aled from BBC Radio 1 heard something he loved. He even said she could be Charlie Sloth’s co-host.
Kay-lee Golding from Smoke Radio
Paul loved Kayleeâs demo. He said âyou are never going to work on my radio station but you are brilliant! I think you are the future of BBC Radio 1â. Aled thinks with a good producer you could pilot with 1Xtra!!
Harry Benjamin from Livewire
Chris North was SO proud of Harry and gave him a gold buzzer! He said he was slick and did the basics amazing. He nailed the SRA Chart.
Stephen from Smoke Radio
Jocelin from BBC Radio 1 loved Stephen and pressed her golden buzzer!! She felt he was so relatable and had a great voice. Let’s work on content and then we could do something amazing. Jordan said he loved him!
Jake from CSR.
Jordan said he was so relatable and put a smile on his face so he golden buzzer-ed him.
Megan from NSR
Pandora thought she was so relatable and thinks if she had her best stuff at the start of her demo, she would have had a golden buzzer!
Adam Wood from Spark Sunderland
He was a popular man amongst the judges. Paul said, âWho doesn’t want to hear about sausage at lunchtime?â. He said he was very close to golden buzzer-ing him (if that’s a word) but just need a little more from Adam.
Relive the whole night with our live blog
