Guide · Demos
Demo vs master
A demo is a rough recording that shows the song. A master is the finished, mixed and mastered recording that is ready to release. Demos are for listening and deciding; masters are for the public. You can release a demo, but it will sound like one.
Updated 20 Oct 2026
What a demo is for
A demo shows the song: melody, words, chords and structure. It is for you, co-writers, producers and pitching. See what a song demo is.
What a master is
A master is the final version of a recording after mixing and mastering, prepared for release on streaming services and elsewhere. Mastering is the final polish of the finished mix: balancing the overall tone and loudness and preparing the files for release.
The differences
| Demo | Master | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Show the song | Release it |
| Sound | Rough is fine | Polished and balanced |
| Who hears it | You, co-writers, producers | The public |
| Cost and time | Low | Higher |
Can you release a demo?
Yes. Some artists release demos on purpose, for the raw feel. If you do, decide it on purpose and tell listeners what it is.
Keep both
Keep the demo even after you have a master. In songdrafts every take or version you add, such as a demo or a rough mix, stacks on one card in the order you add it, so the story of the song stays in one place.
Common questions
What is the difference between a demo and a master?
A demo shows the song. A master is the finished recording ready for release.
Can a demo become the master?
Sometimes, if it sounds good enough.
Do I need a master to release a song?
You need a finished recording. Mastering is the final step.
Who masters a song?
Often a mastering engineer, or software you use yourself.
Should I keep my demos?
Yes. They show how the song developed.
Want this done for you? songdrafts is a board for your voice memos: every take stacked on one card, songs that move across stages, merging half songs, and one share link with comments pinned to the second. Works offline, and nothing you upload trains AI. What is songdrafts?