On November 30 1980, Madonna’s band, Emmy, recorded a four-song studio demo which was later distributed on TDK cassettes around New York City.
Band member and songwriting partner, Stephen Bray, was asked to describe what he remembered from these songs in a 1998 interview with Bruce Baron for Goldmine magazine, and he commented on each this way:
- (I Like) Love For Tender – “Sort of our Byrds thing. Nice song, arrangement was too long though.”
- No Time – “This was a giddy, up-tempo romp with drums and rhythm section stuff inspired by the fast playing Police and XTC attitude, but with a pop top.”
- Bells Ringing – “Our most psychedelic number I recall, too long again. It had a definite Stones-ish attitude.”
- Drowning – “The best tune of the moment, I always thought.”
This is so cool! Thanks for posting it. I love seeing photos and hearing songs from her pre-fame era. I’ve always wondered about the date she signed with Sire Records, but I’ve never seen it published anywhere.
Yes that is Madonna playing guitar gearing up for her turn-of-the-centuries Rock masterpieces Ray of Light and Music ready to conquer the world once more!