starting a new project

so i decided to start a new project, im new to the "leader" role and was curious on which to start first, this is an all originals project in the las vegas area.

record a demo first or get some gigs under our belt?

we have been recording our practices and we have 10 songs with more in the wings.we have the means to record a quality demo ourselves IMHO, but one member feels we should have it proffesionally done(which one of my former bands got badly burned financially and quality wise). obviously we need something to use to get our gigs but also for sale at the shows. i also feel we have the gear and knowledge to make a demo.

 

my bad..... i should have added "needs advice" and put caps on NEW TO "LEADER" ROLE