Want to get your music in front of record labels? Here's how to do it right:
- Polish your tracks to industry standards
- Find labels that fit your genre
- Build a killer submission package
- Send your music the smart way
- Follow up without being annoying
Key things to remember:
- It's tough out there. Labels get flooded with demos daily.
- Patience is crucial. Don't expect quick replies.
- Rejection happens to everyone. Use it to improve.
- Labels want artists who can make money, not just good music.
Before you submit:
- Develop your unique sound
- Grow a fanbase through gigs and social media
- Get pro-quality recordings
- Craft a compelling artist story
Ready to dive in? Let's break down each step to boost your chances of success.
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1. Make Sure Your Music Meets Industry Standards
Getting your tracks ready for labels isn't just about great music. It's about meeting industry expectations.
Professional Mastering
Labels get tons of demos. Your tracks need to pop. Professional mastering is key.
A well-mastered track shows you mean business. It tells labels you've put in the work.
Here's the deal:
- Master 2-3 of your best tracks. Don't send a full album of so-so stuff.
- Use WAV or high-quality MP3 (at least 256 kbps).
- Label your tracks right. Artist name, track title, contact info. All in the metadata.
Matt Linden from Forged Artifacts says:
Be up front about what stage your music is in. If it's not fully mastered, just let us know. Nine times out of ten, a label's going to understand your music enough to know if they want to pursue you. It's just about communicating that.
Tight budget? Try pro audio mastering software. It's not as good as a real engineer, but it can help.
Picking Your Best Songs
Choosing tracks is as crucial as their quality. Your demo is your musical business card.
How to pick:
- Show off what makes you unique.
- Think about what your audience (or the label) would dig.
- Mix it up. Different tempos, different moods.
- Ask for feedback. Get opinions from people in the know.
2. Find the Right Labels
Finding a record label that fits your music is like dating in the industry. Don't just blast your tracks everywhere. Instead, look for labels that vibe with your sound.
Match Your Genre
Want to boost your chances? Pair your music with labels that specialize in your genre. It's simple, but many artists skip this step.
Do some digging:
- List labels with artists like you
- Check out their artists, releases, and overall feel
- Use streaming platforms to find label info
For example, if you make weird electronic stuff, check out Ghostly International. They've grown beyond their electronic roots and might dig your fresh sound.
Don't just chase the big names. Smaller indie labels often give new artists more chances. They usually have fewer artists and are more open to taking risks.
"Indie labels often give artists more creative freedom and personal attention. It's like having a closer relationship with your label." - Xposure Music
Follow Label Rules
Got your list of potential labels? Now play by their rules. Each label has its own way of doing things, and following their guidelines can make or break your chances.
Pay attention to the details:
- Some want emails, others use online forms
- Some ask for full tracks, others just want snippets
- Customize your pitch for each label
Show them why you'd fit in with their other artists. Did they just sign someone with a similar sound? Bring it up!
Don't expect instant replies. Labels get tons of submissions. It's okay to follow up, but be polite and don't spam them.
3. Build Your Submission Package
Want to catch a label's eye? You need a killer submission package. Here's how to make your music shine:
EPK Essentials
Your Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is like your musical resume. Here's what you need:
- A short, punchy bio that highlights your sound and story
- Pro photos that match your vibe
- Your best 2-3 tracks (quality beats quantity)
- A music video, if you've got one
- Any good reviews or radio play mentions
"Your EPK is your musical handshake. Make it firm, memorable, and leave them wanting more."
Keep your EPK updated with new tunes, shows, and achievements. It's not a time capsule - it's your living, breathing musical CV.
Social Media Snapshot
Labels want to see your online buzz. Here's what to include:
- Follower counts (focus on your strongest platforms)
- Engagement rates (likes, comments, shares)
- Growth trends (if you're on the up-and-up)
- Streaming stats (Spotify streams, playlist adds)
Remember: A small, super-engaged fanbase can be just as impressive as a massive, lukewarm one.
Your submission package should tell your story, show off your talent, and prove you've got fans. It's your first impression - make it count.
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4. Send Your Music
You've polished your tracks and lined up your target labels. Now it's time to send your music. But don't just blast it out to everyone. Here's how to make your submission count.
Craft a Killer Email
Your email is your first impression. Here's how to make it pop:
- Keep it short
- Personalize it
- Nail your subject line
- Introduce yourself briefly
- Link your tracks (no attachments)
- Close with a call to action
Here's a template to get you started:
Subject: Demo Submission - [Your Name] - [Genre]
Hi [Label Contact],
I'm [Your Name], an electronic producer from [Your Location]. I dig [Label Name]'s releases, especially [specific aspect] of [specific release].
I've got a new track that might fit your roster. It's called [Track Name] and it's [brief description].
Check it out here: [Private SoundCloud Link]
What do you think? Could it work for [Label Name]?
Thanks,
[Your Name]
[Your Website/Social Media]
Be professional, but human. As Matt Linden from Forged Artifacts puts it, "It's just about communicating that." Show your personality, but keep it respectful.
Timing Is Everything
Want to boost your chances? Here's when to hit send:
- Skip industry events and holidays
- Aim for Tuesday to Thursday
- Send during business hours in the label's time zone
- Consider if your track fits a season or upcoming event
- Follow up once after two weeks, but don't spam
Pro tip: Use Boomerang for Gmail to schedule emails for the best times.
Patience is key. As one industry insider says, "You don't really know what you're doing until you do it." So keep at it, learn from each submission, and refine your approach.
While services like Viral Spike Marketing offer label submission services starting at $550, it's often better to do it yourself. It shows initiative and gives you direct industry experience. Plus, that personal touch can make all the difference.
5. Follow Up the Right Way
You've sent your demo. Now what? It's time for the waiting game. But don't just sit there. Following up is key, but it's tricky. Let's get it right.
When to Expect Answers
The music industry marches to its own beat. Here's the deal:
- Major labels? Don't hold your breath. They often ignore unsolicited demos.
- Regular labels typically take 2-4 weeks to respond.
- Smaller labels are usually quicker, often within a week.
Patience is your friend here. As one industry pro puts it:
"You don't really know what you're doing until you do it."
So, keep cool and don't flood their inbox.
Dealing with No's
Rejection hurts, but it's part of the game. Here's how to handle it:
1. It's not personal
Labels reject tracks for tons of reasons. Many are out of your control.
2. Learn from it
If they give feedback, it's gold. Use it for your next submission.
3. Keep pushing
Today's "no" might be tomorrow's "yes."
4. Explore other paths
While waiting, grow your fanbase through gigs and social media.
Aden Russell, a music producer, nails it:
"Don't get cut if they say no. Label A&Rs have to be picky, and can get put off by something you didn't even intend on doing. Don't take it personally."
When you do follow up, keep it brief. Try this template:
Hey [Name],
Hope you're well! Just checking in about the demos I sent on [date]. Any thoughts? Let me know if you need anything else.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Submitting your music to record labels is a journey. It takes time, grit, and a professional approach. Let's recap the key steps and look at what to do while you wait for that big break.
What to Do While Waiting
Waiting for responses can feel like watching paint dry. But don't just sit there twiddling your thumbs. Here's how to keep your music career moving:
1. Keep making music
Daniel Kandi, a respected music producer, says it best:
"Your skill just needs time and effort. Nobody builds a house overnight."
So keep at it. Use this time to level up your production skills and create new tracks.
2. Grow your local fan base
Labels love artists with a following. Focus on building your audience through live gigs and social media. As CJ Mastering points out:
"If you cannot get your neighbors and locals to come out to see you, no major label will talk to you."
3. Try self-distribution
While you wait, why not get your music out there? Platforms like Spotify and iTunes can help you gain traction. Who knows? You might catch a label's eye.
4. Network and collaborate
Connect with other artists, producers, and industry folks. Collaborations can open doors and expand your reach.
5. Compare and improve
Stack your tracks against pro releases in your genre. Where can you up your game? Look at sound quality, mixing, and mastering.
6. Prepare for round two
No response after six weeks? Time to regroup. Matt Linden, founder of Forged Artifacts, offers this advice:
"Remember that sometimes it's not about you... But you never know when you're going to reach someone on that one day, that one email that they open up and it really resonates with them."
Persistence is key in this industry. Many big names faced tons of "no's" before their big "yes". Use each submission to learn and improve.
While you wait, keep this nugget from Pyramind Institute in mind:
"Remember, you've organized all of these labels to start this process and they should be ones that you would be happy to release on no matter where they fall on your list."
Stay focused on your goals. Keep making music that speaks to you.
This journey isn't just about getting signed. It's about growing and connecting along the way. Keep pushing forward. Every step brings you closer to your musical dreams.
FAQs
How do you pitch yourself to a record label?
Pitching to a record label isn't rocket science, but it does take some smarts. Here's the lowdown:
First, get crystal clear on what you want. It's like ordering coffee - you need to know if you want a latte or an espresso before you step up to the counter.
Next, serve up the good stuff. Your best tracks, a quick bio, and any cool things you've done. Don't dump your entire life story on them - they don't need to know about your 3rd-grade talent show.
Be cool, but professional. One industry pro put it this way: "Being polite, friendly and articulate gets you far." It's like dating - you want to impress, not overwhelm.
Do your homework. Don't pitch your death metal to a country label. It's a waste of everyone's time.
Finally, chill out and wait. The music biz moves at its own pace. It's not Amazon Prime.
Remember, your pitch is your handshake. Make it firm, make it memorable, and for Pete's sake, don't be sweaty.
Can you still send demos to record labels?
Absolutely! But it's not 1995 anymore. No more mailing cassette tapes or CDs. Here's the deal:
"In today's digital landscape, most record labels prefer receiving demos as streaming links rather than file attachments. Sending a private streaming link, such as a SoundCloud link with downloads enabled, is both efficient and professional."
It's like sending a Spotify link instead of a mix CD. It's easier for them, and it shows you're not living under a rock.
How long should a demo be for a record label?
When it comes to demos, think appetizer, not full meal. Labels are busy, and their attention spans are shorter than a TikTok video. Here's a pro tip:
"Sometimes, you might only send half a song as a demo (intro + 1st drop for example). This is often enough to give the label an idea of what the track is about, and if they like it."
It's like a movie trailer. Give them the highlights, leave them wanting more. Plus, it saves you time. Why finish a track if no one's biting?
How to get music heard by record labels?
Getting noticed by labels is like trying to catch a fish. You need to cast a wide net:
- Use online submission platforms. Many labels have forms on their websites. It's like applying for a job online.
- Get social. Twitter, Instagram - wherever the industry folks hang out. Just don't be that guy who spams everyone with "Check out my SoundCloud!"
- Network. Go to industry events. Meet people. It's old school, but it works.
- Try music promotion services. Companies like Viral Spike Marketing can help, but it'll cost you. Their label submission services start at $550.
- Reach out directly. If you can find an A&R rep's contact, hit them up. But be cool about it.
Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Keep making music, keep improving, keep trying.
How do you send your demo to record labels?
Sending your demo is like applying for a job. You need to nail it:
- Use streaming links. SoundCloud or Dropbox are your friends. No one wants to download your 50MB file.
- Keep your email short and sweet. Highlight your best stuff. It's like a resume - they don't need to know everything.
- Include an EPK. That's an Electronic Press Kit. It's like your music business calling card.
- Follow the rules. If a label says "No attachments", don't send attachments. It's not rocket science.
- Make it personal. Show you know something about the label. It's like dating - no one likes generic pickup lines.