Everyone thinks that their tracks are amazing, and why shouldn’t they be signed to a major label? Do consider that it’s not only you out there submitting material and saying the same thing. This article isn’t going to get you signed. However, it is going to ensure that when you contact a label, you do it the right way. It isn’t your music that makes the first impression. It’s how you grab their attention and draw them into your music. This is the ultimate checklist to ensure you are sending the right information.
YOUR MUSIC
First and foremost do not send a WIP (work in progress). If you include an apology about the sound quality, don’t even bother sending it. These are professionals. They know what an unmixed track sounds like. You need to be sure your track is 100% completed and it is your best foot forward. Keep in mind they are listeners just like anyone else. Statistics show that listeners make up their minds about a song within the first 30 seconds. If they don’t like it, they hit skip and move on.
The best thing to do if you have a long intro is to create a radio mix. Radio versions are usually shortened versions that are meant to occupy radio time. Most songs that occupy that space are right at or under the 3-minute mark. You most definitely do not want to send them an 8-minute track with a 2-minute intro.
It also needs to be original work. No remixes, mash-ups, or use any material that you don’t own the copyright to. This includes any sampled quotes from TV or movies.
Be sure your track is clearly tagged and labeled as follows: Artist Name - Song Title. If it is an MP3 or posted online to a streaming service the same rules apply. Make it look professional.
KNOW WHO YOU ARE SENDING TO
Do not send a mass email to just any label. Do your homework. Know the style of the label and be sure you fit in with what they are looking for. If you address them as “Hey what's up?”, that doesn’t personalize the communication. It looks like you are reaching out to just anyone. If you have an individuals email, address them by name. If it is to the label in general, address them as the label name.
Do not send a demo submission to their social media accounts. Take the time to actually visit their website and look for information about demo submission.
MEET THEIR REQUIREMENTS
Below you will find examples from actual labels websites about how they accept demo submissions.
If you do not include all of the information they are looking for, your demo goes in the pile of stuff that will never get listened to. Follow the instructions exactly as they ask.
WHAT TO SEND
If there is no form and you need to send an email don’t send them a download attachment. Nothing is more frustrating than all of your mailbox space being consumed by large files that you have to download. Make it easy for them. Send them a link to a reputable streaming service such as SoundCloud. There is no need to send them a link to a track with a million likes and plays. Make the track private and then send them the private link.
If they require a link to a download and no requirements are stated, send them a download link from a reputable file sharing service such as Google Drive or DropBox.
WHAT TO SAY
Keep it short, sweet, and factual. Check your grammar. You can do this by using the free version of Grammarly. Use the spell check on your document program and email. Check it and then check it again.
This is a template of what your email should look like. This has been stated by labels that actually look at the demo submission emails. They want your name, a short bio, the name of the song, a way to listen to the song, and your email. They don’t need your age or phone number.
Remember to personalize the email. Make it specifically for them.
To: label@label.com
From: You@gmail.com
Subject: Demo Submission for (Insert Label Name)
Hello (Insert Contact Name) or (Insert Label Name Staff),
My name is (insert your name - your real name) I am an electronic (musician or producer) from (insert your location). I have an unreleased and unsigned track that I would like to release on your label. The track is titled (insert name of the song) and has an innovative tension builder that is somewhat similar to your release (insert artist name on the label) (insert name of the song).
You can listen to the track by clicking on the following link:
http://www.soundcloud.com/artist/song-tittle
Thank You for your time and consideration,
(Insert your name)
(Insert official website only if you have one)
(insert your email address)
Simple as that.
FOLLOW UP
Remember labels receive hundreds of demo submissions every day. Don’t look for an instant reply. A good time to wait would be 2 weeks. If the answer is no, you will likely hear nothing at all. Don’t get discouraged. Just like applying for a job, you aren’t always going to hear yes. And that is ok.
The best way to follow up would be to send an email to the same address you sent the demo. This is a modified version of the example given for the original submission.
To: label@label.com
From: You@gmail.com
Subject: Demo Submission Follow Up for (Insert Label Name)
Hello (Insert Contact Name) or (Insert Label Name Staff),
My name is (Insert name). I am contacting you to follow up on a demo submission that I’ve sent to this exact e-mail address on (insert date). I understand that you are extremely busy and receive several submissions. I hope you can spare a moment of your time to give a listen to the track I have submitted.
The track is titled (insert name of the song) and has an innovative tension builder that is somewhat similar to your release (insert artist name on the label) (insert name of the song).
You can listen to the track by clicking on the following link:
http://www.soundcloud.com/artist/song-tittle
Again, Thank You for your time and consideration,
(Insert your name)
(Insert official website only if you have one)
(Insert your email address)
Don’t sound desperate or pushy. Show that you understand their time is valuable. Include how you would be a good fit for their label, include a link to the track, thank them for their time and you are done.
If you still do not hear back after another 2 weeks then they are likely not interested. You can go back to the drawing board and create another track, but I would wait 6 months before submitting to them again. If you decide to do that there is no need to mention that you have submitted before. Just resubmit the same way you did the first time.
CHECK LIST
- Great Song.
- 100% Original.
- 100% Complete.
- Radio Edit Version, no long intro.
- 320kps MP3 available for download (if required).
- Private Streaming Link Available.
- Research Label to ensure your music fits.
- Visit label website for submission requirements.
- Submission e-mail composed.
- Perfect Grammar.
- Personalized.
- All requirements met.
- Hit send.
- Wait 2 weeks.
- Follow up.
Now that you know what to do, it’s time to get that track ready to submit. Good luck, you got this.
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