How to submit a demo to a record label

Being an independent artist has its advantages, but as musicians, we have all dreamed of signing with a record label that helps us leap in our musical career.

This post alone isn’t going to get you signed to the record label of your dreams, but it will ensure that when you contact a record label, you do it the right way.
Because, unfortunately, it’s not your music that makes the first impression, but how you capture their attention and attract them to your music.

These are the points you should keep in mind:

YOUR MUSIC

First of all, don’t submit a work still in progress. If you’re going to apologize for the sound quality of your song, don’t even bother sending it. These people are professionals, they know what an unmixed track sounds like. You want to make sure that your song is 100% finished and that it is your best work.

Keep in mind that they are listeners like anyone else and statistics say that a person makes a decision about a song in the first 30 seconds. If they don’t like it, they hit skip and move on.

The best thing you can do if you have a long intro is to create a Radio mix. Radio versions are usually shortened versions, most are right at the 3-minute mark or less. So you don’t want to send them an 8-minute track with a 2-minute intro (unless that’s normal for your musical style).

It must also be original work. Remixes or covers, or the use of material that you do not own the copyright to, including any samples of TV or movie quotes, are not permitted.

Make sure your track is clearly labeled (Artist Name – Song Title), whether it is an mp3 or posted online on a streaming service. Make everything you do look professional!

WHO TO SEND YOUR MUSIC TO

Don’t send a mass email to just any label you find, do your research!

Know the style of the label and make sure you fit what they are looking for.

If you find a personal email, address that person by their name. If this is a general label email, address them by the label name.

Don’t send your demos to their social media accounts. Take the time to visit their website and find information about submitting demos.

MEET THEIR REQUIREMENTS

Here are some examples from real-label websites on how they accept demo submissions.
If you don’t include all the information they’re looking for, your demo will go into the pile of things that will never be heard. Follow the instructions exactly as they ask you to.

WHAT TO SEND

If there is no form and you need to send an email, don’t send them an mp3 as a download attachment. They’re probably going to delete it, no one likes their entire mailbox space to be filled with large files that you need to download.

You, make it easy for him! Send them a link to a reputable streaming service like SoundCloud. You don’t have to send them a link to a track with a million plays and likes, make the track private and then send them the private link.

If they need a link for a download and no requirements are listed, send them a link from a reputable file-sharing service like Google Drive or DropBox.

WHAT TO SAY

Be brief, concise, and direct.

Check your grammar. You can do this using the free version of Grammarly. Use the spell checker in your document and email program. Check it and then check it again!

This is a template of what your email should look like. This has been stated by record labels that actually look at demo submission emails. What they want is your name, a short bio, the name of the song, a way to listen to the song, and your email. So don’t send them other unnecessary information.

Remember to personalize the email. Always do it specifically for the label you write to.

As simple as this…

FOLLOW UP

Remember that record labels receive hundreds of demo submissions every day, so don’t expect an instant response.

A good waiting time would be 2 weeks. If the answer is no, they will probably never respond, but don’t be discouraged. Just like when you ask for a job, they’re not always going to say yes. And that’s fine.

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 I gave you for the original presentation.

Don’t seem desperate or pushy and show that you understand that 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’re done.

If you still don’t hear back within 2 weeks, they probably aren’t interested.

If your goal is exclusively to sign with them thanks to this song, you can continue working on it, but I would wait about 6 months before sending it to them again. If you decide to do so, there is no need to mention that you have already sent it before. Simply send it again as 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 the label to make sure your music fits.
• Visit the label’s website for submitting requirements.
• Submission email composed.
• Perfect grammar.
• Personalized Email.
• All requirements met.
• Press send.
• Wait 2 weeks.
• Follow up.

Now that you know what to do, it’s time to prepare your song for submission.

If you need help with the production, mixing or mastering of your song, don’t hesitate to contact me and we’ll see how I can help you.