How to Submit Your Song to Record Labels: A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians
Getting your music in front of record labels requires careful preparation and the right approach. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you submit your songs effectively:
Prepare Your Music Before sending anything, ensure your songs are: - Professionally recorded and mixed - Mastered to industry standards - In high-quality audio format (WAV or AIFF) - Free from copyright issues - Your best work that represents your style
Create an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) Your EPK should include: - Professional artist photo - Brief biography (150-200 words) - Links to your social media profiles - Streaming numbers and achievements - Previous press coverage - Contact information
Research Record Labels Take these important steps: - Identify labels that match your genre - Study their current roster - Check their submission guidelines - Verify they're accepting demos - Find the right contact person
Format Your Submission Most labels prefer: - 2-3 of your strongest tracks - Private SoundCloud links or WeTransfer files - Short, professional email pitch - No large attachments unless specified - Clear subject line mentioning "Demo Submission"
Write Your Pitch Email Keep it brief and include: - Personalized greeting using the contact's name - 1-2 sentences about your music - Why you chose their label - Relevant achievements or statistics - Links to your music and EPK - Professional signature with contact details
Follow Up Properly After sending your submission: - Wait at least 2-3 weeks before following up - Send only one follow-up email - Keep it brief and reference your original submission - Accept that no response usually means "no" - Don't send multiple submissions to the same label
Common Mistakes to Avoid: - Mass emailing multiple labels at once - Sending unfinished or low-quality recordings - Writing lengthy, unfocused emails - Ignoring submission guidelines - Being pushy or demanding - Sending physical copies without permission
Remember to maintain a professional attitude throughout the process. If you don't hear back, continue improving your music and building your fanbase. Many successful artists faced multiple rejections before finding the right label fit.
Always keep records of your submissions and continue creating music while you wait for responses. The music industry receives thousands of submissions daily, so patience and persistence are key to success.
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