How to Submit Your Music to Record Labels: A Step-by-Step Guide for Artists
Submitting your music to record labels requires careful preparation and a strategic approach. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get your music in front of the right people.
Prepare Your Music Before sending anything, ensure your tracks are: • Professionally mixed and mastered • In high-quality format (WAV or AIFF) • Complete and ready for release • Copyright protected • Properly labeled with metadata
Create a Professional EPK (Electronic Press Kit) Your EPK should include: • Artist biography (200-300 words) • Professional photos • Links to your social media profiles • Streaming numbers and achievements • Press coverage (if any) • Contact information
Research Compatible Labels Not all labels are the right fit. Here's how to find the right ones: • Listen to their existing releases • Check their submission guidelines • Verify they accept your music genre • Ensure they're currently accepting demos • Review their track record with new artists
Follow Submission Guidelines Each label has specific requirements: • Use their preferred submission method • Include requested materials only • Follow file naming conventions • Respect file size limitations • Use specified communication channels
Perfect Your Pitch Email Keep your email: • Brief (150-200 words) • Personal (address the right person) • Professional (no typos or casual language) • Specific (mention why you chose their label) • Focused (include 2-3 of your best tracks)
Common Submission Methods Labels typically accept submissions through: • Official submission forms • Dedicated email addresses • Music submission platforms • Artist management systems • Label demo portals
Follow Up Appropriately After submission: • Wait 2-3 weeks before following up • Keep follow-up emails brief • Limit follow-ups to one or two • Be professional if rejected • Keep records of all submissions
Avoid Common Mistakes Don't: • Send unfinished tracks • Mass email multiple labels • Ignore submission guidelines • Send lengthy emails • Chase aggressively after submitting
Alternative Approaches Consider these additional strategies: • Network at industry events • Build relationships on social media • Release music independently first • Work with music promotion companies • Collaborate with signed artists
Remember, patience is crucial in this process. Continue creating and improving your music while waiting for responses. Focus on building your fanbase independently, as this makes you more attractive to labels.