How to Submit Your Song to Record Labels: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Submit Your Song to Record Labels: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Marcus Hartley

March 5, 2025 at 05:09 PM

Getting your music noticed by record labels requires careful preparation and the right approach. I'll guide you through the essential steps to maximize your chances of success.

Research and Prepare Your Music

Before sending your music, ensure it's professionally produced and ready for industry ears. Your tracks should be:

- Properly mixed and mastered
- In high-quality format (WAV or AIFF)
- Free of copyright issues
- Your best work to date

Find the Right Labels

Identify labels that match your genre and style:

- Research similar artists and their labels
- Use platforms like Beatport or Spotify to find relevant labels
- Follow labels on social media to understand their current roster
- Check if they're currently accepting demos

Prepare Your Submission Package

Create a professional presentation including:

- 2-3 of your best tracks
- A brief artist bio (150 words maximum)
- Professional press photos
- Links to your social media profiles
- Streaming links to your existing music
- Contact information

Follow Submission Guidelines

Most labels have specific requirements:

- Check the label's website for submission guidelines
- Use their preferred submission method (email, submission form, or platform)
- Follow file format requirements
- Include any requested reference numbers or subjects in email headers

Write a Professional Email

Keep your email concise and professional:

- Use a clear subject line
- Introduce yourself briefly
- Explain why you chose their label
- Include streaming links (preferably private SoundCloud links)
- Avoid attachments unless specifically requested
- Proofread everything before sending

Follow Up Appropriately

After submitting:

- Wait at least 2-4 weeks before following up
- Keep your follow-up email brief and polite
- Don't send multiple follow-ups if you don't receive a response
- Continue creating and submitting new music to other labels

Remember, rejection is common in the music industry. Keep improving your craft and maintain professional relationships even if your submission isn't accepted. Most successful artists faced multiple rejections before finding the right label fit.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Don't make these typical errors:

- Mass emailing multiple labels simultaneously
- Sending unfinished or poor-quality tracks
- Writing long, unfocused emails
- Ignoring submission guidelines
- Being pushy or demanding in follow-ups
- Sending tracks that don't match the label's style

By following these guidelines and maintaining a professional approach, you'll significantly improve your chances of getting noticed by record labels. Remember that persistence and quality are key in the music industry.

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