How to Contact Record Labels: A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians
Contacting a record label requires careful preparation and the right approach. I'll guide you through the essential steps to maximize your chances of getting noticed.
Before reaching out to any record label, ensure you have: - Professional quality recordings of your music - A strong social media presence - An EPK (Electronic Press Kit) - Professional photos - A compelling artist biography
Here's how to effectively contact record labels:
First, research the right labels for your music. Focus on labels that: - Release music in your genre - Work with artists at your career level - Have a track record of developing new talent - Are currently accepting demos
Find the correct contact information by: - Checking the label's official website for submission guidelines - Looking for a dedicated demo submission email address - Following their social media accounts for submission opportunities - Networking with industry professionals who can provide direct contacts
When preparing your email: - Use a professional email subject line (e.g., "Demo Submission - [Artist Name] - [Genre]") - Address the recipient by name when possible - Keep your message brief and professional - Include streaming links to your best 2-3 songs - Mention any significant achievements or statistics - Follow their submission guidelines exactly
Important things to avoid: - Mass emailing multiple labels at once - Sending unsolicited attachments - Writing long, unfocused messages - Being overly casual or informal - Following up more than once per submission
Follow-up protocol: - Wait at least 2-3 weeks before following up - Keep follow-up messages brief and professional - Accept that no response usually means "no" - Don't take rejection personally
Alternative approaches to reach labels: - Attend industry events and conferences - Network with label representatives on LinkedIn - Get noticed through playlist placements - Work with a music manager or lawyer who has label connections - Build relationships with artists already on the label
Remember, timing is crucial. Labels receive thousands of submissions, so ensure your music is truly ready before reaching out. Focus on building your fanbase and creating quality content while waiting for responses. Many successful artists contacted multiple labels before finding the right fit, so persistence and professionalism are key.
Keep track of your submissions: - Record which labels you've contacted - Note the date of contact - Save copies of your correspondence - Monitor any feedback received - Update your approach based on responses
If you don't hear back, continue developing your career independently. Strong streaming numbers, consistent releases, and an engaged fanbase will make you more attractive to labels in the future.