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

First, ensure your music is professionally produced and mastered. Labels receive countless submissions daily, and poor audio quality will lead to immediate rejection. Your tracks should be mixed and mastered to industry standards.

Before submitting, research appropriate labels for your genre. Focus on labels that:

- Released similar music in the past 12 months
- Work with artists at your career level
- Have an active release schedule
- Accept demos from new artists

Create a professional electronic press kit (EPK) containing:

- Your artist biography (keep it concise and relevant)
- Professional photos
- Links to your social media profiles
- Streaming numbers and achievements
- Press coverage (if any)
- Contact information

When preparing your submission:

- Select your 2-3 best tracks
- Use WAV or high-quality MP3 files
- Include private SoundCloud/Dropbox links
- Write a brief, personalized email pitch
- Follow the label's submission guidelines exactly

Your email pitch should:

- Address the recipient by name
- Explain why you chose their label
- Describe your music briefly (genre, influences)
- Include streaming links
- Keep it under 200 words

Common submission mistakes to avoid:

- Mass emailing multiple labels simultaneously
- Sending unsolicited attachments
- Writing long, unfocused pitches
- Ignoring submission guidelines
- Following up too frequently

After submitting, wait at least 2-4 weeks before following up. One polite follow-up email is sufficient. If you don't receive a response, move on to other labels.

Remember that rejection is common in the music industry. Continue improving your craft and building your fanbase while submitting to labels. Consider releasing music independently to build your profile and attract label interest organically.

Keep track of your submissions in a spreadsheet, including:

- Label name
- Submission date
- Contact person
- Response received
- Follow-up date

Professional conduct throughout the submission process is crucial. Maintain positive relationships even if rejected, as you may want to submit to the same label in the future.

Always respect exclusivity periods if you're submitting to multiple labels. If one shows interest, inform others who have your demo under consideration.

The key to successful label submissions is persistence combined with continuous improvement of your music and professional presentation. Focus on building genuine connections within the industry while developing your artistic identity.

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