Everyone gets their start in music by writing, composing, singing, and playing at home. For some people, that process begins in childhood. Others don’t discover their talent until they’re ready to upload tracks to SoundCloud.
At some point, anyone who wants to move from an amateur to a professional musician will send their demos to different labels.
There’s plenty of trial and error that happens when beginning this journey. That’s why it is vital to implement these tips before sending in your music. By taking advantage of other musicians’ lessons, you can give yourself a great shot at having your music reviewed.
What Can I Do to Get My Demos Heard?
1. Research the labels that will want your music
When you send your demos to a label, it is essential to make intelligent choices about whom to contact. If you’re a bluegrass band, you won’t find much attention at a brand specializing in heavy metal.
It helps to put a list of the labels that fit your aesthetic, style, and philosophy. Start to get to know their roster, the vibe of each release, and send the demos to those that feel like a natural fit.
2. Talk about your overall goals
The biggest mistake that musicians can make is to send out a mass email with a link to their demo. Those messages get deleted almost every time.
A better approach is to talk about yourself briefly when sending the demo. It doesn’t need to be a lengthy bio, but it should be candid, honest, and open. When you can describe who you are as an artist and what your music means, you’ll make a better impression while having more control over your eventual public persona.
3. Establish who you are
Many bands and musicians like to tell labels who they sound like when sending in a demo. The fact is that if you sound like a cheap cover band or use a similar approach as someone else already signed, you won’t get much attention. Focus on yourself, what you hope to accomplish, and why you’ve taken this approach.
4. Discuss the status of the demo
Labels look for communication more often than they do a perfect mix. If you decide to reach out, send a private streaming link or an MP3 file with accurate labeling. This information should include if the composition is already mastered, mixed, or a demo. Most of the time, the label understands music enough to decide if they want to pursue your talent.
5. Don’t give up
Although you might get several rejects when sending demos to labels, it is crucial to remember that it often isn’t about you. Smaller companies only have a few people behind the scenes, and many of them work other jobs. If you keep sending in your music, you’ll eventually find that one person who loves your work enough to launch your career.
Whether you work with a large label or something more boutique, these tips can help you get to where you want to be. Be persistent, be authentic, and keep embracing your creativity.
