How to Get Your Music Heard by a Record Label | Tips & Advice

As an aspiring musician, you may have asked yourself: “How do I get my music heard by a record label?” Unlocking the secrets to securing your music with a record label isn't as daunting of a task as one might think. It's like travelling through uncharted waters - difficult and intimidating but ultimately rewarding when you reach the other side. In this article we will discuss how to make sure your music gets into the right hands and takes off in a big way. From research to submission, networking, and getting that demo ready for prime time, let's dive in and unlock the secrets to success!

Part 1: Researching and Preparing for Submission

Before submitting your music to a record label, it is important to do your research. This includes understanding the industry and identifying potential labels.

You will also want to research the labels and their submission process to make sure that you are sending your work to the right place. Additionally, you will need to ensure that your music and demo are of the highest quality.

Understand the Industry and Identify Potential Labels

The first step in getting your music heard by a record label is to understand the industry and identify potential labels. It’s important to understand the type of music that each label specializes in, who they sign, and what kind of reach they have.

This can help you narrow down which labels would be a good fit for you and your music.

Research the Labels and Their Submission Process

Once you’ve identified potential labels, it’s time to research them further. Take some time to read up on their mission, artists they’ve signed, etc.

, so that you can get a better idea of whether or not they may be interested in your music. Additionally, look over their submission guidelines thoroughly, so that you can make sure that you are sending them everything they require in order for them to consider your work.

Prepare Your Music and Demo for Submission

Creating a quality demo is key when trying to catch the attention of any record label. Make sure all of your songs are ready for listening with production polished and mixed to perfection.

Also include a press kit with information about yourself, such as past performances and any awards or recognition that you may have received for your music.

Build Your Social Media Presence

Having an active presence on social media is another great way to increase exposure for your music before submitting it to a record label. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and SoundCloud are great places to share snippets of new music as well as videos from live shows or even tutorials if you're an artist who teaches others how to play instruments or write songs.

This can give industry professionals an idea of who you are as an artist before they decide if they want to sign you.

Part 2: Submitting Your Music To A Record Label

Once you've done your research and prepared everything needed for submission, it's time to actually submit your music! Making sure that you follow all of the submission guidelines correctly is absolutely essential as this can make or break your chances at success.

Follow the Label's Submission Guidelines

Each label has its own set of guidelines for submissions which should be followed carefully. Things like formatting of songs titles or file names, specific types of audio files allowed (MP3 vs WAV), lyric sheets required etc.

Make Sure Your Music Stands Out

Labels receive hundreds of submissions every single day from different musicians across a variety of genres--so it's important that your material stands out from the crowd! Try implementing unique elements into your songwriting such as odd time signatures or unexpected chord progressions; perhaps invest in hiring talented session players; create professional artwork; the options are endless! Just remember that it’s important to make your music stand out in a positive way.

Personalize Your Submission

Including a personalized message with your submission can help set you apart from similar artists. Take the time to write a letter about yourself and why you believe your music would be a good fit for their label.

This not only shows the label that you are serious about the process, but it also adds an element of realness to your submission.

Follow Up on Your Submission

It's always a good idea to follow up after submitting your music, but don't overdo it! If you haven't heard back within 2-4 weeks, shoot them a polite email checking in, then give them some space until they respond. Don't harass them with multiple emails or phone calls; this will only reflect poorly on you and decrease your chances at success.

Part 3: Building Your Career as an Independent Musician

Once you've sent in your music to one or more record labels, there are steps you can take to further develop and build your career as an independent musician.

Keep Creating and Releasing New Music

As an artist, creating and releasing new music is essential if you want to grow as a musician and increase visibility for yourself. Be sure to keep pushing out new material (or even older work) frequently so that fans have something new to look forward to each month.

Network with Industry Professionals and Other Musicians

Networking with other industry professionals or musicians can also be beneficial for gaining exposure for yourself and building relationships with people who may be able help further your career down the line. Attend workshops, conferences or even simpler events like open mics or jam sessions in order to meet people who could turn into future collaborations or even just fans!

Perform Live and Build a Fanbase

One of the most effective ways of getting noticed by labels is building a strong fan base and performing live on stages regularly. Playing live shows builds relationships between artist and listener which creates loyalty between them - making them more likely to buy tickets again when they next tour near them or purchase merchandise.

Consider Hiring a Manager or Publicist to Help Your Career Grow

Finally, consider hiring a manager or publicist if things start taking off for you! A manager can help handle the business side of things such as booking gigs, handling contracts, PR campaigns etc., while a publicist helps with press connections, getting placements in magazines/blogs etc.