· Industry
Inside knowledge on preparing demos that get attention from record labels, from formatting to follow-up strategies.
Getting signed starts with getting heard. After reviewing hundreds of demos, here's what actually makes a submission stand out—and what gets it instantly deleted.
A&R managers often decide within 30 seconds. Your intro and first drop must be compelling. If you're not grabbing attention immediately, the skip button is right there.
Submit as 320kbps MP3 or WAV (check label preference). Leave -1dB headroom. Name files clearly: "ArtistName - TrackTitle.mp3". No demos should be heavily limited or clipping.
Include a private streaming link (SoundCloud or similar) as backup.
Keep emails short: Who you are (one sentence), what you're sending (track title, genre), and why this label (genuine reason). Attach only 1-2 tracks—quality over quantity.
Include links to your social profiles and any previous releases.
Wait 4-6 weeks before following up. One polite follow-up is acceptable; more than two is spam. If rejected, thank them and move on professionally—the industry is smaller than you think.
Q: Should I mention big artist comparisons?
A: Only if genuinely relevant. "This is the next Afterlife track" makes you look delusional. "Influenced by Tale of Us' melodic approach" shows awareness.