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Promoting your track/getting it signed
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| Sensuerea |
So I've set myself a goal to release a track by the end of the year. Let's just assume that my production skills reached high enough level and I produced a decent track. What now?
How should I promote my track to get it signed? Should I give it a shot and mail soundcloud link to big labels that release similar music? Send it to smaller labels? Send it to DJs?
What do you think is the most effective way to get your track signed? |
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| Trancelover03591 |
Send it directly to the A&r of record labels who sign the style/genre of the track you have made. A good amount of record labels have the way to send a demo on their website or soundcloud. Follow the instructions to the letter. Some of them are never going to listen. Generally, in the few demos I have sent, about 1/4 of the 10-15 top tier labels I sent to listen to my demo. I have even gotten a few responses (from top tier labels in the genre of the track).
-Follow all the rules that they want followed.
-Send a personalized email (include their name so they know you are sending it to them specifically and not 1000 other people) if they want an email. Make sure it is the appropriate person or email address (usually something like "demos@amazingtunes.com"), not the booking agent or licensing person, ect.
-If they want it in a soundcloud dropbox put it there.
-Only send to a few labels, not thousands of people.
-Make sure they have to do as little work downloading it as possible. Direct and private download links are a must. They should click the file in the email, and it should download immediatly.
-Make sure the track is exclusive and not public or publically downloadable anywhere on the internet.
-Labels almost never want remixes from unfamous/unsigned artists. They don't want mashups or DJ sets either. They want your original unsigned track.
-They want full tracks, 99-100% finished. Lables don't want to help you get better or guide your track to success. They are looking for talent that is ready to go now.
-Finally, make sure your track is worth sending. If you are a new artist your track probably even needs to be a little better than the releases by more established artists on the label. If it isn't high quality, current and relevant sounding just don't bother sending it. Signed songs if nothing else sound good. They might be boring, uncreative, ect, but they are mixed well and show that you know what you are doing.
The good news is, I see new talent get signed all the time. Just be ready, and be proffesional. |
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| Looney4Clooney |
releasing 1 track is pointless. You need at least 5 tracks that you can release in a systematic way or you will never build any momentum. If you are great, and you dont have that follow up track very soon, you will be forgotten, if you suck , the don't bother releasing your stuff until you don't suck.
but releasing 1 track is really pointless. The key is consistent good releases. IF it is your first track, start with a remix. They are easier to market.
Unless you plan to dj where having a beatport reference matters no matter how ty the label, you have nothing to gain by signing with a label. Sign with a label that has pull with the big djs, has artists that actually make money or don't bother. There is no point in having a label if they are not going to invest.
A clear litmus test is an advance. Do not waste your time with any label that does not give you an advance. This shows that they don't believe in you, will not support you and it is not worth your time. Even something as small as 200$. That shows they mean business.
And at the end of the day, ask yourself why you need a label. Most people can't answer that question. They won't sell label or not, they don't dj, there is nothing in it for them but some sort of idiotic prestige. |
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| Subtle |
| quote: | Originally posted by Looney4Clooney
A clear litmus test is an advance. Do not waste your time with any label that does not give you an advance. This shows that they don't believe in you, will not support you and it is not worth your time. Even something as small as 200$. That shows they mean business.
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Thats more than ive made releasing 50 tracks. :stongue: Had a lot of fun making em though.
If you plan on getting your track signed to label, make sure u have enough material backhand to form a sort of continuity.
The production standard is really high these days, than it was say 5-7 years ago, you could get away with a lot more flaws back then.
Good labels will hear if ur track is below par, as quickly as maybe the first 10-30 seconds. |
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| Sensuerea |
@Trancelover03591:
Thank you, that's a very good and informative post! You mention few responses from top tier labels - how were they? I mean did they tell you what do you need to improve on, or was it a generic response? Or maybe you have released some of your material and I don't know about it?
@Looney4Clooney:
I will never become new (insert your favourite big name EDM producer here). I accept that, I'll never make a living just by producing music. I mean I love doing it but I don't have enough time to work my way to be one of the best. I just want to release a track, I've always wanted to do it and it would be a big achievement for me. Maybe I just want to be assured that I'm not that bad, idk.
@Subtle:
I remember you! Around 2006~2007 I was a very active member of this community and so were you. You always gave me a good sincere feedback on my tracks, kudos to you! |
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| Looney4Clooney |
| i think you already proved to yourself that you are indeed that bad. Getting a track signed is not an accomplishment. Unless you have extremely low goals. |
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| Sensuerea |
| quote: | Originally posted by Looney4Clooney
i think you already proved to yourself that you are indeed that bad. Getting a track signed is not an accomplishment. Unless you have extremely low goals. |
Thank you sir for your contribution. Getting a track signed to a respected label may not be an achievement for you, that's fine. It is for me. |
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| tehlord |
| Honestly dude your tracks aren't brilliant. |
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| Magnus |
Start by checking out the labels you think would be a good fit for your track. Most have a demo submission email alias, some prefer SoundCloud, while others will only want something physical mailed to them. Make a list of 10 or so labels, and start sending your track off by whatever means. There was a thread not too long ago in this forum that contained a list of current labels, and their demo email addresses.
Good luck! :) |
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| Sensuerea |
| quote: | Originally posted by tehlord
Honestly dude your tracks aren't brilliant. |
Yeah, I'm well aware of that. I just wanted to know should I proceed with my track in case I ever reach 'releseable' level. |
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| TranceLover007 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Sensuerea
Yeah, I'm well aware of that. I just wanted to know should I proceed with my track in case I ever reach 'releseable' level. |
Remember you don't have to prove anything to anybody, if you good you will make it, if not, well that a different story, nobody and nothing will be able to help you.
Cheers,
Darek |
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| Sensuerea |
| quote: | Originally posted by Magnus
Start by checking out the labels you think would be a good fit for your track. Most have a demo submission email alias, some prefer SoundCloud, while others will only want something physical mailed to them. Make a list of 10 or so labels, and start sending your track off by whatever means. There was a thread not too long ago in this forum that contained a list of current labels, and their demo email addresses.
Good luck! :) |
Thanks! Love 'Velvet' by the way :) |
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