Tips to Pitching Your Demo to Record Labels

Getting heard, noticed and gaining traction in the music industry has to be one of the hardest things you would experience on your journey to becoming a music star. Submitting your demo to a label can be extremely intimidating and frustrating especially when you don't get any feedback. It drains your blood, sweat, and tears, and no matter how confident you are in your music, it’s impossible to predict how a label will respond—if they ever do at all.

In this fast paced world that we live in, getting noticed by labels has become even more difficult because we're engulfed in music. Everywhere you turn you are presented with background music from films, television and advertising – all tailored to various people’s emotions and styles. From the self acclaimed music star, to the one with great talent,  you simply can’t avoid music.  Record labels receive hundreds, if not thousands, of demo submissions every week, so it's important to make sure that your music is exceptional and presented professionally.

Let's consider some tips that will guide you when pitching your music to record labels.

Research

Before you decide to send your demo to a record label you have to research. Some record labels will accept unsolicited demos while others won't. Some prefer discs are sent to their offices while others don't mind you sending them a link to your song, Therefore, check on their websites and do your research first. It's important to be sure that they accept demo and also the sure of the medium so that you wouldn't waste your effort and get rejected.

Create a professional image.

Record labels are looking for artists who are serious about their music and are willing to put in the effort to make a good impression. So, before you start pitching your music, make sure that you take the time to create a professional image. You should be able to describe who you are and what your music is all about. Be open and candid. Maybe highlight a song or two that you feel really strongly about, talk about a theme of the record or what made you write it the way you did. Being able to describe who you are and what your music means to you also gives you control of your story and your art from the start, instead of having it shaped by someone else. This means that your music and your presentation should be polished and well-executed. This includes everything from building your website to creating your EPK (electronic press kit).

 KNOW your music 

When you reach out to a label, send them a private streaming link or an MP3 (via a site like Dropbox) and make sure your tracks are properly labeled. Say whether the music is a demo, mixed, or already mastered. Nine times out of ten, a label's going to understand your music enough to know if they want to pursue you. It's just about communicating that.

MAKE GOOD USE OF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES

Your social media page can be likened to a virgin land, therefore, it should be used to your advantage. Record labels may refer to your social media pages to check how you carry your followers along and also analyze the music you put out there. Hence, use your social media pages as a portfolio to showcase your talent.

Follow up but don't be spammy.

Once you've contacted a few record labels and have gotten a sense of what they are looking for, it's time to start following up. But, make sure that you're not being spammy. An excellent way to follow up is to send an email with a brief update on your music, letting the label know that you're still interested in working with them.

Don’t Give up.

Even if you don't get a favourable response you have to keep trying and don't give up because consistency and resilience is key in the music industry. 

Place your songs on EPOH.NG

Epoh Music is the first and only Nigerian indigenous music streaming platform where you can easily reach a wide audience of Nigerians. Your journey to a successful music career is easier with Epoh Music on your side.