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How to Upload Demos to a Record Company

Breaking into the music industry is a difficult endeavor for any artist, and if you do not have the representation of an agent, you will need to take action for getting the attention of record labels. To do this, you should submit a music demo, a collection of three to four songs that showcase the best music you have to offer. You can record your demo in a formal studio by renting recording time, or you can record it on your PC, using production software. Once your demo is ready to go, you can begin the submission process.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • CD-Rs
  • Press kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Visit the website of the record label to which you wish to submit your demo. Locate the company's demo submission policy. Usually, you can find it under "Contact," "Demos," "Demo Submission," or "Frequently Asked Questions." Note that many major labels, such as Virgin Records, do not accept unsolicited demos, so your best bet is to focus on smaller labels for demo submission.

    • 2

      Read over the company's demo submission policy. Some record labels allow you to send your demo digital through email whereas others will provide you with an address where you can send a physical copy. Some smaller labels will ask you to submit an Internet link where a representative can listen to your music online, such as on a streaming social network like MySpace, PureVolume, or Reverb Nation.

    • 3

      Send your demo as requested by the label. If the company requests a physical CD, just burn your demo tracks to a CD-R (recordable CD) and send it to the address provided, along with information about your band or music and a copy of your press kit, if available (see Tips). If the company asks for a web link, sign up as an artist on a music social network like those listed in Step 2 and upload your demo tracks to the streaming server. Then email the link to the appropriate person at the company (usually the A&R person), as indicated by the company's submission policy.

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