Prepare a demo package to mail to the A&R department of Jive Records in order to set up an audition. The CD should contain no more than 3 songs with one sung as a solo vocal with no instrumentation (acapella). Write a brief biography. Include your name, address, phone number and email address. Write a short description of your music. Specify which song you think has the most commercial potential. Include a recent head shot photograph.
Mail the demo CD, cover letter and photo to:
Jive Records A&R
Zomba Recording Corporation
137-139 West 25th Street
New York, New York 10001
Be patient as labels receive large quantities of demos so it may take months before you hear a response.
Use a company such as Listen To My Demo to ensure your music reaches the A&R department of a label such as Jive. This company charges fees for its services such as a $60 industry resource fee, which lists contact information of key A&R personnel. You may submit your material to five record labels for $300. Be aware that companies such as this do not guarantee a recording contract, but they are connected to people in the music industry who, assuming they like the material, will offer auditions. Click on the "About Us" and "Contact Us" links from the homepage for more information.