Record a "demo" or demonstration sample of your music. It should feature at least five of your best songs. You may have to rent time at a professional recording studio, or you can use an online demo-recording option (see resources). You also might consider getting an eight- or 16-track recorder/mixer, and recording the demo yourself. You even can record all of the instruments yourself. You can create your own demo if you have a home-recording device on which you can record each instrument on a separate track, mix them together, and adjust the sound levels, and bass and treble output.
Use an online database, such as the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) or Hit quarters (see resources). These resources offer contact information and guidelines for contacting individual record producers and labels. Follow the guidelines explicitly when contacting a label.
Write a short query letter that states who you are, the type of music you write and perform, and what you have available for label representatives to listen to. Include any previous musical accomplishments, including music-related contests you may have won. In the guidelines you research in Step 2, there should be executives for each record label listed. Always address your query to the executive listed, and if there is no contact listed, address your query to "acquisitions department." In most cases, the guidelines will specify that you should send your demo, on compact disc, with your query letter. However, if a specific label's guidelines do not request a demo, do not send it until the label specifically requests it.
Follow submission guidelines for individual record labels regarding response time. If they say it may take three to six months, don't contact them before that time elapses. They will contact you if they are interested. If the waiting period for a specific label passes, and you still receive no response, you can write a follow-up letter asking if your demo was received or if you need to send any additional information.