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How to Get Music to a Record Label

If you write great music and want a shot at a record deal, you'll need to know how to get music to a record label. It's not effective to walk down to a record label office and play your songs. You'll need to follow procedure in order to get your music to a record label. Record a demo, make a press kit and act professionally, and you might have a record deal one day.

Instructions

    • 1

      Record a demo of your best three songs. Record labels receive tons of demos all the time, so limiting the number of songs on your demo will ease the minds of A&R (artists & repertoire) executives, as well as showcase only your best material.

    • 2

      Pinpoint a record label to which you want to send your music. You can find information like this in books like the "Songwriter's Market" series and websites like allrecordlabels.com. Find a record label that actually releases music like your own. For example, don't send your heavy metal music to a soul record label.

    • 3

      Develop a press kit. Have a good writer create an interesting artist biography that highlights your career in a manner that suits your image. Include press clippings and a cover letter describing why you are sending your music to the record label. Tailor your cover letter to the specific label to which you are sending your music.

    • 4

      Call the record label you are sending your music to and ask if it is okay to submit a press kit. This is the polite manner in which to submit your music.

    • 5

      Hire a manager or a lawyer to represent you, if possible. Many record labels toss out unsolicited demos from unknowns, so having legitimate representation will make it easier to get your foot in the door.

    • 6

      Mail your press kit, including your demo, to the record label.

    • 7

      Call the record label several weeks later and ask if it has received your package, unless it explicitly stated not to call.

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