When it comes to submitting beats and songs to the music industry, most artists and producers have no idea where or how to get started. The "how" seems to be the more important issue to cover first because once mastered, you'll be ready to submit music almost anywhere. We've created a guide that will help you in mastering the "how to" of submitting music to record labels. Follow these steps and you should be generally successful in your endeavor.
1. Get permission
If you send hip hop and rap beats to any record label or music company without first getting permission from them, they are considered unsolicited materials. Most major and upper independent record labels will reject (trash) them. Part of the reason they do this is to protect themselves from lawsuits. The last thing they want is someone saying that their music was stolen, when the label had "no idea" that they received anything from you. Another reason is that they work hand in hand with credible music industry managers, A&Rs, record producers, lawyers etc... to filter through the junk music. If you really want to get into the music business this way, I recommend you hook up with one of these type kats to walk your beats through the door and into the right guy's hand (remember it's a people's game).
2. Find out the guidelines for submission and follow them to a tee
If they ask for only 3 tracks, send only three tracks. There is nothing more irritating than someone who can't follow instruction. If they give no limit, only send 5 to 7 of your hottest tracks. If they want more, believe me, they will call you.
3. Put your hottest tracks firstLike the saying goes... "you never get a second chance to make a first impression". You have about 30 second to catch the ear of the listener.
4. Know the Addresse (the person, company, or the like to whom a piece of mail is addressed)
When you send in your beat CD, make sure you know who's attention to address the materials to. Otherwise you submission could just end up in the trash.
5. Don't expect to get your material back. (even with a S.A.S.E.)
6. Be patient
Most of the time, the artist will record to the track and let you know afterwards if they decide to use it for their album. If they don't use it then you probably won't here back unless you follow up. Also, if directly solicited, set an "on hold status" typically from 3 to 6 months. This allows you to shop your tracks elsewhere if they don't get picked up soon enough for you. Silly, but I've seen labels hold or buy a track just so another label or artist can't get it. Either way, try not to have your beats tied up for too long in one place. After all, you made them right...? |
