You've finished producing a track, spent hours perfecting the arrangement and mixing, and finally reached the point where you're happy with the result.
Now comes the next challenge: how do you submit your music to record labels and increase your chances of getting signed?
For emerging electronic music producers, approaching record labels can be an intimidating process. With countless artists submitting demos, getting your music heard by the right people requires more than simply sending an email.
The good news is that independent record labels continue to discover new artists through demo submissions, particularly within electronic music genres such as house, techno, drum and bass and other forms of dance music.
Originally featuring advice from record label owner and artist manager Gemma Roberts, this updated guide explores the essential steps to submitting your music professionally.
1. Research Record Labels Before Submitting Your Music
One of the biggest mistakes producers make is sending their tracks to every record label they can find.
Although this might seem like an effective way to increase exposure, submitting music to labels that don't release your style is usually a waste of time.
Before contacting a record label, research its musical identity, recent releases and artist roster.
Consider the following questions:
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Does the label release music similar to yours?
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Which artists are currently signed to the label?
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What genres and subgenres does it specialise in?
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Is it accepting unsolicited demos?
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Does it have specific demo submission guidelines?
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Could you genuinely see your music appearing alongside its existing releases?
For example, if you're producing underground house music, submitting your tracks to a label specialising in commercial EDM might not be the most appropriate approach.
Instead, identify labels whose musical direction complements your sound.
Our tip: Create a shortlist of five to ten suitable labels and research their most recent releases before approaching them.
2. Make Sure Your Music Is Ready for Submission
First impressions are particularly important when submitting music to a record label.
Although record labels understand that a demo may not always be fully mastered, the track should demonstrate your musical abilities and production skills.
Before submitting a track, listen critically to the following elements:
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Arrangement and musical structure
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Sound selection and production quality
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Mixing and frequency balance
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Bass and kick drum relationship
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Overall dynamics
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Musical originality
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Technical issues such as clipping or distortion
Try listening to your production on different speakers and headphones to identify any problems that might not be obvious in your studio.
It's also worth comparing your music with commercially released tracks from labels you admire.
The goal isn't to copy another artist's sound, but to understand the general production standards expected within your genre.
Our tip: If you're unsure whether your track is ready, ask an experienced producer or tutor for constructive feedback before submitting it.
3. Follow the Record Label's Demo Submission Guidelines
Different record labels have different procedures for accepting new music.
Some provide dedicated demo submission forms on their websites, while others accept private streaming links through email or specialist submission platforms.
Certain labels don't accept unsolicited material at all.
Always check the label's official website or social media accounts for its current submission policy.
When preparing your demo:
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Follow the label's preferred submission method.
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Include only the number of tracks requested.
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Make sure your music links work correctly.
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Clearly identify your artist name and track titles.
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Provide accurate contact information.
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Avoid sending large audio attachments unless requested.
Many electronic music labels prefer private streaming links because they allow A&R teams to listen without downloading files.
Our tip: Never assume that an email address you found several years ago is still used for submissions. Always check the current instructions.
4. Use SoundCloud Private Links to Share Your Demos
SoundCloud remains a useful platform for sharing unreleased electronic music with record labels.
Its private track-sharing functionality allows you to provide access to music without publishing it publicly.
This can be particularly helpful when approaching labels about exclusive or unreleased material.
Before sending your music, make sure:
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Your artist name is clearly displayed.
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Track titles are accurate.
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Your profile contains a short biography.
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Your contact details are available.
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The track is set to private.
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The private sharing link works correctly.
You can also organise several tracks into a private playlist if the label accepts multiple demos.
Avoid uploading unfinished versions or filling your submission with every production you've created.
It's usually better to send one or two strong tracks that represent your sound.
Our tip: Test your private link in a separate browser window before sending it. This helps ensure the recipient can access the music without requesting additional permissions.
5. Write a Professional Demo Submission Email
Your introduction should be brief, polite and relevant to the record label you're contacting.
A&R representatives and label owners often receive large numbers of submissions, so an unnecessarily long email can make it harder for them to identify the information they need.
A good demo submission email should include:
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Your artist name
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A brief introduction
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The title and genre of your track
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Why you've chosen that particular label
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A private link to your music
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Your contact information
Avoid sending generic messages to hundreds of labels simultaneously.
Personalising your submission demonstrates that you've taken the time to understand the label's musical direction.
Example Record Label Demo Submission Email
Subject: Demo Submission – [Artist Name] – [Track Title]
Hi [Label Name],
I hope you're well.
I'm an electronic music producer working under the name [Artist Name], and I'd like to submit my latest unreleased track, [Track Title], for your consideration.
I've been following your label's releases and feel the track could be a good fit for your musical direction.
You can listen to the private demo here:
[Private SoundCloud Link]
Thanks for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Artist Name]
[Contact Details]
The email doesn't need to be complicated. What matters is that the recipient can quickly understand who you are and listen to your music.
6. Be Careful When Using Samples
Sampling has played an important role in electronic music for decades.
From house and hip-hop to techno and drum and bass, producers frequently incorporate elements of existing recordings into new compositions.
However, using copyrighted material without permission can create legal problems when releasing music commercially.
This is particularly important when sampling recognisable vocals, melodies or sections of existing recordings.
Depending on the material used, you may need permission from both the owner of the sound recording and the copyright owner of the underlying musical composition.
Simply changing the pitch, tempo or arrangement of a sample doesn't automatically remove copyright restrictions.
Before submitting music containing samples, consider whether:
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You created and recorded the material yourself.
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You have obtained the necessary licences or permissions.
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The sample comes from a library that permits your intended commercial use.
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The material contains restrictions on redistribution or release.
Record labels may be reluctant to release tracks containing uncleared samples because of the potential legal and financial consequences.
Our tip: Keep records of sample licences, permissions and the sources of material used in your productions.
7. Build a Professional Online Artist Profile
Record labels are interested in the music you produce, but your wider identity as an artist can also be important.
A professional online presence makes it easier for label owners and A&R representatives to understand your musical direction.
Consider developing a consistent profile across platforms such as:
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SoundCloud
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Instagram
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Spotify
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YouTube
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Bandcamp
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Your own artist website
You don't need thousands of followers before approaching a record label.
However, a clear artist name, professional presentation and consistent musical identity can help demonstrate that you're serious about developing your career.
Your online profiles should make it easy to find your music and contact you.
Our tip: Focus on building a genuine audience rather than purchasing followers or artificial engagement. Authentic interest in your music is far more valuable.
8. Understand What A&R Representatives Look For
A&R stands for Artists and Repertoire.
A&R representatives help record labels discover talent, evaluate music and develop relationships with artists.
When listening to demos, they may consider several factors, including:
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The quality of the production
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The originality of the music
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The artist's musical identity
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Whether the track fits the label
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The commercial or audience potential of the release
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The artist's longer-term development
However, different labels have different priorities.
A small independent electronic music label may be primarily interested in discovering excellent underground tracks, while a larger organisation might place greater emphasis on an artist's established audience and career potential.
This is another reason why researching labels before submitting your music is so important.
9. Be Patient and Follow Up Professionally
Submitting music to record labels requires patience.
Even when a label is actively accepting demos, receiving a response isn't guaranteed.
Some independent labels are managed by small teams who may also work as DJs, producers or event promoters.
If the label provides a response timeframe, respect it.
If no timeframe is provided, allowing approximately two to three weeks before sending a single polite follow-up can be reasonable, provided the label doesn't discourage follow-up messages.
Avoid repeatedly emailing or messaging individuals through personal social media accounts.
If you don't receive a response, it may simply mean that the track isn't suitable for the label or that the submission hasn't been reviewed.
Continue developing your music and exploring other appropriate opportunities.
Our tip: Keep a simple record of which labels you've contacted, the tracks you've submitted and any responses you've received.
10. Understand the Record Deal Before Signing
Receiving interest from a record label can be exciting, particularly if it's your first commercial release.
However, it's important to understand the terms of any proposed agreement before signing.
Record contracts can differ significantly depending on the label and type of release.
Some important considerations include:
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Master ownership: Who owns the sound recording?
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Licensing arrangements: Is the label licensing your music for a fixed period?
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Royalties: How will revenue be divided?
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Exclusivity: Are you restricted from releasing music elsewhere?
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Territory: Where does the label have the right to distribute your music?
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Contract duration: How long will the agreement remain in place?
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Marketing and promotion: What commitments is the label making?
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Costs and recoupment: What expenses can the label recover from your royalties?
Never assume that all record deals operate in the same way.
Consider obtaining independent legal advice from a music industry solicitor before entering into a significant agreement.
Should You Submit Music to Record Labels or Release Independently?
Record labels aren't the only route to releasing music.
Independent distribution platforms now allow artists to release tracks directly to services such as Spotify, Apple Music and other digital music stores.
Releasing independently can provide greater control over your release schedule, branding and promotional strategy.
However, working with an established record label may offer advantages such as industry connections, an existing audience, promotional expertise and access to relevant DJs and tastemakers.
The right approach depends on your musical goals.
For some producers, signing with a respected independent label is an important career milestone.
For others, developing a successful independent release strategy may be more appropriate.
Both routes can be valuable.
Develop Your Music Production Career with School of Electronic Music
At School of Electronic Music in Manchester, we help aspiring DJs, music producers and independent artists develop the creative and technical skills needed to progress within the music industry.
Our music production courses provide practical training in areas such as:
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Electronic music production
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Sound design and synthesis
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Music arrangement
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Mixing and audio processing
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Developing professional production techniques
Whether you're preparing your first demo or developing music for commercial release, understanding how to produce high-quality tracks is an important foundation.
Explore our Music Production Courses:
https://schoolofelectronicmusic.com/pages/music-production-courses
Develop your sound, improve your productions and take the next step towards releasing your music with School of Electronic Music.