How to Send a Demo to a Record Label: The Architect’s Guide

Learning how to send a demo to a record label is one of the most nerve-wracking but crucial steps in a producer’s career. It’s the moment your art leaves the studio and enters the business world. A great track can be instantly dismissed by a poorly executed submission.

This is not a list of vague tips. This is a 5-step blueprint designed by architects of sound to ensure your music gets the attention it deserves.

In This Guide, You’ll Learn:

• Step 1: The Pre-Flight Check – Is Your Product Ready?
• Step 2: The Reconnaissance – Finding the Right A&R
• Step 3: The Perfect Package – Preparing Your Files
• Step 4: The Email Pitch – Writing an Email That Gets Opened
• Step 5: The Follow-Up – Patience & Professionalism

Step 1: The Pre-Flight Check – Is Your Product Ready?

Before you even think about writing an email, the track itself must be undeniable. Sending an unfinished or poorly mixed track is the fastest way to get blacklisted. This is the most important step in the process.

• The Mix & Master: Is your track professionally mixed and mastered? It must sound loud, clear, and powerful on every system, from laptop speakers to a club PA. An A&R won’t try to “hear the potential” in a bad mix. Ensure your product is flawless with our professional Mixing and Mastering Services.
• File Format: Have a high-quality 320kbps MP3 ready. Never attach it to an email. Upload it as a private, downloadable link on a platform like SoundCloud or Dropbox.

Upload it as a private, downloadable link on a platform like SoundCloud or Dropbox. This is the professional standard when you send a demo to a record label.

Step 2: The Reconnaissance – Finding the Right A&R

Do not mass-email your demo. A targeted, surgical approach is infinitely more effective.

• Research Labels: Find 5-10 labels that are a perfect fit for your specific sound. Listen to their recent releases. Does your track honestly belong there?
• Find the Right Person: Do not send your demo to a generic info@ address if you can avoid it. Use LinkedIn, social media, or the label’s website to find the name of the A&R manager or the person responsible for demos. Personalization is key.
• Check Submission Guidelines: Many labels have specific demo submission forms or policies on their websites. As detailed by experts on platforms like Hypebot, ignoring these guidelines is a sign of unprofessionalism.

Step 3: The Perfect Package – Preparing Your Files

When an A&R is interested, they need everything to be professional and easy.

• Clear Naming Convention: Name your MP3 file correctly: Artist Name - Track Title (Original Mix).mp3.
• Correct Metadata: Ensure the MP3’s metadata (ID3 tags) includes your artist name, track title, and contact email.
• Private Link: Your SoundCloud link should be private, with downloads enabled. The title and artwork should be professional.

Step 4: The Email Pitch – How to Write an Email That Gets Opened

Your email is your one shot to make a first impression. Keep it short, professional, and to the point.

• Subject Line: Make it clear and professional. Demo Submission: [Your Artist Name] - [Track Title]
• The Body:
• When you send a demo to a record label, the body of your email must be perfect.
  • Personalize: “Hi [A&R’s Name],”
  • The Hook (1 Sentence): Briefly state who you are and why you’re contacting them. “My name is [Artist Name], a producer focusing on [Your Genre]. I’m a big admirer of [Label Name]’s recent release from [Artist X] and believe my new track would be a great fit for your catalog.”
  • The Link: “Here is a private SoundCloud link for your consideration:” [Your Private Link]
  • The Close: “Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.”
  • Signature: Include links to your key social media profiles.

Step 5: Follow-Up – The Final Step to Successfully Send a Demo to a Record Label

This is a critical part of learning how to send a demo to a record label.

• Do Not Spam: A&Rs are incredibly busy. Do not send multiple follow-up emails.
• The One-Week Rule: If you haven’t heard back in 1-2 weeks, a single, polite follow-up is acceptable. “Hi [A&R’s Name], just wanted to quickly follow up and make sure you received my demo submission from last week. Thanks again for your time.”
• Move On: If you still don’t hear back, move on to the next label on your list. Don’t take it personally. The fit might not have been right at this time.

This entire submission process is part of a larger career strategy. To understand the full picture of getting signed, read our master guide: The Label Blueprint.