Sending your music to record labels requires careful preparation and a strategic approach. I'll guide you through the essential steps to maximize your chances of getting noticed.

First, ensure your music is professionally produced and ready for submission. This means having high-quality recordings, proper mixing, and mastering. Labels receive thousands of demos, so your sound quality needs to be competitive.

Research is crucial before sending anything. Here's what you need to do:

1. Identify labels that match your genre
2. Study their current roster of artists
3. Check their submission guidelines
4. Verify if they're currently accepting demos
5. Look for specific contact information

When preparing your submission package, include:

• 2-3 of your best tracks
• A brief bio (100-200 words)
• Professional press photos
• Social media links
• Streaming numbers (if significant)
• Previous achievements or press coverage

Most labels now prefer digital submissions through email or their online submission forms. Never send unsolicited physical materials unless specifically requested.

Your email should be professional and concise. Here's a proven format:

• Clear subject line: "Demo Submission - [Your Artist Name] - [Genre]"
• Greeting with the recipient's name (if known)
• Brief introduction (2-3 sentences)
• Why you chose their label
• Links to your music (preferably private SoundCloud or similar)
• Call to action

Important tips for success:

• Don't mass email multiple labels in the same email
• Follow up only once after 2-3 weeks
• Keep streaming links private and password-protected
• Ensure all links work before sending
• Keep attachments small (under 10MB total)

What to avoid:

• Long emails with your life story
• Sending unfinished work
• Spamming labels with multiple submissions
• Being overly pushy in follow-ups
• Using informal language

Remember to track your submissions in a spreadsheet, including:

• Label name
• Date submitted
• Contact person
• Response received
• Follow-up date

If you don't hear back, don't get discouraged. Keep creating music, building your fanbase, and improving your craft. Many successful artists faced multiple rejections before finding the right label fit.

Stay professional, persistent, and patient throughout the process. The key is to maintain quality in both your music and your approach to industry professionals.

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