We spend hours perfecting our music. The fine
details count, but there’s little point crafting the ideal track, album or EP if we don’t
put the same care and attention into how we present and market our music.
Ever wondered why no one at a label has responded
to you? Here are some tips that will make all the difference in getting your
music listened to and getting it to
the top of the pile for those all-important record labels and A&R managers.
1. Check the
Label’s ‘Submission Policy’
Always check the Submission Policy of the label you
are sending to. Many labels now employ a “no physical
submissions” policy, so there’s usually no need to send a CD in 2014. In fact, you could do
more to ruin your reputation if you send them material in a format they specifically ask you not to!
2. Know Your
Image, Know Your Direction!
Contrary to popular belief, artwork and packaging
doesn’t need to be fancy (and there’s a lot to be said about having a “DIY” look), but it does need to be relevant to the music you’ve creating.
Rightly or wrongly, image is still a vital element for
consideration. Why give yourself a flashy graphic logo if you’re an underground
indie band? Your music and your image go hand in
hand—if you’re confident your image compliments your music, then that gives a
label a clear indication you know your market.
3. Seriously,
Label Your Music!
Taking care over how you label (notice I said “label”, not “design”) your music is as important as the music contained. Really.
You might be lucky, and have your music passed on
through a connection, but it’s highly unlikely a CD will be listened to if the
only words written on it are “TDK 74 minutes”! (Yes, I’ve seen this happen.)
If you’re sending MP3s, take care of the
quality. Make sure you label your ID3 tags. A lot of the music industry work on Apple Macs, so one of the best ways of creating ID3 tags is using iTunes.
You can also
embed your artwork into the MP3 as well as the artist details (email, phone number) so when that all-important
A&R manager listens to your song, it will helpfully organise itself in their
music library. That way, you can be found at the click of a button.
Trust me—they like this!
Also remember to upload your music to sites such as
SoundCloud. Links are better than flooding an A&R manager’s inbox with
MP3s.
Trust me—they don’t like this!
4. A Few
Extras…
A carefully thought out biography and photo really
helps. Photos don’t look good if you’ve taken them in a disused warehouse, in
front of a wall, or in a field. Be original, otherwise you won’t be perceived as being original!
Conclusion
Putting care and attention into how you present
your music always gives the impression that in the long-term you’ll put care and
attention into your material. Your music needs an edge – after all the hard
work and effort your music deserves to be showcased to the best of your
ability.
Stand out from the crowd and get yourself noticed!
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