You just completed your demo project with GC Music. Now, it's time to pitch the song.
Take this as a serious business and learn how to pitch your songs like a pro.
There is plenty of info on how to pitch your songs online.
Here are just a few do's and don'ts.
Study The Industry
You need to start studying the industry, Find artist's that record music in your style. What label are they on?
Who is their producer? Who publishes their songs?.
Make a list of a few labels and publishing companies and learn their policy on demos.
Some larger companies, will not accept unsolicited demos for legal reasons.
Is there a specific (A&R) rep to whom you should address your package?
Learn Their Policies
Many recording labels have very specific rules about demos that you have to follow.
Send only two songs, in the style of the artist, that is on the label.
Most publishing companies are looking for medium tempo songs with a positive lyric.
What are they looking for
Every label is looking for a specific style. For instance, don't send a Kenny Chesney style song to a label when they are looking for songs for Blake Shelton. Do your research.
Ask Questions
Questions to ask publishing companies and labels:
OK to call to get info?
What demo formats to use (CD, mp3, thumb drive, internet, etc.)
What style are you currently looking for. (Ballad, up tempo, medium tempo.)
Make It Easy
Make the persons job that's listening to your song as easy as possible.
When submitting your song, put your name and email address on each songs file name after the title.
Do not put your phone number on the file name.
Be sure to put your name and email address on every lyric sheet, email, sheet music, etc.
These people listen to a lot of new songs every week so they need a name and email attached to everything they see.
Follow up
Once you have sent your demo out, you need to follow up to make sure they have received them and to solicit their opinions. See if there is a demo follow up policy on their website. Make sure you stick to their protocol.
It may take months for a label to actually get around to playing your demo. An occasional email will help your demo stand out from the pack, unless you have been told differently by the label, Don't call. It puts people on the spot and won't win you any friends. Stick to email.
Sending out demos can be a little frustrating. Often, despite your best attempts at a follow-up, you just won't hear back from some people. You are also likely to hear "no" a lot. Don't let it get you down. It only takes one "yes." Treat every "no" as a chance to learn something that could turn that "no", into a "yes".
Only send pro demos
Pick songs with strong beginnings. When your demo goes into the CD player, if the song doesn't grab the listener in the first 30 seconds, then the listener is likely to press "next" .
You must have a top notch demo recording. You only get one chance to get someone to play your song all the way through. Only send professional demo recordings.
Thousands of songs are recorded each year. Yours could be the next hit!
If you have any questions call me at 615-491-3130
Gary