I’ve had, and run several labels, and of course submitted many tracks over the last 3 decades to other labels.
I felt it would be valuable to share my opinions on this subject and perhaps shed some light on how it’s seen from the labels side.
1) For me it’s paramount that you make sure your tracks are mastered and presented in the best possible quality (you really want to stick out from the crowd when submitting your creations so an un mastered MP3 isn’t going to cut it). Often when the label listener is faced with multiple track submissions per day, it’s those who shine on all levels that hold a far better chance of getting signed.
2) Consistency is everything, personally I would never send 1 or 2 tracks to a label for signing. They always would prefer a choice to pick from and to hear if your music has a consistent vibe to it, both musically and sonically. Labels often want to find artists that they can build up, which means they know that you’ve got an identity to work with. This will never come across in just 1 or 2 tracks. Send 3 / 5 tracks explaining that they’re all available for signing. The label will let you know what they want to do with them, whether that’s they select a couple or keep them all and do 2 releases which is the ultimate goal.
3) When writing submission emails to labels, keep it short and sweet but also with a humble open tone. Maybe a very short background on you and the fact that music is your life ect.. devotion is also a real quality they seek.
4) The worst thing to write to a label (and I get this a lot is) “I think my incredible bad ass tracks, would be perfect for your label”. And if you receive an answer saying “sorry but these don’t fit the criteria” PLEASE do not answer saying “They’re perfect for your label, your wrong, did you even listen to them” the labels know what they want and negative vibes get you nowhere. It’s a very small world and words spreads fast.
5) Don’t look at a label turning you down as a negative. Get up and think I need to up my game. It’s very important to be rejected, it should make you stronger and want to succeed even more. Don’t feel down, because most people will reject you until you’re just too damn good to be rejected. Let it motivate you to do the best you can, not to give up because nobody loves me 😭 …..