SubmitDemo.com
← Back to demo submission

Music Demo Submission FAQ

Submitting a demo is simple, but presenting it correctly can make a significant difference.

A&R teams, record labels, managers, publishers and other music professionals may listen to a very large number of songs every day. Your goal should therefore be to remove every unnecessary obstacle between the person reviewing your submission and the music itself.

The basic rule is simple: make it easy to understand who you are, what you are submitting, and make the music playable immediately.

Unless a particular submission opportunity gives different instructions, the following guidelines are recommended.

SUBMITTING YOUR MUSIC

What should I submit?

Submit your strongest music, not everything you have ever made.

For most demo submissions, one to three tracks is enough. If someone likes what they hear, they can always ask for more.

Sending twelve average tracks is usually less effective than sending one exceptional track.

How many songs should I submit?

Generally, we recommend submitting one to three tracks.

Put your strongest track first.

Do not assume that an A&R representative will listen to every track in a playlist. If the first song does not attract their attention, they may never reach the second one.

Should I submit my best song first?

Absolutely.

Never arrange your tracks chronologically or put the song you consider an "introduction" first unless it is genuinely your strongest song.

Your first track is your first impression.

Should I send the full song or only a preview?

Unless specifically requested otherwise, send the full song.

The listener may skip through different sections, but they should have the option to hear the entire recording.

Do not send a 30-second teaser when the complete song is available.

How quickly do I need to catch the listener's attention?

Very quickly.

There is no universal amount of time that every A&R representative listens before making an initial decision, but you should work on the assumption that you may have only 30 to 60 seconds to create enough interest for them to continue listening.

Do not expect someone reviewing hundreds of songs to patiently wait two minutes for something interesting to happen.

This does not mean every song needs to start with the chorus. It means the opening should give the listener a reason to continue.

Can I submit an unfinished song?

It is normally better to submit finished music.

A rough demo may be appropriate when a publisher, producer or label specifically wants early-stage compositions, but when submitting to record labels you should generally demonstrate what you are actually capable of producing.

Do not expect the reviewer to imagine how good the song might become after another month of work.

Does the song need to be mastered?

It should at least sound professionally mixed and be comfortable to listen to.

Some labels prefer finished masters while others prefer a good premaster because they intend to master the final release themselves.

The important point is that poor sound quality should not prevent the reviewer from appreciating the song.

If your submission is intentionally unmastered, you can simply mention that.

MUSIC LINKS AND ACCESS

Should my music link require a login?

No.

Do not send music behind a login screen, membership system, identity verification page, registration form or access request.

A&R representatives may be reviewing hundreds of artists.

You are already competing for a limited amount of attention. If someone clicks your link and is immediately asked to create an account, enter an email address, verify their identity or request permission from you, there is a very good chance they will simply move on to the next artist.

Ideally:

Click link -> press play -> music starts.

Nothing else should be necessary.

Can the link require the listener to request access?

No.

Avoid Google Drive folders or other services displaying messages such as:

"Request access."

Do not expect the A&R representative to contact you asking permission to hear the music you asked them to listen to.

Check your link yourself before submitting it.

Open an incognito or private browser window where you are not logged into your own account and test it.

Should I password-protect my demo?

Generally, no.

A private or unlisted link is usually sufficient.

If there is a genuine reason for using a password, place the password directly next to the link so the reviewer does not need to contact you.

Never make someone request a password.

What is the best type of demo link?

A private streaming link that immediately plays the song is usually ideal.

Common examples include:

The platform matters much less than the experience.

One click should lead directly to the music.

Is a private SoundCloud link acceptable?

Yes. Private SoundCloud links remain one of the most commonly used methods for sending unreleased music.

Make sure you send the actual private sharing link and test it before submitting.

Can I submit a Google Drive link?

Yes, but only if it works without requesting access.

However, a dedicated streaming page is generally preferable because Google Drive is primarily a file-storage service rather than a music presentation platform.

If you use Google Drive, make sure the recipient can immediately preview the audio.

Can I use Dropbox?

Yes, provided the track can be accessed easily and does not require an account or permission request.

Should I use WeTransfer?

It is generally not the best choice for an initial demo.

Download links create additional friction, and transfer links may expire.

A permanent streaming link is usually more convenient.

If someone specifically requests downloadable WAV files, a transfer service may then be appropriate.

Can I send a Spotify link?

For already released music, yes.

For unreleased demos, obviously not.

Even when submitting an unreleased song, including your Spotify artist profile separately can be useful because it allows the reviewer to understand your previous work and current audience.

Can I send an unlisted YouTube link?

Yes, provided it works immediately and does not create unnecessary obstacles.

For music-focused submissions, a dedicated audio streaming link may still be preferable.

Should I send MP3 or WAV files as email attachments?

Not unless specifically requested.

Large attachments consume mailbox space, may trigger filters and are less convenient than streaming links.

For the first contact, send a streaming link.

If someone wants to sign or seriously evaluate the recording, they can request the WAV files, instrumentals, stems or other production files later.

Should downloading be enabled?

It is useful, but immediate streaming is more important.

Some labels like the ability to download a track for internal listening or DJ testing. Others do not need it.

If downloads are enabled, make sure you are comfortable with the recipient receiving the file.

YOUR ARTIST IDENTITY

Are you a solo artist, producer, DJ, duo, group or band?

Tell us clearly.

This sounds obvious, but artist submissions are often unclear about who or what the project actually represents.

For example:

This information helps music professionals understand the project they are evaluating.

Why does it matter whether I am a band or solo artist?

A label is evaluating more than an audio file.

The structure of the project affects recording, touring, marketing, contracts, songwriting ownership, social media, interviews, visual identity and future releases.

A four-member band is a different proposition from a producer creating music alone under an artist alias.

If we are a band, should we list the members?

Yes.

You should be able to explain who the members are and what each person does.

For example:

**Anna - vocals

Michael - guitar

David - bass

Lucas - drums**

You do not necessarily need to put all of this in the first sentence of your pitch, but the information should be available.

If I use a stage name, should I give my real name?

If the submission form asks for your legal name, provide it accurately.

Your artist name and legal name serve different purposes.

The public may know you as an artist name, but contracts and rights administration normally involve real people or registered companies.

Should I say where I am from?

Yes.

Country and city can be useful information.

Music is international, but geography may influence touring possibilities, local audience development, press, collaborations and label strategy.

Does my age matter?

Usually much less than the music and the project.

Do not make age the centerpiece of your submission unless it is genuinely relevant.

If a submission service requires age information for legal or eligibility reasons, answer accurately.

Should I mention my profession or what I do outside music?

Usually not unless it contributes meaningfully to your artist story.

A&R representatives primarily need to understand the music and the artist project.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Should I disclose if I used AI?

Yes. Be upfront about it.

Do not try to hide significant use of generative AI.

AI is increasingly becoming part of music production, but there is a major difference between using AI as an assisting tool and asking a generative system to create the actual song, composition, lyrics, vocals or instrumental performance.

Clear disclosure avoids problems later.

Will using AI automatically cause my music to be rejected?

Not necessarily.

Different labels have different policies.

What matters is that you explain honestly what was generated and what was created by you.

Hiding AI involvement can create a much larger problem than simply disclosing it.

What counts as AI-generated music?

Examples may include:

If a significant creative element came directly from a generative model, disclose it.

What about AI-assisted tools?

Using technology to assist production is not necessarily the same as generating the creative content.

Examples can include:

If the tool merely helped process music that you actually created, say so if asked.

What if I generated a song with AI and then recreated it myself?

Explain that.

For example:

"The original concept was generated using AI, but I subsequently recreated the instrumental, recorded the vocals and produced the final recording myself."

Do not simply answer "No AI" if generative AI played a meaningful role in the creation of the composition.

What if AI wrote my lyrics?

Disclose it.

What if only part of the song uses AI?

State which part.

For example:

"AI was used to generate a background vocal texture. All songwriting, lead vocals, instruments and production were created by me."

That is far more useful than simply saying "AI-assisted."

Can I use an AI clone of a famous singer?

This creates serious rights and platform issues.

Do not submit music using an unauthorized clone or impersonation of another identifiable artist's voice.

If you have legitimate authorization, explain it clearly and be prepared to document it.

What if the artist itself is an AI or virtual persona?

Be honest about that as well.

If the public-facing artist does not represent a real performer, say so.

The industry increasingly distinguishes between AI used in production and an entirely synthetic artist identity.

COPYRIGHT, SAMPLES AND OWNERSHIP

Do I need to own the music I submit?

You must have the legal authority necessary to submit and potentially license the music.

Do not submit music that you know you do not control.

What rights should I control?

There can be several different rights involved in a single recording.

These may include:

Make sure you understand who owns what.

Can I submit music containing samples?

Only if you have the necessary rights or the material is otherwise lawfully usable.

Do not assume that a sample is legal merely because it is short.

There is no universal rule saying that using two seconds, five seconds or eight bars of someone else's recording is automatically permitted.

Can I submit a song using royalty-free samples?

Usually, provided the license actually allows your intended commercial use.

However, "royalty-free" does not necessarily mean "no restrictions."

Read the license.

Some sample libraries have restrictions concerning redistribution, isolated samples, Content ID registration or certain commercial uses.

Keep copies of your licenses and purchase records.

What if I used a loop from Splice or another sample service?

State it accurately if asked.

Commercial sample libraries are common in modern production, but you remain responsible for complying with the applicable license.

Do not claim that every sound in the song was personally created from scratch if that is not true.

Can I submit a song made from a beat I purchased online?

Potentially, yes.

But understand the license first.

A beat may have been:

A $20 beat purchase does not automatically mean you own everything.

What if the producer owns part of the song?

Tell us.

That is normal.

What matters is understanding the ownership accurately.

What if several people wrote the song?

List the writers accurately.

Do not wait until a label becomes interested before discovering that four other people claim ownership of the composition.

Should we agree on songwriter splits before submitting?

Ideally, yes.

A simple written split agreement can prevent major problems later.

Can I submit a remix?

Only if the particular submission accepts remixes and you have the necessary authorization.

An unofficial remix of a copyrighted recording generally cannot simply be treated as your original master.

Can I submit a bootleg or mashup?

Usually not for a conventional commercial label release unless all necessary rights have been cleared.

Can I submit a cover song?

Possibly, but state clearly that it is a cover.

Do not present someone else's composition as an original song.

Cover licensing is also different from sampling because using the composition and using someone else's actual sound recording are not the same thing.

What if I sampled something from YouTube, TikTok, a movie or a video game?

The source does not make it free to use.

Audio taken from movies, television, games, social media videos, interviews or other recordings may still involve copyright, performance, personality or other rights.

What if I cannot find the copyright owner?

That does not automatically give you permission to use the material.

Do I need to register copyright before submitting?

Registration requirements differ between countries.

The important immediate issue for a demo submission is that you know who created the work and who owns or controls the relevant rights.

COLLABORATIONS AND FEATURES

What if another artist is featured on the song?

List them.

Do not submit:

Artist A - Track Name

if the actual commercial release would need to be:

Artist A feat. Artist B - Track Name

Do featured artists need to approve the release?

You should have the necessary agreement from everyone whose performance or rights are involved.

What if I hired a session singer?

Make sure your agreement allows the recording to be commercially released.

Paying someone to record vocals does not automatically resolve every possible ownership or contractual issue.

What if I hired a ghost producer?

Be honest where rights information is requested.

A label's primary concern is generally whether you actually have the rights necessary to release and license the recording.

What if someone else mixed or mastered the song?

That is perfectly normal.

Credit them accurately where requested.

Do I need permission from everyone who appears on the recording?

You should have appropriate authorization from performers and contributors whose work is incorporated into the recording.

RELEASE STATUS

Should my demo be unreleased?

For record label submissions, unreleased music is generally preferable unless the recipient specifically accepts previously released recordings.

A label normally wants the opportunity to plan the release.

Can I submit a song that is already on Spotify?

You can, but state clearly that it has already been released.

Some labels may consider licensing or rereleasing existing material, while others are only interested in unreleased music.

Never describe a released song as unreleased.

Can I submit music that is already signed to another label?

No, not as though it were available for signing.

If another party controls the recording, disclose that.

Can I submit a song that another label is currently considering?

Unless an exclusive submission has been agreed, artists commonly approach more than one potential partner.

However, be professional.

Do not tell five different labels that each one has an exclusive opportunity.

If negotiations become serious with one party, communicate appropriately with the others.

Can I submit the same track to several labels?

You generally can unless you have agreed otherwise.

However, targeted submissions are usually better than sending the same song indiscriminately to hundreds of labels.

Research who actually releases your type of music.

Should I tell a label that it is the only label hearing the song?

Only if that is genuinely true.

Never manufacture exclusivity as a sales tactic.

What if two labels want the same song?

Do not sign conflicting agreements.

Tell the relevant parties that another offer exists and review the proposed agreements carefully before committing.

GENRE AND MUSICAL STYLE

Do I need to select a genre?

If requested, choose the closest accurate genre.

Genre information helps route music to the right people.

What if my music does not fit one genre?

Choose the closest primary genre and use the description to mention secondary influences.

For example:

**Primary genre: Afro House

Influences: Amapiano, Deep House, Afrobeats**

Should I invent a unique genre name?

Usually not.

Calling your music "Quantum Cyber Tropical Post-House" may sound creative, but it does not necessarily help an A&R representative understand where the record belongs.

Use recognized genres first and describe unusual influences separately.

What if I do not know my genre?

Give your best approximation.

You can also mention artists, scenes or labels whose audiences may overlap with yours, but avoid claiming to "sound exactly like" a famous artist.

YOUR ARTIST PROFILE

Do I need social media accounts?

You should provide your relevant artist profiles if you have them.

A&R representatives may look beyond the song itself to understand whether an artist is active and whether there is a real project behind the music.

Do I need thousands of followers?

No specific follower number guarantees that someone will like or sign your music.

A small but genuine audience can be more meaningful than suspicious numbers.

Will having few followers automatically disqualify me?

Not necessarily.

Exceptional music can still attract interest.

However, a label may also consider whether you are actively developing your career and whether there is evidence of audience engagement.

Should I buy followers before submitting?

No.

Artificial followers, fake engagement and suspicious statistics can damage credibility rather than improve it.

Should I include my Spotify profile?

Yes, if you already have one.

Should I include Instagram, TikTok and YouTube?

Include the profiles you actually use as an artist.

There is little value in providing seven abandoned social media accounts.

What if I have no social media presence?

You can still submit music.

But consider creating basic professional artist profiles so that someone interested in the song can understand who you are.

Should my social media profile match my artist name?

Ideally, yes.

Consistency makes you easier to identify and remember.

Does my artist image matter?

Yes.

Music comes first, but a record label is potentially developing an artist, not merely storing an audio file.

Your visual identity, photographs, artwork and overall presentation can help someone understand the project.

Do I need professional photographs?

Not necessarily at the initial demo stage.

But if you already have good artist photos, make them easy to find.

YOUR BIOGRAPHY AND MESSAGE

How long should my artist biography be?

For the initial demo submission, keep it short.

A&R representatives do not need your autobiography before hearing your music.

A few useful sentences are normally enough.

What should I include about myself?

Useful information can include:

Should I tell my entire life story?

No.

If someone becomes interested, there will be plenty of time to learn more about you.

The initial objective is getting them to press play.

Should I explain what the song is about?

A short explanation can help, particularly for lyrical music.

Keep it concise.

Should I mention previous achievements?

Yes, if they are meaningful and verifiable.

Examples might include:

Avoid turning the submission into a list of minor accomplishments.

Should I mention famous artists who support my music?

Only if the claim is genuine.

Do not write "supported by major DJs" because someone once accidentally played three seconds of your song in a livestream.

Should I compare myself to famous artists?

Comparisons can occasionally help explain a musical direction, but do not overdo it.

"I make alternative R&B influenced by Frank Ocean and James Blake" provides context.

"I am the next Frank Ocean" usually does not.

METADATA AND INFORMATION

What information should I provide with the track?

At minimum, make sure it is clear:

Should my file names be professional?

Yes.

Use something simple such as:

Artist Name - Track Title.wav

Avoid filenames such as:

FINALmasterNEW2_realfinal_USETHISVERSION7.wav

Should I provide lyrics?

If the submission form asks for them, yes.

Lyrics may also be important where language, explicit content, publishing or potential copyright issues need to be understood.

Should I identify the language of the song?

Yes, particularly if it may not be obvious to the reviewer.

Should I mention explicit lyrics?

If asked, answer accurately.

Should I provide BPM and musical key?

For some electronic and dance genres, BPM can be useful.

For many other genres it is unnecessary unless specifically requested.

SUBMISSION ETIQUETTE

Should I send my demo to every label I can find?

No.

Research first.

A techno label is unlikely to sign your acoustic country song simply because you sent it enthusiastically.

Targeting relevant recipients saves everyone's time.

Should I research the label before submitting?

Yes.

Listen to recent releases, not only the famous song they released eight years ago.

Try to understand what the label is doing now.

Should I submit through Instagram DM?

Only if the label or person specifically invites demos through direct messages.

If an official demo form or email exists, use it.

Can I send my demo directly to an A&R representative's personal account?

Respect professional boundaries.

If they publicly invite submissions there, fine.

Otherwise use the official submission channel.

Should I send the same message to hundreds of labels?

Mass submissions are easy to recognize.

A short, relevant submission normally creates a better impression than generic spam.

Should I put many A&R addresses in CC?

No.

Should I say "URGENT" in the subject line?

No.

Your demo is not an emergency.

Should I repeatedly message the A&R asking whether they listened?

No.

Repeated messages are unlikely to improve the music.

Should I follow up?

A single polite follow-up can be reasonable if the recipient has not stated otherwise.

First check whether the submission page provides a review period.

If it says that only successful submissions receive replies, respect that policy.

How long should I wait before following up?

Follow the recipient's stated review period.

If no guidance exists, waiting roughly two weeks before one short follow-up is generally more professional than contacting someone after two days.

What should my follow-up say?

Keep it extremely short.

For example:

Hi, just following up on the demo submitted on 5 August in case you have had an opportunity to listen. Thank you again for your time.

There is no need to resend your biography.

How many times should I follow up?

Usually once.

No response is itself useful information.

What if my demo is rejected?

Move on.

A rejection does not necessarily mean the song is bad. It can mean the music does not fit that particular label, schedule, strategy or A&R person's taste.

Should I argue with the reviewer?

No.

Trying to convince someone that they are wrong for not liking your song rarely produces a record deal.

Can I ask for feedback?

You can, but do not assume that every A&R representative has time to provide it.

Detailed feedback is valuable and time-consuming.

RESUBMISSIONS

Can I submit again if my first song is rejected?

Yes, if you have new material.

One rejected song does not necessarily mean the artist has been rejected permanently.

Should I submit the same song again?

Usually not unless:

Changing the snare drum and resending the song three days later is unlikely to help.

How often should I submit new music?

Quality matters more than frequency.

Do not send every song you finish.

Submit when you genuinely believe you have something competitive.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SUBMISSION?

Will someone definitely listen to my music?

That depends on the particular recipient or service.

High submission volumes mean you should never assume that submitting automatically guarantees detailed evaluation.

This is another reason to make the submission as easy to review as possible.

Will I receive a reply?

Not necessarily.

Many labels only contact artists whose music interests them.

No response should not automatically be interpreted as a technical problem.

Can I see whether someone listened?

Some private music hosting services provide play statistics or engagement information.

However, a play does not necessarily tell you exactly who listened or what they thought.

What happens if someone is interested?

They may ask for:

Be prepared.

Should I send stems with the initial demo?

Normally no.

Send them when requested.

Should I send my ID with the first demo?

Normally there is no reason to send identity documents simply so someone can listen to your music.

Identity verification may become appropriate later for contracts, payments, tax compliance or other legitimate administrative purposes.

Be cautious about sending passports or identity documents to unknown people.

When should I sign a contract?

Only after you understand what it says.

An enthusiastic email saying "we love the song" is not the same thing as understanding the rights you are granting.

Consider obtaining independent legal advice before entering a significant music agreement.

SCAMS AND SECURITY

How do I know whether an A&R representative is genuine?

Check independently.

Look at:

Do not rely entirely on screenshots or profile names.

Should I pay someone who claims a record deal is guaranteed?

Be very cautious.

No legitimate person can guarantee that a particular label will sign music simply because you pay a fee.

Paid submission, promotional and consulting services can exist legitimately, but payment for a service is not the same thing as a guaranteed record contract.

What if someone claiming to be a famous label contacts me from a Gmail address?

Verify them independently through the label's official channels before sending sensitive information or money.

Should I give someone my password?

No.

A legitimate music submission does not require your Spotify, Instagram, email or banking password.

CAREER AND READINESS

Do I need a manager before submitting music?

No.

Many artists approach labels independently.

Do I need a record label?

Not necessarily.

Artists can distribute music independently.

A label relationship makes sense when both sides can contribute something useful to the partnership.

What is an A&R representative actually looking for?

There is no single formula.

Depending on the company, they may consider:

A great song is important, but a label may be evaluating whether there is an artist career behind the song.

Do streaming numbers matter?

They can provide useful context, but they are not the only factor.

Numbers without context can also be misleading.

What if I only have 500 monthly listeners?

Submit your best music anyway.

Do not apologize for being small.

Every established artist was unknown at some point.

What if I have millions of streams?

Mention meaningful achievements, but do not assume numbers will compensate for music that does not fit the recipient.

Should I wait until I am famous before contacting labels?

No.

But you should demonstrate that you are serious about developing the project yourself.

What makes an artist look serious?

There is no checklist that guarantees success, but positive signals include:

FINAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

Before pressing Submit, ask yourself:

And finally:

Would a busy A&R representative be able to understand my submission and start listening within a few seconds?

If the answer is yes, you have already avoided many of the most common demo-submission mistakes.