How to submit demos to indie labels

Submitting demos to indie labels--It’s easier than you think

By Mark Grove

Now I may be going over old territory again, but when submitting demos to indie labels or agents and managers, you better have your shit together. Now, I recommend never sending demos unsolicited because chances are it will get tossed or just ignored. But Indie labels are more willing than Majors to look at such material. It’s best to contact a label and see what type of music they release and what the submission requirements are.




At the same time keep promoting the hell out of your band, booking gigs and using online Music journalist’s to interview your band and do reviews on your shows, and material. Shun Mainstream media, fuck them!


That’s where people like myself here at Canadian Guitar Player come in. We set up websites for bands, write articles for them and promote them in the music media online.


Also start selling your CD’s online and at shows as well. Make these A&R people at Indies, and even Majors notice you instead of hounding them. Like I said in an earlier article on A&R opportunities (Canadian Guitar Player-2004) in the future, the majority of the A&R opportunities will be at the Indie level.




As well, look at an article entitled: Killer Demos (CGPM-2002).This is why those of us who are independent promoters or musicians have to work our asses off at this music game we love so much, so the Majors don’t screw us and try to gain a monopoly on the indie scene. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but that’s just me.



Submiting Demos:

Demos should be simple, nothing over-produced.Labels are looking for material that shows their individuality and strength’s as a band, be it instrumental, vocal or lyrical.


As well , I like to see punk, blues. and even hip-hop that strays from the norm and just bites you the first time you hear it. You don’t need it produced in a 300 dollar an hour studio that would literally destroy your original intentions anyway.




Get label people to come out and see your band live playing your best material first, like you would in a submitted demo. Just make sure --your band is prepared equipment wise, Doing a thorough sound check because playing live is like playing a demo every time out. Do your best and give your all. Just give er!



Include lyrics, contact names and bios of every band member along with a history of the band and what they want out of music. Now when playing your demo material to be submitted make sure all your instruments are ready so you are playing with solid-on intonation and can play the way you originally wanted to.



Demos should have your 3 best tracks nothing more nothing less. Make sure vocals lead the way with the instruments played like it was your last shot at fame in the music business. If you play Hard-core Metal play it that way, or if you’re a blues man don’t play Your own material like a well known blues song, play it your way.



That’s what blues guys are bad for, and that’s playing old blues note for note. A&R people at Indie label’s and Majors can tell when your demo is just going through the motions, so do your homework and research each step of the Demo process and be ready for the no’s, even from Indie Labels.


A good A&R based website to look at and learn from is taxi.com who are specialist’s in the A&R field. They can help your band get to where they need to go to, submitting demos to labels as a band, artist, or material for labels to publish. Shoot for the moon guys and gals, and never give up your music dream .

Mark Grove 2008


http://www.taxi.com The music industry's best A&R Specialists