How To Send A Demo To Geffen Records (Step-By-Step 2023 Guide)

The music industry is changing every day, and despite people questioning, if record labels are dying, the fact remains that signing with reputable labels like Geffen Records, is still a goal and dream for many!

You've built up a buzz, you're getting insane views on your music videos, and now you want to get your music out there even more.

You've got your eye on Geffen Records Recording, a Universal Music Group imprint responsible for the release of some Various artists you may know of, such as: John Lennon, U2, Bruce Springsteen to name a few.

And, still highly relevant today, Geffen Records is home to current artists including 5 Seconds of Summer, Billie Eilish, and, 6Lack So how do you do it? How do you reach such a company? Let's explore the two main methods of how to send a demo to Geffen Records and a couple of rules that you need to follow...

Geffen Records Info Card

Through its Interscope Geffen A&M imprint, Universal Music Group owns the American record company Interscope Records. Jimmy Iovine and Ted Field established Atlantic Records as a $20 million joint venture with Warner Music Group and Interscope Communications in late 1990. Unlike most record labels, Atlantic Records gave artists and producers complete creative independence and allowed A&R staff to make choices. In less than a year, it had its first hit records, and by 1993, it was profitable. John Janick succeeded Iovine as chair and CEO in May 2014.

Year Founded: 1980

Founder: David Geffen

Website: https://www.interscope.com/

Primary Genre(s): Various

Parent Label: Universal Music Group

Prominent Artists:

John Lennon, U2, Bruce Springsteen, 5 Seconds of Summer, Billie Eilish, 6Lack, Avicii, Da Baby

The Two Main Ways to Send Geffen Records a Demo

There are generally two main methods to getting your demo into the ears of the Geffen Records team, as well as any of the other Universal Music Group labels. These methods differentiate between how involved in the wider music industry you are and who you're already connected with.

Method 1

The most typical and arguably easiest way to get your demo into the hands of the Geffen Records A&R team would be to have it handed off to them.

This would be through someone like a manager, agent, producer, radio DJ, or some other kind of industry professional. (Universal Music Group)

The reason that this is one of the easiest ways to get your demo to this label is that Universal Music Group, and all of its record labels, refuse to take or listen to any unsolicited media.

They do this because of the sheer amount of music that they receive. If you send it through the proper channels, though, the odds of them checking it out are much higher.

Method 2

If you're an independent or otherwise unsigned musician, you do have other options. Universal Music has a platform called Spinnup that provides services like digital distribution and access to a whole network of talent scouts who have relationships with a variety of labels in the group, including Geffen Records. (Universal Music Group)

Spinnup is a great platform as it has been designed to do just this, discover artists! Sadly, Spinnup has announced the switch to invite-only. This changes this submission option in the same way that AWAL changed when Sony acquired it in a $430M deal in March 2022.

AWAL now filters out around 90% of submitted tracks! So why am I telling you this?

Spinnup ❌

AWAL ❌

Well, Spinnup is not completely off the table, UMG is just shifting to a more curated artist discovery and distribution platform.
As a result of this, most indie artists who had been using Spinnup have been asked to take down their releases. It is worth following along with the publications to keep up with what they are doing on the platform.

There are a few other kinds of platforms that you can find that provide similar services and help you in an attempt to get involved with Geffen Records.

What to Know BEFORE Submitting a Demo To Geffen Records: Demo Submission Rulebook!

Once you figure out how you plan to get your demo to the Geffen Records A&R department, you'll want to make sure you do these key things to increase your chances of getting in the doors:

Tip 1: Preparing Your Demo

•Before submitting a demo to a record label, ensure the music is of high quality and sounds polished.

If your demo sounds like it was recorded in a bedroom on a laptop, it's not going to make a good impression. Likewise, you might have a certain, marketable look - but if the music is trash, it won't be enough.

• Ask for feedback from experienced people in the industry to get an idea of whether your tracks are ready for release.

• Make sure you export your tracks in the correct format and that they are properly tagged with clear file names and ID3 tags.

• Do not send demos with copyrighted material or remixes/mashups as these will likely be rejected by labels.

Tip 2: Do Your Research

• Geffen Records has a specific sound, so it's important to do your research on a record label before sending them your demo, to make sure that your music aligns with the type of music they release.

• You should also check out other artists signed to the label and see if your style of music is similar to theirs.

• Familiarize yourself with the labels you want to get signed to by looking at their website, SoundCloud, Facebook Page, Twitter account, etc.

• Find names and contact information such as the A&R manager’s email address, and look up their demo policy.

• The more you know about a label before submitting your demo, the better chance you have of getting signed.

Tip 3: Read The Submission Guidelines

•Most labels have a demo policy that is displayed on their website. This policy outlines the guidelines they require for demo submissions.

• Unsolicited material is often rejected by labels for legal reasons.

• Most labels ask for original, full-length tracks and reject remixes, mashups, previews, unfinished tracks, etc.

• Some acceptable demo formats include private SoundCloud or Dropbox links and MP3 or WAV attachments.

• Mastering and mixdown preferences may be specific (i.e., mixed down track with -6db of headroom).

• Email format should include artist name, track names, and contact info but some labels prefer an EPK (Electronic Press Kit), bio, music career achievements, photos, etc.

• Contact instructions could include email or submission form guidelines and other contact information.

Many label policies explain that they will only contact those whose music has been accepted and offer follow-up instructions if necessary

Tip 4: Build Relationships

• It is always beneficial to build relationships and network in the music industry. The music industry can be a very tough business to crack, and it is important to have as many connections as possible.
• By getting out and connecting with people, you never know what opportunities may arise. It is important to meet other artists, producers, DJ's, publicists, booking agents, label staff, fans, and anyone else involved in the music industry.
• These connections could one day lead to your big break. However, it is important to approach these potential connections in a professional manner so that you do not come across as a stalker.
• Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships in the music industry is essential for success.

What Next?

Of course, the last thing you want to do is make sure that you're not sending unsolicited material or anything that infringes on copyright. From there, if you do what is asked of you while sending out a demo, you should really be good to go.

At the end of the day, record labels like Geffen Records receive hundreds of demos. It takes a lot of both skill and luck to get chosen to sign with them. That doesn't mean you should ever give up on sending out your demos. It just takes time and determination to find a record label that fits best with you.

If you decide not to use one of the submission platforms above, it might be worth contacting Geffen Records directly to check if they have an additional process or contact you can deal with directly.

You also want to get clued up on the different types of record deals out there and be prepared to consult with an entertainment lawyer.