Which Record Labels Accept Demos: 10 Steps to Sending Your Demo into a Record Label

So you want to be a signed musician and record labels seem like the way to do it?

You've got your demo and now you're trying to figure out which record labels accept demos and which one would be right for you.

Well, we're here to help! This article is for new musicians who have never sent their music to a record label before and want some tips on how they can do this successfully.

In this post, we'll discuss the 10 steps that are necessary in order to send your demo into any major or indie record label so that you can get noticed!

Which Record Labels Accept Demos: 10 Steps to Sending Your Demo into a Record Label
Table Of Contents
  1. How to Get Your Music Heard by A Record Label
  2. What Is an Unsolicited Demo?
  3. Which Record Labels Accept Demos?
  4. Will All These Labels Respond?
  5. Demo submission advice – 10 Steps to Sending Your Demo into a Record Label
  6. FAQS

How to Get Your Music Heard by A Record Label

record producer

Despite the advances with technology and people coming up through various avenues, including social media – record labels still have a huge role to play in the success of artists all over the world.

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A record label can be defined as an entity which manages the production, promotion and distribution of music.

They are accountable for finding new artists to promote; they also manage their careers (managing which songs will be promoted, how it’s done etc.)

In order to get picked up by a record label, you need to get them to hear your music by sending them a sample of your work. However, you cannot just send them your demo and hope for the best…

What Is an Unsolicited Demo?

What is an unsolicited demo

An unsolicited demo is when a prospect, who has not requested a demonstration, requests one.

Artists are known for sending unsolicited demos to record labels when they do not know the proper channels of which to go about sending their music.

The following are examples of ways to do this:

  • Calling or emailing the company
  • Isolating a company's online presence and asking the company directly
  • Going to the company's website and requesting to send a demo

The following are examples of times when an unsolicited demo is not appropriate:

  • When contacting an artist or employee who is not currently looking for new music
  • When the company has explicitly stated that they do not accept unsolicited demos

Now that we know what an unsolicited demo is, let's figure out how to get your music heard by a record label.

Below are the ten steps necessary in order to send your demo to any major or independent label that is accepting demos.

Which Record Labels Accept Demos?

This list will change frequently, so it is important to do your research before sending your demo.

United States Record Labels Accepting Demos

US
  • No Ego Records
  • MidiBoi Music
  • Rhythm 1 Releases
  • Neon Beams
  • Critically Records
  • Blue Music Records
  • Vision & Vitality Entertainment
  • Fairley'Odd Music
  • Mask Off Productions
  • Dru A Yates
  • SOLO MUSIC PUBLISHING
  • Tm
  • Odradek Records
  • Consiouz Musik
  • Planit erf, inc
  • Torqued Cash
  • True Fiends Entertainment
  • SADFACEJAY
  • Walithegod
  • Moneii Taxes
  • Epsilon Records
  • Roger W Walters
  • Neon Mouse Records
  • Royalty Music Entertainment
  • Unlimited.Stacks.Association
  • Family Loyalty Ent.
  • Indimore
  • Dots Massive Records
  • Nfynia Records
  • Loud Sonic Recordings

Submit Your Demo Here

You can submit your service using the link above but be sure to scroll down and read our demo submission tips.

United Kingdom Record Labels Accepting Demos

UK
  • Twisted Recordings
  • Global State Recordings
  • A1M records Ltd
  • CS Records
  • Strange Smoke Records
  • Turn Left Recordings
  • Rhythmic Records UK
  • Filthy Sounds
  • Blingbling Man Record
  • UPMotion Records
  • Scape Records
  • TwistedVintage Records
  • Tantrem Recordings
  • Tone Artistry Limited
  • Cruicial House
  • Cirax Records
  • Sakadat Records
  • Bass Thrillers
  • Evasive
  • Modular Algorithims
  • Diferit Records
  • NoMad Records
  • Phat Sky Records Ltd
  • beatphreak
  • Knight in Shining Armour
  • Auditory Recordings
  • Rodark Records
  • Overtime Entertainment
  • The Concept
  • Weird.inc

Submit Your Demo Here

You can submit your service using the link above but be sure to scroll down and read our demo submission tips.

Record Labels In Italy That Accept Demos

Italy
  • Distar Records
  • Black Bubble Records
  • ChronoWorld Records
  • WOOT RECORDS
  • Never Too Late Recordings
  • BACK Records
  • Circus Beats Records
  • Molto Recordings
  • A-Gain Records
  • Stereocity
  • Ok Poco Strano Recordings
  • Jaywork Music
  • Zero call
  • QU Music
  • Bimbomix Records
  • Black Bore Records
  • Flex Up Records
  • mynz2rec
  • CA3 Records
  • PA74 Music
  • SHOT Project
  • Make Your Noize Recordings

Submit Your Demo Here

You can submit your service using the link above but be sure to scroll down and read our demo submission tips.

Record Labels In Germany That Accept Demos

Germany
  • push2play music
  • Crash Beat Recordz
  • D86 Records
  • Lazy Bird Records
  • Pyro Enterprises
  • MIDNGT
  • #ZEUGE41
  • MarotyMusic
  • grschtrgr
  • Liquid Tree Records

Submit Your Demo Here

You can submit your service using the link above but be sure to scroll down and read our demo submission tips.

Will All These Labels Respond?

Let's be frank, the chances of your demo being snatched up by a record label when you send it out into the wild are pretty slim.

I mean, we've all been there. Case in point – my younger self firing off hundreds of CDs to any and every label that would listen!

Spoiler alert: most were sent back faster than you can say “rockstar dreams”.

But here's the kicker:
There is hope. Some labels do accept demos, and yes, they might just give yours a listen!

The Competition is Fierce
We need to remember this crucial fact: The music biz is exactly that – business. Record labels are bombarded with truckloads of submissions on the weekly. So despite them accepting demos, it doesn't guarantee an audience with your creativity.

Your Music Needs To Pop
To pierce through the noise (literally!), your music needs to be more than just good; it has to stand out like a diamond among pebbles. It has to make someone sit up and take notice. Your submission has to have that “it” factor that sets it apart from everything else. See Tips on standing out as a musician.

Demo submission advice – 10 Steps to Sending Your Demo into a Record Label

There are a few things you can do in order to increase the chances of your demo getting heard:

  1. Make sure that it is well-produced and sounds professional. This means no background noise, poor vocal quality, or amateurish instrumental tracks.
  2. Make sure that the song is a good representation of your overall sound and style. If you send a metal track to a pop label, it's likely going to get rejected immediately.
  3. Research which labels are the best fit for your music and target them specifically.
  4. ‘Demo' means ‘demo'. Do not send them an entire album unless they specifically request it. A demo should be one or two songs that are your best works – the rest of your material will be reviewed if interested.
  5. Name and contact information should be included on the CD or file name.
  6. Make sure that you include any lyrics, photos, press kit, etc. This way, they will know exactly who it's from if interested. This is true for however you deliver the medium; email, upload, post.

FAQS

Will A Record Label Steal My Demo?

No, a record label will not steal your demo. Record labels are actually looking for these types of demos to be able to find new talent. A lot of record labels even offer a platform for musicians to upload demos.

You can rest assured that your music is safe and in good hands when you send it to a record label. However, be sure that you own all the rights to the music before submitting it.

Do You Even Need A Record Label Nowadays?

The answer to this question is generally, yes. The label, in general, still exists for those who want to be signed by one, and the label's presence has significant impacts on what artists can, and cannot, do with their music.

Labels have a huge network of industry contacts which they can use to help promote your music. They also have the financial resources to invest in marketing and promotion, which can be costly for an artist.

When it comes to radio airplay, commercial sync licensing (for TV commercials, movies etc.), and even just selling CDs or digital downloads, getting streaming contracts, having a major label behind you gives you a huge advantage.

What is the best way to be an independent artist?

The best way to be an independent artist is to find your niche and then focus on making the best content possible. Also, it's important to have a good understanding of how the industry works and how to market your work.

What If I Just Want to Sell My Music Online?

This is definitely possible, and there are a number of ways you can do this without the help of a record label.

However, if you want to make money from your music, it's important to have your music in as many places as possible.

This means getting your music on streaming services, iTunes, Amazon, and anywhere else people can buy or stream music.

About Author

Arielle P

Arielle P

Songwriter | Music Producer | Engineer.

With a background in music production and a strong passion for education, Arielle is dedicated to helping emerging artists navigate the music industry. She has worked with a diverse range of artists, from indie rock bands to well-known hip-hop and grime artists. Arielle's unique approach to teaching focuses on empowering artists to take control of their brand, ensuring they retain creative ownership throughout their journey. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new sounds in her home studio and sharing her insights through music production tutorials and workshops.

📧 Email Arielle