Submitting your song lyrics to record labels can be a crucial step in getting your music heard by industry professionals and potentially landing a recording or publishing deal. This guide walks you through the entire process, from preparing your lyrics to following up effectively. Before you begin, ensure your lyrics are polished, original, and properly formatted. Having a clear understanding of the labels you’re targeting and their submission preferences will help maximize your chances of success.
What You’ll Need
- Completed, polished song lyrics
- Professional contact information for record labels
- A brief, compelling cover letter or email
- Digital copies of your lyrics (preferably in PDF or Word format)
- Optional: a demo recording of the song (if requested)
Step-by-Step
- Research Record Labels: Identify labels that align with your music genre and style. Visit their websites to find submission guidelines and preferred contact methods. Focus on independent labels initially, as they often have more accessible submission processes.
- Prepare Your Lyrics: Ensure your lyrics are complete, typo-free, and formatted professionally. Use standard fonts, clear spacing, and include your contact info at the top or in a header. Consider adding a brief note about the song’s theme or inspiration.
- Follow Submission Guidelines: Carefully read each label’s submission instructions. Some accept email submissions, others prefer online forms, and a few might request physical copies. Adhere strictly to these instructions to avoid your submission being overlooked.
- Create a Cover Letter or Email: Write a concise, professional message introducing yourself, explaining why you’re reaching out, and including relevant details like your songwriting experience or notable achievements. Keep it polite, enthusiastic, and to the point.
- Attach or Submit Your Lyrics: Send your lyrics as per the label’s preferred format. If submitting via email, attach your PDF or Word document. If using an online form, upload your files accordingly. Include your contact info in the email or form fields.
- Optional: Include a Demo: If the label requests or if you believe it strengthens your submission, include a high-quality recording of your song. Ensure it’s professionally recorded and clearly labeled with your name and song title.
- Send and Confirm Receipt: After submitting, verify that your email or form was received. If you don’t hear back within a few weeks, consider sending a polite follow-up email to inquire about the status of your submission.
- Follow Up and Be Patient: Respect the label’s review process. If you receive feedback or a rejection, thank them for their consideration and ask if they’d like to keep your contact info for future opportunities.
Common Mistakes
- Sending incomplete or unpolished lyrics that contain typos or grammatical errors.
- Ignoring or misunderstanding submission guidelines, such as format, method, or content restrictions.
- Sending generic or impersonal messages that don’t demonstrate your knowledge of the label or your passion for your song.
- Overloading the email with unnecessary information or attachments.
- Failing to follow up or waiting too long to check on your submission status.
Tips
- Research each label thoroughly to tailor your submission accordingly.
- Keep your cover letter brief, professional, and personalized.
- Ensure your lyrics are formatted consistently and professionally.
- If possible, include a short demo recording to enhance your submission.
- Maintain a polite and patient attitude, understanding that review times vary.
Troubleshooting
If your submission doesn’t get a response or seems to have gone astray, consider these actions:
- Double-check the submission guidelines and ensure you followed all instructions correctly.
- Verify that your contact information was accurate and included in your submission.
- Send a polite follow-up email after a reasonable waiting period (usually 4-6 weeks).
- Seek feedback from fellow songwriters or industry contacts to review your lyrics and presentation.
- Explore alternative labels or opportunities, such as songwriting contests or online platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should my cover letter be?
Keep it brief—around 2-3 short paragraphs—focused on introducing yourself, your song, and why you’re reaching out. Avoid lengthy bios or unnecessary details.
2. Should I send my lyrics to multiple labels at once?
Yes, but tailor each submission to the specific label. Avoid mass emailing the same message; personalized submissions are more likely to get noticed.
3. Is it better to send physical copies or digital files?
Most labels prefer digital submissions for convenience and speed. However, some independent or traditional labels may accept or request physical copies—always follow their guidelines.
4. What if the label requests a demo recording along with lyrics?
Ensure your demo is high-quality, professionally recorded if possible. Label executives value clear, well-produced recordings that showcase your song effectively.
5. How do I protect my lyrics when submitting them?
Use copyright notices, watermark your lyrics, or consider registering your work with a copyright office. Always keep copies of your submissions for your records.
6. How long should I wait before following up?
Wait at least 4-6 weeks before sending a polite follow-up email. Be respectful and avoid pestering, as industry professionals often have busy schedules.
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