Question about what to do AFTER you've sent a demo

[donsolo328]

Hey whatsup dubstep forum. My first post ever on here so whatsup. I've dug all through the internet to look up advice and tips and how to send a good demo to labels, DJ's, stations, etc. I finally decided to start and have done all the necessary steps to send what I think was a good and concise demo via email. I only sent my demo to a few labels, some very underground, and some well known (lets just say Hyperdub might be one of them). All of the labels I chose happened to want to use the private soundcloud link as their choice of listening. I did so, and was able to then track who views my private tracks.

It's been about 2 weeks as of now, and have gotten plays 2 plays on each track from a location in the United Kingdom (according to soundcloud) and a play and download of each track from a source in Los Angeles. The tricky part we all have with demos is to know they have actually heard it.

But I'm unsure where to go from here. This is why i feel like some of you guys may know how to better handle this, esp. people with label experience. Is there any etiquette when giving follow up emails. Should I send any at all? What do you do when you know multpile sources have indeed listened to your tracks, and even downloaded them? Sit and hope for the best, or be proactive and getting a follow up. Would appreciate some help!

[__________]

Honestly man, if you want people to take you seriously, learning to spell 'dubstep' properly might be a good place to start.

I hate to say it, but we ignore most (not all) of the demos we're sent because they're almost 100% inappropriate.
I will always reply to demo submissions though if:

A) the submitter has clearly put some effort in
B) the submitter clearly knows our label
C) the submitter hasn't spammed the same message to multiple labels (very easy to spot)

If you're not even sending a covering letter/email (or can't) with the music then I guess it just comes down 100% to the quality of your tracks and their suitability for the label. Pick better suited labels or 'worse' labels. Not being funny but I doubt Hyperdub's gonna sign you for your debut release. Either set your sights lower, or if you think you're the shit, keep working hard at it and hope people pick up on you.

[donsolo328]

Nice and to the point. I appreciate the honest feedback. I can assure you I did not make that mistake in my demo submission lol (just a mistake on a forum). I understand where you're coming from with the hyperdub thing. My idea was to cast a net over the handful of labels that I like and feel my music would fit well in. I definitely sent my stuff to very low level labels as well. Hyperdub was most definitely my "reach" label, doesn't hurt to try it though. (Think of applying for college and "reach schools." You know you're most likely not going to make it but it really doesn't hurt to do it for one.)

I guess the main question I was asking was what do I do after they have listened/downloaded. I most definitely sent a cohesive email along with my soundcloud private link located within the email. Gave a brief description of who I am, where I was from, influences, and contact info. Also thanked them for considering the email. As a label guy how would you handle it best?

[Figment]

i believe you're upto the waiting game, so you just keep doing your thing as you would and hope that maybe you hear back from them?

[cloaked_up]

the bros i know with labels love if its sent again. its a nice reminder

[titchbit]

not to hijack this thread, but does anyone know of a good resource for finding smaller time labels? I don't really know of any that I should send my tunes to.