HARD TRUTH: The Real Reasons Labels Are Rejecting Your Music 🎵🎶🎵[057]
Getting Signed: A Comprehensive Strategy for Techno and Electronic Music Artists
I wanted to give you a solid roadmap for getting signed to a label in the techno and electronic music scene. Having been deeply involved in the industry for years, I’ve seen what actually works—and what often just leads to frustration.
First and foremost: patience and persistence are key. Don’t expect your tracks to land on your dream label right away. In most cases, it makes sense to start by submitting your music to smaller labels with a decent reach. If a label has little to no audience, you might be better off self-releasing instead.
To get a clearer picture of the landscape, I highly recommend checking out labelbase.net—it’s a great resource for discovering labels and finding the right fit for your sound.
If you're looking to build industry connections( management company, booking agency, record label, & publisher), Rostr is another must-have. It’s the largest and fastest-updating directory for the music business, making it an invaluable tool for networking and understanding the industry from the inside.
How to get signed to a Techno label?
Building Your Foundation
I've found that successful artists don't just make good music—they develop a complete identity as an artist. This means:
Developing a Unique Signature Sound: I Focus on creating recognizable elements in my productions that set me apart. Labels are constantly searching for artists with distinct perspectives, not just technically competent producers.
Understanding Genre Nuances: I make a point to deeply immerse myself in my subgenres, studying influential artists and trends, but using this knowledge to carve my own space rather than simply imitating others.
Production Excellence: I invest considerable time refining my sound design, mixing, arrangement, and dynamic range. I've learned that professional polish is non-negotiable—tracks with clashing frequencies, repetitive loops, or inconsistent volume rarely get attention.
Building Presence Before Labels
I've discovered that label interest typically follows after establishing some momentum:
Strategic Self-Releasing: I use platforms like Beatport, SoundCloud, YouTube and Bandcamp to build an initial audience, sometimes offering free downloads to encourage sharing and engagement.
Professional Branding: I maintain consistent visual aesthetics and messaging across all platforms—this signals professionalism and helps build recognition in a crowded field.
Community Engagement: Rather than just broadcasting my work, I actively engage with listeners, other artists, and participate in relevant online communities. I've found genuine connections matter more than follower counts.
Smart Networking and Submissions
When approaching labels, I employ these strategies:
Targeted Research: I thoroughly study each label before submitting—listening to their entire catalog on Bandcamp or Beatport, understanding their aesthetic, and making sure my music aligns with their Label Sound.
Quality Over Quantity: I produce many tracks but submit only my absolute best work. Even top artists typically release only some tracks of their productions. I'm ruthless in self-curation before anything leaves my studio.
Professional Presentation: I follow submission guidelines explicitly, personalize my approach, and provide well-organized, properly labeled private streaming links (bridge.audio). I ensure my online presence is professional before making contact.
Expanding Your Reach
Beyond the basics, I've employed these additional approaches:
Remix Strategy: Creating strategic unofficial remixes of tracks from artists on labels I admire has helped showcase my compatibility with their sound while demonstrating my skills. Publish them non-monetized via YouTube or Soundcloud.
Performance Opportunities: I actively seek DJ gigs or live performance opportunities. This not only builds my audience but also demonstrates my connection to the scene and provides invaluable networking opportunities.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Partnering with visual artists or other creatives helps generate unique projects that appeal to labels seeking artists with broader creative vision.
Understanding the Business
I've learned that professional knowledge sets serious artists apart:
Music Rights Literacy: I understand the difference between master rights and publishing rights, which protects my creative assets and makes me easier to work with.
Distribution Knowledge: I'm familiar with platforms like DistroKid and Label Worx, which gives me flexibility in my release strategy.
Sample Clearance: I'm meticulous about properly clearing any samples I use, preventing potential legal issues that could deter labels.
Managing Expectations and Growth
I approach this journey with a realistic mindset:
Time Investment: Getting signed typically requires years of refinement, not months. Most successful artists spend significant time developing their sound before label interest materializes.
Resilience: Rejection is normal and frequent. Don't take it personally—instead learn from feedback when provided and continue improving.
Value Beyond Labels: I recognize that labels aren't always the gatekeepers they once were. Self-release and building a direct connection with listeners can sometimes be more rewarding and sustainable.
Harsh Truths Worth Acknowledging
I've seen many artists struggle with these realities:
Quality Assessment: Most tracks simply aren't ready when artists think they are. What sounds finished to an inexperienced producer often sounds underdeveloped to professionals.
Audience Value: Labels prioritize artists who bring their own audience. Even modest followings signal promotional value that makes signing more attractive.
The path to getting signed requires patience, persistence, and continuous growth. Success comes from embracing the journey itself rather than fixating on validation from labels.
I hope this helps you get signed to your favourite techno label.
Best regards, Marcus