How to Submit a Demo to a House Music Label (and Actually Get Heard)
· 6 min read · Addy Records
Labels receive far more demos than they can sign. The good news: most demos are skipped for avoidable reasons. Here's how to make sure yours gets a fair listen.
Research the label first
Listen to a label's last ten releases before you send anything. If they put out deep, soulful house, a peak-time techno roller is unlikely to fit — no matter how good it is. Mention one or two releases you genuinely like; it shows you're not mass-mailing.
Send private streaming links, not attachments
A private SoundCloud link or a download link to WAV files is the standard. Name every file clearly: Artist – Track Title (Original Mix). Include the BPM and key if you can.
- 2–4 of your strongest finished tracks — not sketches
- A short bio (three or four sentences)
- Links to your Instagram, SoundCloud and Spotify
- Any previous releases or notable support
Keep the message short
A&R teams listen first and read second. Say who you are, what you're sending and why it suits the label. Long backstories rarely help at the demo stage.
Get the mixdown right
Your demo doesn't need a final master, but it should be balanced, with a controlled low end and no clipping. Leave some headroom. A muddy kick and bass is the most common reason a promising house track gets passed over.
Follow up once — politely
If you hear nothing after three or four weeks, one friendly follow-up is fine. Then move on to the next track. The artists who get signed are usually the ones who keep finishing music.
Ready to send yours? Use the contact form on our homepage — you can attach files and add your social links in one go.
Making house music? We want to hear it.
Addy Records is an independent London label. Send us your demo and social links.
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