Here are some tips to get you started
pitching your songs.
Sending Your Initial Query
If you
have never contacted a company before, first request
permission to send in your songs. Ideally, send your query to a
particular person (that's where we can help, because we have contact names in
our database). Also, follow any instructions for how to submit your songs and
to who -- sometimes the same person or you may be referred to someone else.
When
you request permission, keep your query short. Indicate the genre or
type of song you are submitting (and make sure the company handles this type
of genre -- which is why we target the queries we send by genre).
Include the song title, theme, and author credits. Additionally, include
relevant bio and promotional information about yourself, such as
previously published songs, memberships in the music industry, and
significant awards. Also, ask the best way to submit your songs -- on
tape, CD, or to a website link, if you have your songs on a web site.
(We provide a template to use as a guide for clients, or we can help
you write your own powerhouse letter).
Submitting Your Songs
When you submit your song on a tape or CD, label your song with the title, author
credits, and your contact information, including your address, phone number,
and e-mail. If you have a Web site, include that, too.
Make your submittal look as professional as possible, such as creating an attractive
label for a CD.
Include
a lyric sheet for each song you are sending. Start with the
title and author credits. Then, clearly label the different
parts of the song, such as Verse, Chorus, Bridge, and Tag.
Finally, include your contact information with your address, phone number,
and e-mail. (There's a template for clients on the Web site, too).
If you have your songs on a website and the contact is open to listening to
your songs on line, provide a link directly to the song or songs you are
pitching. The title, author credits, and contact
information should be easily accessible on the website, such as by having
that information next to the click-through link to launch the song or having a pop-up window
with this information.
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Connecting Songwriters