AFTER SIGN
AFTER SIGN
What to deliever to a record label when you sign your music.
I would like to emphasize, first and foremost, that:
1 - There is no single correct approach to releasing a song or album; however, a successful release requires planning, and to plan effectively, it is essential to have TIME!
2 - In the music industry, it is crucial to avoid comparing yourself to other artists, as each is working according to their own level of notoriety.
3 - This guide aims to provide guidance to ensure that your release and career are not left to chance.
4 - Treat your career as a BUSINESS. A well-executed release requires effort and dedication.
My name is Diego Paulo Jacintho, it's a pleasure to meet you all. I am an audio engineer, electronic music producer, DJ, and founder of the STARK D project, as well as the proud owner of an independent label called Vintage Music Label.
My responsibilities range from demo submissions to artwork development, video editing, marketing strategies, audio mastering, editing of journalistic materials, contract production, and other operational activities of the label.
Indeed, I acknowledge that these are many responsibilities for a single person, which is why I choose not to undertake a large number of annual releases on my label. I prioritize quality over quantity. My goal is to offer my artists a superior quality product, and not just another track lost in the streaming platforms.
With over 11 years of experience in the music industry, I have realized how lost both beginner and established artists can become during a release and the negative impact it can have on the project's development. Given this scenario, I have crafted this concise guide to assist you in this process.
LIST OF ITEMS TO SEND TO THE RECORD LABEL WHEN SIGNING YOUR WORK
V. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
REMIX PACK
STEMs (It is recommended to provide STEMs to ensure the integrity of the project).
ISRC and ISWC, if the artist is registered with a PRO company of Royalties (BMI, ASCAP, PRS, ECAD, GEMA, and others).
Set of 2 to 3 sets recorded with setlist to offer as a PODCAST for possible media outlets (Blogs, Premiere Channels, Digital Magazines, and others).
V. IMPORTANCE OF PATIENCE
And, finally, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of PATIENCE in this process.
Yes, it is a fundamental element.
A successful release requires a minimum of 6 weeks.
Remember:
- Providing remixes by the record label takes time.
- Creating a package of arts for the release requires dedication and time.
- The label's contact with blogs and magazines is a time-consuming process.
- If there is a PREMIERE, it is also a procedure that requires time.
Therefore, it is imperative to be prepared to wait. During this interval, we recommend that you start promoting among your followers!
- Produce videos for social media.
- Present the track(s) at events and record those moments.
- Ask family, friends, and followers to share previews of the tracks and leave their comments.
- Talk to friends and collaborators to create reaction videos and encourage them to play the track(s) at events or among their social circles.
I. DETAILS OF MUSICAL PRODUCTION
ARTIST NAME OR PROJECT.
TRACK TITLE(S).
TRACK CREDITS:
- Full name of the artist.
- Full name of the composer.
- Full name of collaborators (Instrumentalists, Vocalists, and others).
- Full name of the lyricist.
- Full name of the mixing engineer.
- Full name of the mastering engineer.
II. DOCUMENTATION AND PROMOTION
YRICS OF THE SONG WRITTEN (PDF or DOC)
ARTIST'S BIOGRAPHY.
Track(s) history.
3 professional photos of the artist.
Links to all social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, SoundCloud, TikTok, YouTube, and others).
Links to Spotify & Apple Music.
Links to Beatport & Traxsource.
III. AUDIO FORMAT FOR MASTERING
WAV or AIFF FILE FOR MASTERING OR ALREADY MASTERED.
- 44100Hz
- 24bits
- WITHOUT COMPRESSORS OR LIMITERS ON THE MASTER CHANNEL
- -6db (minus 6 decibels) peak volume for mastering.
"What does a record label expect from an artist when it comes to a release?"
I appreciate being direct and concise in my explanation, as this is the expectation I have for the artists I represent in my record label. Upon receiving a demo, I initially dedicate myself to listening to the tracks sent. During this process, I seek not only to appreciate the music but also to understand and get to know the artist better.
INSTAGRAM/TIKTOK:
- ENGAGEMENT WITH FOLLOWERS:
- Maintain an active presence and interact with your followers authentically.
- PROJECT IMAGE CARE:
- Ensure the image and visual identity of your project are well-kept, ensuring consistency and professionalism.
- POST DATES:
- Organize your posting schedule considering consistency and relevance.
- TOPICS COVERED IN VIDEOS:
- Use videos to address relevant topics and connect more deeply with your audience.
- EVENT VIDEOS:
- Share recordings of events where you have performed, highlighting your skills as a DJ.
- LINK IN BIO:
- Keep a link in your bio directing to potential external media opportunities.
SOUNDCLOUD:
- BIOGRAPHY:
- Share a brief biography highlighting your most relevant points as an artist.
- LATEST TRACKS POSTED:
- Keep your profile updated with your latest productions.
- FREE DOWNLOADS:
- Consider making tracks available for free download when possible. (DO NOT PROVIDE THE TRACK SIGNED).
- SETS:
- Include sets that represent the diversity of your music.
- SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
- Ensure the presence of direct links to your social media platforms.
- EPK LINK (Electronic Press Kit):
- Provide the link to your EPK, offering more comprehensive information about your career.
I hope these guidelines facilitate the understanding of what Record Labels seek in artists' materials. With this information, it's possible to assess the stage at which the artist finds themselves and the level of dedication they are willing to employ in their career. Although it may sound like a cliché, when signing the work of one or multiple artists, even when the contract doesn't stipulate payment of an advance for the release, the label is indeed making an investment in a product with no guarantee of immediate return.
For this reason, it's crucial to accurately understand with whom we are establishing a partnership, and once again, we emphasize the importance of demonstrating tangible results.
"What the record label expects you to do!"
6. Social Media Monitoring:
- Monitor social media interactions on the release day.
- Engage with the marketing team to promote your product.
- Respond to comments, messages, and shares to encourage fan interaction.
7. Premieres and Special Releases:
- Be prepared for potential interviews in your language and others, premieres, and podcasts.
- Reach out to blogs, magazines, and other local media as needed.
- Actively collaborate to promote any planned releases.
8. Official Release:
- On the release day, ensure the music is available on all agreed platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Beatport, Traxsource, among others), and SHARE.
9. Appreciation and Engagement:
- Express gratitude to fans, collaborators, and supporters through social media posts, emails, or other communication channels.
10. Post-Release Monitoring:
- Monitor the track's performance on digital platforms.
- Be open to feedback and respond to post-release interactions.
- Continue promoting and playing your track at shows.
- Create EXCLUSIVE versions for you to play and potentially release in the future!
1. Final Audio Quality Check:
- Ensure that audio files are in WAV or AIFF format, with appropriate settings (44100Hz, 24 bits).
- Ensure the absence of compressors or limiters on the master channel, maintaining a peak volume of -6db for mastering.
2. Documentation and Promotion Check:
- Confirm the presence of essential documents, such as song lyrics (PDF or DOC), artist biography, track history, and 3 professional photos.
- Verify that all social media links, Spotify, Apple Music, Beatport, and Traxsource are correct and active.
3. Online Promotion Preparation:
- Anticipate social media promotion using videos, previews, and promotional material.
- Coordinate with the label's marketing team to ensure all platforms are aligned with the release.
4. ISRC and ISWC Update:
- Ensure ISRC and ISWC codes are up-to-date and associated with the release if the artist is registered with a PRO company for Royalties.
5. Remixes and STEMs Provision:
- If applicable, ensure REMIX PACK and STEMs are ready for distribution as agreed with the label.
"Crafting Artist Biography"
Please copy the prompt below and paste it into Chat-GPT.
Insert a brief summary of your career, including the project idea, where it began, and the concept behind the project.
"PROMPT"
I want you to act as a marketing manager for a record label and rewrite the bio for the emerging artist (ARTIST NAME) from (CITY AND COUNTRY), based on the provided short bio. The bio should be compelling, edgy, interesting, and informative. Tell the story without using first-person writing.
SHORT BIO - (Insert your bio)
After Bio crafted, use the prompt below to adapt the bio to different social platforms.
"PROMPT"
I want you to act as a professional SEO and create the perfect version of the bio to be posted on a professional EPK, Instagram bio (150 characters), SoundCloud bio (4000 characters), and TikTok bio (80 characters).
PROFESSIONAL OUTLOOK
I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of artists avoiding the use of unauthorized material when submitting a demo to a record label.
Particularly, I believe that this practice can create situations of embarrassment and demonstrate disrespect towards the original creators of the material and those who receive the demo.
It is also relevant to highlight that many contemporary labels avoid signing tracks with vocals or melodies containing Royalty-Free material. Even if the artist has acquired this material through payment, it is crucial to understand that it is not exclusive, which may hinder future partnerships with radio stations, commercials, and audiovisual communication channels such as TV and cinema.
It is fundamental to recognize that until the artist achieves notoriety, they are perceived as just another product, which may or may not be exploited. The music industry values results, and achieving them demands responsibility and coherence in a professional approach.
If the music production targets clubs and festivals, it is essential to direct efforts beyond streaming platforms since the main focus is on DJs. Viralization among other artists will naturally result in an increase in listeners on streaming platforms.
POINT OF EXTREME RELEVANCE
Streaming platforms are not automatic allies. Although some may yield better results than others, the values paid for streaming can vary significantly. SoundCloud and Bandcamp should be considered as direct partners.
Apple Music is a superior option to Spotify, providing high-quality audio for the same cost, as well as offering the option to purchase music directly.
Be cohesive in your approach and love your art. Avoid giving away your work to promoters who may profit at your expense and not bring you any kind of benefit. Value yourself and respect your own creation.
Thank you for your attention, and I wish you success in your endeavors within the music industry.