Why Your Music Isn’t Getting Signed (and How to Fix It)
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Harsh Reality of Getting Signed
- Why Labels Don’t Sign Your Music
- The Music Industry’s Gatekeeping: What Labels Really Want
- 7 Common Mistakes That Stop Producers from Getting Signed
- Weak Mix and Master
- No Defined Style or Brand
- Sending Demos to the Wrong Labels
- Ignoring Submission Guidelines
- Lack of Consistency in Output
- Weak Online Presence
- Networking Mistakes
- How to Fix It: Proven Strategies to Get Signed
- Build Label-Ready Quality
- Develop a Recognizable Sound
- Research and Target the Right Labels
- Professional Demo Submission Etiquette
- Release Independently While Pitching
- Build Relationships Before Asking for a Deal
- Real Examples: How Artists Got Signed
- Tools and Resources for Getting Signed
- The Long Game: Why Patience Pays Off
- Conclusion: Stop Wondering, Start Acting
- FAQs
Introduction: The Harsh Reality of Getting Signed
You’ve poured hours into your tracks, uploaded them to SoundCloud or Spotify, and sent countless demos to labels—only to hear… silence.
If you’ve ever thought: “Why isn’t my music getting signed?” you’re not alone. Thousands of talented producers face the same frustration. But here’s the truth: labels don’t sign tracks just because they’re good—they sign music that’s market-ready, brand-aligned, and strategically pitched.
This post breaks down exactly why your music isn’t getting signed and how to fix it so you can finally land that label release.
Why Labels Don’t Sign Your Music
Record labels are businesses. Their main goal? Find music that fits their brand, excites their audience, and sells.
That means:
- Good music alone isn’t enough.
- Professionalism, presentation, and strategy matter just as much.
- Labels sign artists who make their job easy.
Once you understand this, the path to getting signed becomes much clearer.
The Music Industry’s Gatekeeping: What Labels Really Want
Labels aren’t just looking for “hits.” They’re looking for:
- Consistency: Can you deliver more than one great track?
- Identity: Do you have a recognizable sound or brand?
- Professionalism: Are your tracks polished and market-ready?
- Engagement: Do you already have a fanbase or following?
Think of it like a job interview—you’re not just being judged on skills, but also on fit.
7 Common Mistakes That Stop Producers from Getting Signed
Here are the main reasons your demos might be ignored.
1. Weak Mix and Master
Labels don’t want to fix your mix—they want radio-ready tracks. If your track doesn’t sound professional next to commercial releases, it’s an instant rejection.
2. No Defined Style or Brand
If one track is techno, the next is trap, and another is lo-fi hip-hop, labels won’t know where to place you. A clear artistic identity is crucial.
3. Sending Demos to the Wrong Labels
If you send a deep house track to a drum & bass label, you’re wasting their time (and yours). Research first.
4. Ignoring Submission Guidelines
Many labels delete demos that don’t follow instructions (file format, private SoundCloud links, etc.). Always read their rules.
5. Lack of Consistency in Output
One good track isn’t enough. Labels want artists who can keep delivering. A catalog of strong music proves you’re reliable.
6. Weak Online Presence
If your Instagram has 200 followers and no engagement, labels may pass. A healthy online presence signals momentum.
7. Networking Mistakes
Cold emailing without context rarely works. Relationships—built through events, communities, or mutual connections—make all the difference.
How to Fix It: Proven Strategies to Get Signed
Here’s how to turn rejection into opportunity.
1. Build Label-Ready Quality
- Invest in mixing/mastering or hire engineers.
- Compare your track against reference tracks before submitting.
- Don’t send demos until they sound finished.
2. Develop a Recognizable Sound
Stand out by creating a sonic fingerprint. Example: Flume’s unique sound design instantly set him apart, leading to major label deals.
3. Research and Target the Right Labels
Make a list of 10–20 labels that release music similar to yours. Study:
- Their recent releases.
- Their demo policies.
- Their A&R contacts.
4. Professional Demo Submission Etiquette
- Keep your email short and respectful.
- Attach a private streaming link (never MP3 attachments).
- Introduce yourself in 2–3 sentences max.
5. Release Independently While Pitching
Don’t wait for labels. Self-release on Spotify, Bandcamp, or SoundCloud while submitting demos. Labels often sign artists who’ve already built traction.
6. Build Relationships Before Asking for a Deal
- Engage with label artists on social media.
- Support their releases.
- Network at events or online communities.
Remember: people sign people, not just tracks.
Real Examples: How Artists Got Signed
- Martin Garrix was signed after releasing viral tracks online that showed clear hit potential.
- Peggy Gou built her career with consistent underground releases before big labels came calling.
- ODESZA started self-releasing music, building a fanbase before labels offered deals.
The pattern? Quality + consistency + visibility.
Tools and Resources for Getting Signed
- Mixing/mastering services: LANDR, Fiverr (for budget-friendly options).
- Networking platforms: LabelRadar, SubmitHub.
- Data tools: Chartmetric, Spotify for Artists (track your growth).
[Related Post: “Best Free Music Promotion Tools for Producers”]
External resource: Berklee Online: How to Get Signed to a Record Label
The Long Game: Why Patience Pays Off
Getting signed rarely happens overnight. Most successful artists:
- Spent years building their sound.
- Released independently before labels noticed.
- Treated rejections as feedback, not failures.
Remember: your career is a marathon, not a sprint.
Conclusion: Stop Wondering, Start Acting
If your music isn’t getting signed, don’t see it as rejection—see it as redirection.
To recap:
- Fix your mix.
- Define your style.
- Target the right labels.
- Be professional in submissions.
- Build your presence and relationships.
The moment you align music quality with label expectations, doors will open.
So stop asking “Why isn’t my music getting signed?”—and start acting on what labels actually want.
FAQs
1. How many demos should I send to a label?
1–2 of your best, most relevant tracks. Never spam a label with your whole folder.
2. Should I pay for a label to sign me?
No. Legit labels don’t charge upfront fees. If they do, it’s likely a scam.
3. Is self-releasing better than waiting for a label?
Yes. Self-releasing builds your brand and audience while you pitch to labels.
