Your method of sending files to labels?

One thing I've been interested in finding out lately is how most people tend to go about sending their finished tracks to labels, as in what's the preferred method you use. I've come across different ways and sometimes labels seem to have different preferences, but instead I thought I'd bring up a post in here about it. There's AIM I know, Soundcloud and today someone suggested I use a transfer site called "We Transfer", as it allows you to see if your track has been downloaded or not. Since I created the alias Optimal Prime about 2 years ago, we've (there are two in OP) just continually focused on production and now have a few I'm looking to push.

The other question is do you tend to put up clips on SC, full versions or keep em off altogether? This is something I've pretty much been doing (leaving them offline) aside from adding them to promotional podcast DnB sets here and there.

I would contact the label first and ask what their preferred method is. As far as soundcloud goes, 1-2minute clips are the safe option imo. Enough time for people to get the idea of your track but not enough that it can be ripped. Always good to get your work out there.

If you're sending stuff to labels contact them on facebook, soundcloud or twitter and then use a hosting site like wetransfer, sendspace, dropbox etc to send a link.

soundcloud is ditching dropboxes and sharing private files, allot of labels want tracks sent that way, some ask for them to be sent by aim

Ask the label that you are interested in sending how they want their demos to be sent. Either through AIM or private SC links via email or through WeTransfer/Dropbox/Sendspace etc or through SC's dropbox.

I usually keep everything hidden and wouldn't upload any clips. Hear from the labels, then act. If you ever don't hear from them, then upload a clip if you want to (or improve the track in question, because that would be the reason why they wouldn't talk in the first place).

@ Bantam : I've decided to just treat each individual label separately almost in a sense like applying for a job, I.E. it needs to be researched properly. Only if I can't get much info on sending methods, I'll just stick to using We Transfer or something. I do like being able to see that the file has been played though and We Transfer apparently offers this, along with Soundcloud private links. I've been thinking of putting up some clips soon, as you say, although there's a part of me that despises the idea of someone hearing a clip and not getting chance to hear the track as it should be heard. Still it's probably a better option. Before actually having built up true links with any labels and fans, I think it's a bit too pretentious to be hiding everything you make, is the way I view it.

@ Serum : Ok I think I'll try out We Transfer. I originally intended on using Sendspace, but I know one label I checked (Viper) made a point against these upload sites and specifically request Soundcloud links only. As I mentioned above, I think I'll only use We Transfer if they haven't stated anything specific.

@ mizst : Interesting. I didn't know Soundcloud had actively decided to stop private links and drop box sending. What's the reason for this, do you know? I think it's a good platform in general for keeping your content together, both privately and publicly. I just dislike the way the organisation of the user home page doesn't seem to be very customisable in terms of grouping things together. Everything tends to be lumped together in one single string of releases, regardless of what it is.

@ Menosance : It's easier said than done. Labels don't always contact regardless, although to be fair, I've only really sent a couple in the past to higher end labels, and this would be expected due to the sheer number of tracks they get sent. I find this is the problem, getting your track heard in the first place. I've heard too many conflicting opinions on hiding clips and sharing clips, sharing full versions, allowing downloads, not allowing downloads and that's why it started to irritate me a bit, so I just kept it all away from the public ears. I think I might go for the clips thing on SC only after sending to some labels initially as you say.

Anyway cheers for the replies chaps.

Optimal Prime said:

@ Menosance : It's easier said than done. Labels don't always contact regardless, although to be fair, I've only really sent a couple in the past to higher end labels, and this would be expected due to the sheer number of tracks they get sent. I find this is the problem, getting your track heard in the first place. I've heard too many conflicting opinions on hiding clips and sharing clips, sharing full versions, allowing downloads, not allowing downloads and that's why it started to irritate me a bit, so I just kept it all away from the public ears. I think I might go for the clips thing on SC only after sending to some labels initially as you say.

Anyway cheers for the replies chaps.

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Getting your sound through the major labels is very tough (I know from personal experience as well). For me, some labels did contact back saying they would like to hear more in a couple of months time to see where I progress, so if you are very good in your production you might get that sort of email (they are medium size labels not major ones though)

I prefer to recieve submissions via wetransfer, for one im not alwasy online to answer inboxes straight away so this way i can D/L files in my own time and the sender gets an email telling them ive D/L'd it.

Souncloud links are poor..... in my opinion anyway, as a producer i wouldnt post anything on SC....

Dubsta said:

Souncloud links are poor..... in my opinion anyway, as a producer i wouldnt post anything on SC....

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Private ones tho..... the listener doesnt need to bother downloading it, saves them potentially having to delete it later on.

I have found that its different for differnet labels. Most will have an email to send something to, how you choose to send it is up to you. I have sent private SC links in the past and thats how ive made the most success. Aim is another good one, but again I have found people want a soundcloud link sent to them. Ive never used wetransfer or boxdrop so wouldnt know about them.

The bottom line is, if your music is good enough, and you send A way for it to be heard, youl hear something back