The Ultimate Guide to Sending Demos in Dance Music (2025)
Sending a demo isn’t just about sharing a track; it’s about entering a culture, building trust, and fostering long-term relationships with labels and A&Rs. This guide covers not only what to do but also why it matters and how to navigate the industry in 2025.
1. Understand the A&R Mindset
A&R managers are flooded with demos. Their job is to filter quickly.
Why short and clear works: They scan for quality, fit, and professionalism. A long email or eight random tracks signal amateur.
Why exclusivity matters: If you shop your demo around, it creates legal and trust issues. Labels want to feel chosen.
They prefer 2–3 tracks, because it shows consistency. One track could be luck; three finished tracks prove you have a sound.
👉 Always think: “How can I make it easy for them to say yes?”
2. Choose the Right Label
Sound fit: Listen to their last 10 releases. If your track doesn’t belong, don’t send it.
Vision fit: Ask: “Would I be proud to see my name next to their logo?”
Demo policy: Some labels only accept via LabelRadar (Defected, Spinnin’, Armada). Others prefer direct email. Always follow their rules.
3. Research the People
Discover who runs the label (owner, A&R, or manager). Websites, LinkedIn, and Instagram often show names.
Follow them on socials. Watch what excites them: which artists they sign, what they post, what shows they mention.
Use this knowledge to make your message personal. Example: “I loved how [recent artist]’s release expanded your label’s sound. I think my track sits in that same space.”
4. Build the Perfect Demo Pack
2–3 finished tracks in the same style. Best track first.
Streaming link: Private SoundCloud (downloads enabled).
Backup: WAV via Dropbox / Disco / LabelRadar.
One-pager: Short bio, socials, professional photo, highlights (DJ support, gigs).
Track notes: 1–2 lines per track describing the vibe + why it fits their label.
5. Use LabelRadar Smartly
LabelRadar is now a standard tool. Sign up here. Many majors and top indies use it.
Submit properly: Upload MP3/WAV, set a 20-sec highlight, and write a short pitch (2–3 sentences).
Track progress: You’ll see if they've opened it, listened, or shortlisted it.
Hybrid strategy: Send via LabelRadar, then follow up with a brief email or DM to the A&R: “I’ve just sent you an exclusive demo via LabelRadar. I think it matches your recent direction.”
6. Craft a Winning Email
Subject: Demo – [Artist] – [Track Title(s)]
Body (≤120 words):
Personal greeting.
One-line intro about you.
Link(s) to your 2–3 tracks.
One line on why it fits their label.
Exclusivity note: “This demo is exclusive to you.”
Thanks & socials.
👉 No attachments. No walls of text. Labels say over and over: short and clear wins.
7. Timing & Follow-Up
Best send times: Tuesday–Thursday, office hours.
Follow up after 2 weeks if there is no reply.
If still nothing: move on. Silence is usually a “no.”
8. Add Light Social Proof
Clips of DJs playing your track.
Mentions on 1001Tracklists, playlists, or radio.
Crowd videos. Even 15 seconds of dancefloor reaction shows your music works.
Don’t oversell — just a hint of momentum is enough.
9. Play the Long Game
Think of your demo as the start of a relationship.
Even a polite rejection keeps the door open for next time.
Many A&Rs sign artists after two to three demo rounds, once trust has been established.
Use early releases on boutique labels as stepping stones to bigger imprints.
10. Alternative Entry Points
Spinnin’ Talent Pool: Community + contests often lead to signings.
Defected x LabelRadar: Official demo portal for their label family.
Toolroom Academy: Education, Demo Feedback, and Opportunity to Release.
Armada contests: Frequent demo competitions.
Sometimes these paths are faster than cold emails.
11. The Don’ts (Straight from Labels)
Don’t attach files to emails.
Don’t send eight unfinished ideas.
Don’t mass-mail.
Don’t pressure for feedback.
👉 Real A&Rs cite each of these as reasons they ignore demos.
12. Templates
LabelRadar Pitch (2–3 sentences):
Hi [Label], I’m [Artist] producing [style]. I’ve submitted 3 finished tracks via LabelRadar that match your recent [artist / release]. Exclusive to you. Thanks for listening.
Email (≤120 words):
Subject: Demo – [Artist] – [Track Title(s)]
Hi [Name],
I’m [Artist], a [city]-based [style] producer. I’ve enclosed 3 finished tracks that align with your label’s direction.
Stream: [SoundCloud] • Download: [Dropbox/Disco]
Notes: [1 line on vibe / fit]
This demo is exclusive to you.
Thanks,
[Artist] – [links]
✅ Checklist Before You Hit Send
Correct label, proper fit.
Know who runs it.
2–3 finished tracks, clean pack.
LabelRadar or email submission (their rule).
Short, personal pitch.
Exclusivity clear.
Follow up once, then move on.
💡 Core Principle: Sending a demo isn’t about luck. It’s about respect, timing, and consistency. Labels don’t just sign tracks, they sign artists. Show them you’re building a career, not fishing for a release.