How to Email Your Demo to Indie Labels (Without Screwing It Up)

So, you’ve done the hard part - you wrote, recorded, mixed, and mastered your latest masterpiece. After playing it on repeat (and maybe forcing your friends to listen 42 times), you’re finally ready to share it with the world. But instead of dropping it yourself, you want to land a release on one of your favorite indie labels.

Smart move - but here’s the catch: labels get flooded with demos every single day. So, how do you make sure your track actually gets heard (and not tossed into the digital void)?

We’ve got you covered. This guide will break down everything you need to know about how to email your demo to Indie Labels the right way- from whom to contact to how to craft a pitch that doesn’t make them roll their eyes.

Who Should You Send Your Demo To?

Indie labels typically have two main ways to submit demos:

1. Unsolicited Demo Inbox 

This is the general submission email, usually something like: demos@indielabel.com 

It’s where most demos go - and yes, it’s a crowded place. If you send your demo here, odds are, it might be an intern listening first (if it gets heard at all).

2. Direct A&R Contacts 

This is where the magic happens. A&R (Artists & Repertoire) reps are the ones who scout talent. Their emails might look like: firstname@indielabel.com

Reaching an actual person gives you a much better shot. How do you find these magical inboxes? Try a little LinkedIn detective work or, better yet, meet them at shows or networking events.

Pro Tip: Big label? Build a relationship first. Cold emails work, but a warm intro works better. If you can’t connect personally, make sure your email is flawless.

Email Etiquette: Don’t Be That Artist

Here’s a truth bomb: your music could be amazing, but a sloppy email can kill your chances. Let’s avoid that fate, shall we?

DO This:

✅ Personalize Your Email 

Address the right person or label by name. "Dear Cool Indie Label" beats "To whom it may concern" any day.

✅ Use a Private Streaming Link

SoundCloud (private link, please) is your best bet. Dropbox is cool too. Avoid Google Drive unless you want your demo lost in permission limbo.

✅ Keep It Short and Sweet 

If you’re a new artist, let your music speak. Got some wins (like a killer gig or a recent feature)? Mention it briefly.

✅ Be Clear About the Track 

If your demo isn’t professionally mastered, say so. Use simple terms like (Original Mix) or (Radio Edit) for clarity.

✅ Make It Easy to Reach You 

Drop your contact info and social links (a Linktree works wonders) in your email signature.

DON’T Do This:

❌ Send Generic Emails

"Hello, music team" is lazy. Tailor your message. Show you care.

❌ Use Messy Formatting

No one likes wading through a wall of text. Keep your email clean and scannable.

❌ Spam Multiple Labels

Sending one private SoundCloud link to 20 labels? Bad look. Labels know when they’re being mass-pitched.

❌ Send Dead Links

Always double-check that your link works. Broken links = instant delete.

Winning Email Templates You Can Steal

1. Unsolicited Demo Submission Template

Subject: [Your Artist Name] - [Track Title] [DEMO SUBMISSION]

Hi [Label Name] Team,

I hope you're doing well! My name is [Your Name], and I wanted to share a demo I think would be a great fit for your roster.

Here’s the link: [Private SoundCloud/Dropbox Link]

A little about me: I recently [brief career win], and my sound is influenced by [relevant artists or genres]. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for your time, and I appreciate you giving it a listen!

Best,[Your Real Name]
[Your Contact Info]
[Your Social Links]

2. Personal A&R Connection Template

Subject: [Your Artist Name] - [Track Title] for [Label Name]

Hey [A&R's First Name],

It was great meeting you at [event/location]! As promised, here’s that demo I mentioned: [Private SoundCloud/Dropbox Link].

I think it aligns with [label’s specific sound/artist reference], and I'd love to know your thoughts.

Appreciate your time!

Cheers,
[Your Real Name]
[Your Contact Info]
[Your Social Links]

Subject Lines That Work

A solid subject line makes your email easy to find and harder to ignore. Keep it clear and simple:

• [Artist Name] - [Track Title] [DEMO SUBMISSION]

• [Artist Name] - Demos Playlist for [Label Name]

Avoid vague stuff like:

• "Demo submission"

• "Check out my song!"

• "Hello, team! I made this."

Final Thoughts: One Email, Big Opportunity

You only get one shot to make a first impression. Sending a polished, professional demo email shows you’re serious about your music.

And hey, if you want to increase your chances of getting heard by the right people, Pitch-Us has your back. From playlist pitching to TikTok music promotion, we help indie artists like you get noticed without playing the guessing game.

So, shoot your shot - and make it count.