Pitching music successfully is one of the most crucial tasks a musician or producer must master to advance in the music industry. Whether it’s emails, phone calls, face-to-face meetings, or promoting on social media, every medium provides unique opportunities to get your music heard by decision-makers like music supervisors, publishers, video game developers, and creative directors.
Although there’s no one-size-fits-all formula to pitching, building genuine connections and following best practices can increase your chances of getting noticed. This article covers some essential steps and techniques to effectively pitch your music and build meaningful relationships in the music licensing world.
Understanding the Importance of Relationships
Before diving into the tactics of pitching, it's essential to recognize one key fact about the music business: people work with those they like. Most industry professionals, whether they’re supervisors, producers, or publishers, receive hundreds of unsolicited tracks daily. When you're reaching out to them, you're a stranger in their inbox or on their phone. The biggest mistake musicians make is sending generic, mass-distributed emails with a link to their music without building any real connection.
Imagine being in the shoes of a music supervisor. They have thousands of high-quality, curated tracks from artists they trust at their disposal. What makes your unsolicited email stand out? The key lies in building relationships before you ever send your music.
Research: The First Step to Pitching
One of the most important steps in successfully pitching your music is research. Before contacting anyone in the industry, you need to learn about them. What types of projects are they working on? What style of music do they typically use or promote? What is their preferred way of receiving music submissions?
Start by following their social media profiles, reading interviews, or finding common industry connections. By gathering this information, you'll be better prepared to approach them in a way that feels genuine and tailored to their preferences. It also shows respect for their time, demonstrating that you're not blindly spamming your music but have done your homework to understand their needs.
Creating a Personalized Pitch
Once you've done your research, it's time to craft a personalized pitch. Whether you’re reaching out via email, phone, or social media, the goal is to stand out by being direct, professional, and personable. A good pitch doesn't just say, “Here’s my music”; it focuses on why your music fits their needs and why you're worth their time.
Email Pitch Example
Here’s an email template that you can adapt when pitching your music:
Subject: Music Submission for [Name of Project or Genre]
Hi [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I’m a music producer specializing in [Genre]. I’ve been following your work on [Project Name], and I believe my music aligns with the tone and style you often use in your projects.
I've had the opportunity to license my music to networks like NBC, CBS, and Sony PlayStation, and I’d love to offer a few tracks for your consideration. Below are links to five tracks that I believe could be a great fit:
Song Title (Genre/Brief Description)
[Link to Music]Song Title (Genre/Brief Description)
[Link to Music]Song Title (Genre/Brief Description)
[Link to Music]
If you're interested in hearing more, I’d be happy to send additional tracks. Thank you so much for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Website/Portfolio Link]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Notice how this email is tailored to the recipient, shows respect for their work, and provides specific examples of how your music fits their needs. Instead of spamming a link with little context, the message shows you've thought about how your music can provide value to them.
Phone Pitches: Make It Personal
If you're able to get a phone number for a decision-maker, a phone call can be an even more personal way to pitch your music. However, phone calls require preparation. Here’s how to approach a cold call:
Start with a Friendly Introduction: Always begin by introducing yourself and referencing a recent project they’ve worked on. This helps establish rapport and shows that you've taken the time to learn about them.
Ask How They Prefer to Receive Music: Many professionals have a preferred method for receiving music. Some prefer emails, while others like direct file transfers or streaming links. Asking them directly makes the conversation more about their needs and less about you pushing your music.
Be Concise: Keep your pitch brief and respectful of their time. Let them know you’re available if they want to hear more or discuss how your music could fit into their future projects.
Utilize Social Media: Connecting in the Digital Age
Social media is a valuable tool for connecting with industry professionals, but it needs to be done strategically. Don’t use social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram to spam links to your music. Instead, use these platforms to engage meaningfully. Comment on posts, share their work, and offer thoughtful insights to get on their radar.
Over time, as they start to recognize your name and see your genuine interest in their work, it may create a natural opportunity to pitch your music. Just as with emails and phone calls, authenticity goes a long way.
The Power of Networking in Music Communities
In addition to cold-pitching your music, one of the best ways to make connections is by getting involved in music communities—both online and in real life. Attend industry events, webinars, and local showcases. Platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Reddit also host various music communities that can help you connect with other musicians and potential collaborators. Through networking, you may build relationships that eventually lead to organic opportunities to pitch your music.
Building a Strong Reputation
One important thing to remember when pitching music is that the music industry is small. Word spreads quickly, and your reputation matters. If you come across as rude or overly aggressive, it can harm your chances of building relationships with professionals in the future.
If someone isn’t interested in your music, it’s okay. Don’t follow up with angry emails or demands for feedback. Instead, remain gracious and professional, and move on to the next opportunity. Handling rejection with maturity and class can go a long way toward building a positive reputation in the industry.
Conclusion: Be Real, Stay Persistent
Pitching music isn’t just about getting your tracks heard; it’s about making genuine connections and offering value to others in the industry. By doing your research, crafting personalized pitches, and building relationships over time, you increase your chances of getting noticed and eventually landing placements. Remember, persistence and authenticity are key to success in the music world.
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