99% of Music Execs Reject Your Materials – Here’s Why
Learn the various reasons record label execs have refused your submissions.
You've just created the best song you could imagine. You spent weeks editing it and perfecting your song and mastering your track. You're confident that this is your big break – so you email it to all the music execs you can find on the internet. And then… crickets. Silence. Not a single response. What happened? Why did 99% of music execs ignore your materials?
The point of this blog post is to give you enough info for you to create rebuttals for situations like the following. If you're aware of what the music exec is going through, it may help you to craft more convincing messages so that they have no other option but to listen to your music.
So pay close attention to the reasons we list below and work very hard to make sure you don't fall into any of those reasons to get your music rejected by music executives. Happy hunting.
The music is terrible.
One reason why music executives reject music submissions is that the quality of the music is terrible. In a world where there is so much competition, executives simply can't afford to take a chance on an artist whose music isn't up to par. In addition, execs are often looking for a certain sound or style, and if an artist's music doesn't fit that bill, it's likely to get rejected.
Finally, many artists make the mistake of thinking that their music is better than it is. As a result, they submit their songs to execs who have no interest in them whatsoever. If you're an aspiring musician, take the time to make sure your music is of high quality before submitting it to any execs. Otherwise, you're likely to end up with a lot of rejection letters.
The artist is unknown and has no fan base.
Music executives are often inundated with submissions from aspiring artists, and they can't possibly listen to everything that comes across their desk. As a result, they tend to focus on submissions from artists who already have a fan base or who are otherwise well-known. This can be frustrating for unknown artists who believe that their music is just as good as (or better than) the music of established artists.
However, there is a reason for this focus on name recognition. Music executives are in the business of making money, and they are more likely to make money if they sign an artist who already has a built-in fan base. Unknown artists may eventually find success, but it is usually much harder for them to get their foot in the door.
There is no market for the type of music the artist is making.
Even if you have the talent, the connections, and the drive, there's no guarantee that you'll ever see your music on the radio. Part of the reason for this is that music executives are always looking for artists who fit into a specific market. If they don't think there's a demand for the type of music you're making, they're not likely to take a chance on you.
This can be frustrating for up-and-coming artists who are trying to forge their own path, but it's important to remember that the music industry is a business first and foremost. Executives are looking for artists who will make them money, not necessarily those with the most potential or talent. So if you're determined to make it in the music world, you need to find a way to make yourself marketable. Only then will you stand a chance of getting signed by a major label.
Submitting your music to record execs can be almost as hard as making a hit record. Never give up.
The artist is not creative or original.
In a world where there are so many different artists trying to break into the industry, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. If an executive feels like an artist is not bringing anything new to the table, they are likely to reject their submission.
Another reason could be that the exec simply doesn't like the artist's music. Even if an artist is creative and original, their music might not resonate with everyone. At the end of the day, music executives are business people and they want to sign artists that will make them money. If they don't believe an artist has what it takes to be successful, they will reject their submission.
The music does not fit the label's or executive's personal taste.
Many execs rely on their taste to help them make decisions about what is worth pursuing. However, this can sometimes lead to rejection of music that is quite good but just doesn't happen to fit the exec's personal preferences. In some cases, this can even be a matter of genre - an exec who only listens to hip-hop is likely to reject a country song, even if it's well-written and performed.
While there's no easy solution to this problem, it's important for artists to remember that personal taste is only one factor in getting signed to a label. With persistence and a bit of luck, even the most unlikely submission can find its way into the right hands.
There are already too many artists on the executive's roster.
Music executives are a notoriously fickle bunch. They can love an artist one minute and reject their music the next. One of the main reasons they may reject a music submission is because they already have too many artists on their roster. They can only promote so many artists at a time, and they need to make room for new talent.
Another reason is that the executive may not think the artist is a good fit for their label. They may have a different sound or style that doesn't fit with the rest of the artists on the label. Finally, the executive may simply not like the music. It happens. Maybe it's not their cup of tea or maybe they just don't think it's good enough. Whatever the reason, being rejected by a music executive is unfortunately part of the business.
The production values are low and the recording quality is poor.
Record execs often make snap judgments based on the production values and recording quality of the music. If an executive perceives that an artist has put in a half-hearted effort, they're likely to reject the submission outright. After all, if an artist can't be bothered to produce quality music, why would an executive believe that they're worth investing in?
Ultimately, it's up to the artist to ensure that their music is as polished as possible before submitting it for consideration. By taking the time to create professional-sounding recordings, artists can increase their chances of getting noticed by music executives.
The artist does not have a clear vision for their career.
Artists who don't have a clear vision for their career are like salmon swimming upstream: they're going to have a hard time getting anywhere. Music executives are looking for artists who know what they want and how to get there.
Having a clear vision shows that you're dedicated and willing to put in the work to make your dreams a reality. It also demonstrates that you understand the music industry and what it takes to succeed.
Without a clear vision, music executives will likely reject your submissions, because they'll see you as someone who is just drifting along, hoping for the best. If you want to make it in the music business, you need to have a clear vision for your career - otherwise, you might as well be swimming upstream.
Keep trying your best to get the attention of the record labels by thinking outside of the box.
The artist does not have a unique selling proposition.
Music executives are always on the lookout for the next big thing. They want to sign artists who have something special that sets them apart from the rest. Without a unique selling proposition, an artist is just another face in the crowd.
Countless music submissions come across an executive's desk every day, so they have to be selective about who they sign. If an artist doesn't have anything that makes them stand out, the executive is likely to reject their submission. That's why it's so important for artists to have a strong USP. It's what will make executives take notice and give them a chance to succeed in the music industry.
The artist is not willing to put in the work to promote their music.
With so much music to sort through, it's no wonder that they can be quick to reject submissions from artists who are not willing to put in the work to promote their own music. After all, why should an executive take a chance on an artist who is not willing to invest in their own career?
By contrast, an artist who is willing to hustle and promote their own music is more likely to stand out and catch the attention of executives. In today's competitive music industry, simply having good songs is not enough. It takes hard work and dedication to succeed, and that's something that music executives look for when considering new artists.
What To Send to Record Labels, A&R's, and Managers
The executive doesn't accept unsolicited materials.
Most record execs simply don't accept unsolicited materials due to the flood of material they've received in the past. So if you're submitting your music blindly, you may want to do some research first to see if the exec is even open to hearing new music. By understanding the exec's point of view, you can increase your chances of getting your music heard.
The next steps
Getting on a music executive's radar can seem nearly impossible when you are on the outside looking in. I suggest putting a lot of your energy into making sure your music is spectacular, mixed, and mastered. Have all of your brandings in order, know your vision and be able to quickly give a pitch about your music and your overall dreams.
You have to be professional, persistent like nobody's business, never give up, and be extremely creative when trying to get the attention of music executives.
Blog Article Tags
record exec music exec submissions rejection record labelMore Articles
How to Get More Music Fans - 4 Secrets that Every Artist Should Know - 4 Secrets that Every Artist Should Know
7 Podcasts Indie Artists Can't Afford to Miss - Check out these helpful music related podcasts for indie artists.
The Best DJs and Producers of Nigerian Music - Explore today's most influential players in Nigeria’s vibrant music culture.
How To Successfully Sell Merch as an Indie Artist - As an indie artist, success can be yours with the right approach to selling merch.
Here's How Radio Stations Make Money - Discover the secrets behind radio station monetization.