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How to Send a Demo to Bad Boy Records
Bad Boy Records — a boutique record label owned by Sean Combs — does not accept unsolicited material, so you must make a good contact in order to submit a demo. Record companies do this to protect the business from lawsuits regarding stolen material. There are several courses of action that can lead you to a legitimate submission route.
Write a well-worded letter or e-mail to Bad Boy Records. This should include information about who you are and why you would be a good fit for the label.
Invite the A&R people to one of your performances. This can be particularly helpful if you are performing in the New York City area as the company holds offices there.
Send information to Bad Boy Entertainment, 1440 Broadway, 16th Floor, New York City, NY 10018, as of May 2011. You can e-mail the company at badboyonline.com.
Make contact with the A&R people specifically assigned to unsigned talent. As of May 2011 these people are Carla G ([email protected]) and Harve Pierre ([email protected]).
Send follow-up e-mails or postcards when something happens in your career. This can be as small as a new show or as large as releasing a song.
Tip
Look for agents and managers seeking talent. Invite agents and managers to your shows. They have a direct connection with record labels and can make the demo process go faster for you. Get involved in the music community — everyone from booking agents to club owners to other bands. If you are professional, show up on time and put on a good show. Ask about songwriting circles and if these new friends have anyone you should talk to about your career.
Join ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ascap.com) as this will help you locate other likeminded people who can help you advance your career. The longer you stay on the company’s radar the more likely the company will take you seriously.
Warning
Do not send unsolicited material to Bad Boy Records or any other company. Aside from putting your property in danger it looks very unprofessional. This tends to taint any future relationship you might have with that company.
You can be persistent but do not be pushy or rude. Sometimes you will not hear back from people. Keep following up but never let the company see your frustration or impatience.
Tips
- Look for agents and managers seeking talent. Invite agents and managers to your shows. They have a direct connection with record labels and can make the demo process go faster for you.
- Get involved in the music community — everyone from booking agents to club owners to other bands. If you are professional, show up on time and put on a good show. Ask about songwriting circles and if these new friends have anyone you should talk to about your career.
- Join ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ascap.com) as this will help you locate other likeminded people who can help you advance your career.
- The longer you stay on the company’s radar the more likely the company will take you seriously.
Writer
Pharaba Witt has worked as a writer in Los Angeles for more than 10 years. She has written for websites such as USA Today, Red Beacon, LIVESTRONG, WiseGeek, Web Series Network, Nursing Daily and major film studios. When not traveling she enjoys outdoor activities such as backpacking, snowboarding, ice climbing and scuba diving. She is constantly researching equipment and seeking new challenges.
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