When you are establishing yourself in the music industry, there is one thing that is going to smack you in the face time and again - music business rules. There are LOTS of rules in the music business, and most of them have to do with how you submit your music to the people you really want to hear it. That gets frustrating fast - you have one idea in mind of the perfect way to present your music project so that it all makes sense, and then you find out you can't. You worry about how losing control over the presentation is going to impact the impression your music makes. In fact, you worry that you're never going to get your big break simply because this stupid rule is wrecking havoc with your work.
And so, the temptation begins. What if you just ignore the rule? Pretend you didn't understand it? Do it your way anyway, because you're convinced that if they actually just give you a chance, they won't care about their stupid rules anymore. Should you go for it?
In a word, no. Whether you're sending a demo, submitting something for review, pitching a show or any other music related project, you'll get your best chance if you stick to the framework set out for you. Why? Well, consider the following:
- The rules aren't set up to bug you, and they aren't a comment on your music. Companies establish policies for accepting music submissions for a reason - so that they can better manage the submissions that come in and give them the attention they deserve. The policy is the company's way of saying, "sure, we want to hear your stuff. Submit it like this, and we can be sure it gets listened to."
- Failing to stick to the rules may at best lead your music to get lost in the shuffle. At worst, it might be instantly deleted/trashed on purpose just because you didn't bother to respect the guidelines.
Resist the temptation to talk yourself into the idea that your project is going to be that ONE that makes them say, "Guidelines? What guidelines? Who cares about my stupid guidelines when I have music like this in my hands??!" Sure, ok, it could happen. It has happened. But it is rather like planning to pay your mortgage by winning the lottery. You're far, far more likely to blow an opportunity by ignoring the guidelines than to have that magical moment.
So, yes, as tempting as it may be, respect the rules. Keep your one sheet to, you guessed it, one sheet. If they ask for three songs, don't send twelve. If they ask for a CD, don't send an email attachment. If they say wait two weeks to follow-up, wait two weeks. Sticking to the guidelines is the best way to make sure you get the chance to tell your whole story down the line.
