Importance of Professionalism when Soliciting Record Labels

In the last week we’ve received numerous requests from Hip Hop artists requesting a label/artist partnership with Livid Records. Please don’t bother, we do not accept solicitations for Rap or Country artists. That’s not to say we would never sign an artist from these genres of music, it is simply if we did it will be because it’s brought to our attention from trusted sources. We will not listen to or be bothered with your Hip Hop or Country demos.

Today I received an e-mail request which I will be posting below to illustrate my point-

Hip Hop artist (Details omitted): My name is RiLLa the hottest hardest workin hip hop artist in Palm Beach County. Please listen to my music at www.myspace.com/zrealmuzik. it is something different the the “normal”. Call me at 561 9****** if you are interested and we can work on how 2 benefit eachother. Thank you

Chuck: We don’t release hip hop.

Hip Hop artist: why wouldnt u expand ur label?

Chuck: RiLLa, You asked, “why wouldnt u expand ur label?” and here’s my response-

You stick to what you know. Being a punk/indie label our network is based on solid industry connections and fans that relate to what we do.

For example- Jay-Z doesn’t release Country records not because he doesn’t see financial potential but because the people he works with and listen to him expect & know what he already does.

I’d suggest you contact rap labels. This creates a more professional reception and will allow peers in your field to judge you fairly. Build your hip hop network and take it from there.

In closing, we would not know how to market you, we wouldn’t know where to begin critiquing your style and honestly we really would never care to begin selling what you’ve got to offer.

Thanks for your time.
Chuck

About the author: Chuck Livid is the owner of Livid Records based out of Boca Raton, Fl. Chuck’s been involved in the South Florida music scene since 1994.