[Neil C]

I very infrequently try to gain interest in my songs which result in unremitting failures, maybe the two are connected. The attached is my latest attempt and polite rejection which I though I'd share
 
Neil

From: Neil Connor [email address removed]
Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2016 4:47 AM
To: Kim Slagle
Subject: Robert Cray

Hi Kim,

I’m a songwriter and thought the following two original songs might be of interest to Mr Cray.

https://soundcloud.com/neilconnor-2/backroads-love-affair

https://soundcloud.com/neilconnor-2/atlantic-front-master-18-march

Do let me know if theres any interest, nothing ventured nothing gained.

Cheers

Neil

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Mr Connor

Thank you for your interest in Mr. Cray.

However, we cannot accept unsolicited materials of any type or in any form.

Best regards,
Kim Slagle
Assistant to Tim Aller
Fitzgerald Hartley Co.
Office: phone number removed
Email: email address removed

[edit] personal & company contact information removed by Tone.
________________________________________

[MartynRich]

I very infrequently try to gain interest in my songs which result in unremitting failures, maybe the two are connected. The attached is my latest attempt and polite rejection which I though I'd share
 
Neil

From: Neil Connor
Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2016 4:47 AM
To: Kim Slagle
Subject: Robert Cray

Hi Kim,

I’m a songwriter and thought the following two original songs might be of interest to Mr Cray.

https://soundcloud.com/neilconnor-2/backroads-love-affair

https://soundcloud.com/neilconnor-2/atlantic-front-master-18-march

Do let me know if theres any interest, nothing ventured nothing gained.

Cheers

Neil

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Mr Connor

Thank you for your interest in Mr. Cray.

However, we cannot accept unsolicited materials of any type or in any form.

Best regards,
Kim Slagle
Assistant to Tim Aller
Fitzgerald Hartley Co.
_________________

Really difficult theme this, getting your songs heard. I would try through organisations such as the Guild Of International Songwriters or the British Association of Composers. I am currently trying to build up networking contacts in the media so I can get direct synch placements doing my own publishing. Going through third parties, and especially agencies like Taxi and Music Xray is a nightmare. Good luck though!

[Boydie]

Good on ya for trying and it is great you got a response - most wouldn't even bother

Moat artists / labels etc. will never accept unsolicited submissions

This is why paying for a "pre-screening" service becomes a potential way in

Other services that offer "lead sheets" will identify opportunities that will accept unsolicited leads - or allow your pitches through - but how much attention they get amongst everything else is questionable at best

Nothing beats "networking" and building contacts etc. If you want to do it yourself - But this is time consuming and can be costly

The other thing I would mention is the "style" of the approach

You have taken the "nothing ventured, nothing gained" approach - which could come across as a little self deprecating

I would suggest a more "professional" approach

Eg - send an a polite, professional, email first (without links or attachments) introducing yourself and asking to submit a song that you have been told would be perfect for the artist

You may still get a "no" but if you get a positive response then you may get another email address or code to make you submission "solicited"

However, the chances of this approach direct to an artist or label ar still "slim to none"

Pitching to publishers (who will then pitch to artists, labels etc. - but they have the contacts!) or using the pitching services is the way to go - although this is still as competitive so there is no easy way in!!!

[tone]

I would also add to this, instead of pitching direct to the artists, try getting in touch with the producer. As a rule their worlds are far less heavily guarded, and they're more open minded about listening to material. If they like your song, they might play it to whoever they're working with, or send it to an artist they might want to record it with.

The other thing I would do is buy a domain name, put up a free website, register a business address and become your own pseudonymous agent.

Dear XYZ

As the appointed representative of songwriter Neil C I would like to submit the following tracks for your consideration. blah blah blah

Yours sincerely

Mr Sven Gali
agenttothebestsongwriters.com

etc etc

You never know!

[Chris Perra]

I'd focus on your stuff and do it for yourself first.  Mr Cray wouldn't have a problem writing songs like he writes. You do a fine job.. songs sound great. I wouldn't try and sell something to someone who doesn't need it..  Make your music,.. work on your craft,.. improve all aspects of production etc.. , and put it everywhere you can if you want to sell it. 

Tones idea of focusing on producers is a better great way to go.