You’ve written a great song. The hook is strong, the chorus sticks, and the lyrics are as tight as a radio single. Now comes the real challenge: getting someone to cut it.
This is the heart of the hustle in the songwriting world—the pitch. Pitching a song means presenting it to an artist, publisher, label, or sync rep in hopes they’ll record, license, or place it. It’s where craft meets courage—and where your music starts making money.
On this page, we’ll cover what makes a pitch-ready song, how to find the right contacts, and how to actually deliver a successful pitch in the competitive world of commercial songwriting.
🧠 What Is a Song Pitch?
A song pitch is the process of sending or performing a completed song for someone else—typically an artist or decision-maker in the music industry—with the goal of getting it recorded, licensed, or placed on an album, film, or TV show.
In Nashville, Los Angeles, and other music hubs, song pitching is a daily business. Publishers, A&R reps, and music supervisors are constantly looking for the right song for:
• Major label artists
• Independent artists
• Film and TV sync placement
• Commercials and branding campaigns
• Background music for series or sports
But here’s the catch: they’re inundated. Thousands of songs flood inboxes every week. Your pitch needs to stand out with both professional polish and emotional punch.
🎵 What Makes a Song Pitch-Ready?
Not every song is ready for a pitch. Before you even think about sending it out, ask yourself:
1. Is the song complete?
• Fully written (no placeholder lines)
• Clean demo with vocals and clear melody
• Strong hook and emotional payoff
2. Is it genre-specific?
• Tailored to the artist or style you’re pitching to
• Uses lyrical themes and language that match current trends
• Matches the vocal range and tone of the intended performer
3. Is the demo solid?
You don’t need a full studio production—but a clear, well-performed demo is non-negotiable. A simple guitar/vocal or piano/vocal demo is acceptable if the song shines.
📬 Who Do You Pitch To?
🔹 Publishers
Music publishers connect songwriters with artists. If you’re unpublished, start by pitching to independent publishers or plugging services who specialize in your genre.
🔹 Artists
If you know an artist is looking for outside songs, and your style fits, pitch directly. Use social media connections, email, or songwriter events.
🔹 Labels and A&R Reps
A&R (Artists and Repertoire) reps scout songs for signed artists. They’re harder to reach but often work closely with publishers and managers.
🔹 Music Supervisors
If you’re pitching for film, TV, or ads, you’ll want to target music supervisors. They’re looking for songs that evoke specific moods or match a scene.
✉️ How to Pitch Like a Pro
✅ Do Your Research
Never pitch blindly. Know the artist’s style, vocal range, current sound, and lyrical themes. Don’t send a heartbreak ballad to someone known for feel-good anthems.
✅ Keep It Brief
In your email or submission:
• Introduce yourself in 1–2 lines
• Mention why you’re sending the song and how it fits
• Include a streamable link, not an attachment
• Optional: Include lyrics in the body or as a viewable doc
✅ Use Proper Metadata
Label your MP3s like this:
ArtistName_YourName_SongTitle_Tempo_Year.mp3
Include your contact info in the file’s metadata so it’s easy to find later.
✅ Follow Up, Don’t Harass
If you haven’t heard back in 2–3 weeks, a polite follow-up is fine. But don’t send five reminders. If they’re interested, they’ll reach out.
🚫 Common Pitching Mistakes
• Pitching too early (unfinished song or poor demo)
• Sending songs that don’t match the artist’s style
• Writing vague emails with no clear value
• Not researching who you’re pitching to
• Failing to include lyrics, contact info, or working links
This is a business—professionalism matters just as much as creativity.
🏆 When the Pitch Works
When your pitch lands, you may get:
• An artist cut (they record your song)
• A publishing deal offer
• A sync placement in TV, film, or ads
• Co-writing invitations from established writers
Each win builds momentum. A single cut can change your career—and open doors to future opportunities.
🚀 Final Thoughts: Pitch with Purpose
Songwriting is personal. Pitching is professional. The key is to blend both with confidence. Be intentional, be prepared, and keep writing great songs.
If your song connects, someone will hear it—and when they do, they’ll know it’s the one.
