How do you build rapport and trust with demo submitters and prospects?

Shows respect and interest; a prompt follow-up demonstrates that you value their time and effort in submitting a demo. Keeps the conversation going; following up helps maintain momentum and prevents your correspondence from getting lost in their inbox. Provides additional information; you can use follow-ups to clarify questions, share relevant resources, or offer next steps.

I can't entirely agree with this. As an A&R I receive hundreds of submissions and pitches a week. It is impossible to follow up and give feedback to everyone. No answer is an answer.

Following up matters because too often artists feel like they fall upon deaf ears. Even if you can’t get to it right away, a simple hey I received your submission if interested we will get back with you. It let’s us know we have not wasted time and hopefully not yours either. We too work hard and depend on getting with potential partners, establishing relationships and sometimes need some sound advice or feedback and that can go a long way.

Aim to respond within 24 - 48 hours of receiving a demo submission. This shows responsiveness and keeps the applicant engaged.

Personalize your follow-up emails or calls. Address them by name, reference their specific demo, and avoid generic templates.

If you're not moving forward with the applicant, provide constructive feedback (if appropriate) and express your appreciation for their interest.

Sometimes it’s hard as an artist to receive constructive criticism about our work but done in the right way makes a big difference in helping an artist grow. Artists don’t mind if we send you some of our music for review and ask about your feedback but try to be kind about it your critique. Otherwise if it’s not requested from someone we don’t always want critique but seems it’s always open for discussion without welcome.

If you're interested but need more time, communicate a clear timeframe for the next steps. Maintain consistent communication to avoid ghosting.

We build rapport and trust with demo submitters and other prospects by being known as a company with over 30 years of goodwill in the music library and publishing community. We have a fantastic reputation with the writers we represent, as well as the prominent clients we service. Our hands-on, service-oriented outlook is well-regarded, and we are known for providing feedback on production, mix, vocal, and instrumentation to writers.

Tailor your follow-up approach based on the applicant's profile and the stage of the process. For example, a follow-up with interview details might require more formality than an initial thank you email.