100 % royalty-free producer-friendly guide
Why labels still matter in the streaming era
Landing a release on a respected D&B label is still one of the quickest ways to earn credibility, playlist support and paid gigs—even in an era where anyone can self-release on Spotify. What hasn’t changed is that A&Rs want finished tracks built from 100 % cleared sounds: it saves them legal headaches and speeds up contracts. Every loop in our D&B Essentials collection is royalty-free for life, so you can submit with total confidence.
Why labels still matter in the streaming era
- Curated reach — one signing drops you straight into the label’s playlists, radio slots and social feeds.
- A&R feedback — experienced engineers help polish your mix and master.
- Live circuit access — many imprints run their own club nights and festival stages, fast-tracking you onto bigger line-ups.
10 Drum & Bass labels now taking demos
| Label | Sub-genre focus | How to submit |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Records (UK) | Liquid / dance-floor | Upload MP3 on their official Demos page. |
| Critical Music (UK) | Forward-thinking / tech | Select “Demo Submission” in the contact form. |
| RAM Records (UK) | Main-room / anthemic | Private SoundCloud link via their Wavo or LabelRadar portal. |
| Shogun Audio (UK) | Deep / rolling | Upload WAV/MP3 via shogunaudio.label-engine.com/demos. |
| Liquicity (NL) | Melodic liquid | Use the Liquicity Demo form. |
| Eatbrain (HU) | Neurofunk / dark | Email mailstoeatbrain@gmail.com (subject “DEMO”). |
| Viper Recordings (UK) | Peak-time / vocal | Drop your track in Viper’s LabelRadar portal. |
| Dispatch Recordings (UK) | Minimal / tech | Send streaming link to demos@dispatchrecordings.com. |
| Blackout Music NL (NL) | Neurofunk / tech-step | Use the DEMO link on their contact page. |
| Metalheadz (UK) | Classic / jungle-tech | Email info@metalheadz.co.uk (listed on their SoundCloud). |
🎛️ Ready to polish those demos?
Download 500+ royalty-free loops & one-shots in our D&B Essentials collection and finish your track today.
‘Royalty-Free Ready’ demo checklist
- Audit every stem — swap any ripped breaks or uncleared vocals for royalty-free equivalents.
- Bounce a 24-bit WAV premaster at −3 dB — gives the label’s mastering engineer room to work.
- Include a one-page track sheet — list all third-party sample packs (proves clearance).
- Send no more than three tracks — and make sure they fit the imprint’s sound.
- Private links only — SoundCloud, Dropbox, or the label’s own portal; never attach big files.
- Metadata matters — artist, BPM, key, ISRC if you have one.
- Short, polite cover email — who you are, why you’re a fit, and your socials.
- Follow instructions exactly — wrong format means instant delete.
- Wait 3–4 weeks before a gentle follow-up — A&Rs are busy humans.
- Double-check rights — if any loop isn’t 100 % cleared, replace it with one from our D&B Essentials packs .
