Program Details...
The On The Grind Mixtape program establishes a level playing field where an independent artist with good music can get the a BIG promotional push. Every quarter we put out a new mixtape release containing 15 of the hottest records we can find from independent artists. 5,000 physical copies are pressed up and distributed in the streets of Atlanta in conjunction with a huge online promotional campaign including Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes, MP3Waxx.com, Live Mixtapes, DatPiff, Text Blasts, Email Marketing, Blog Submissions, Twitter, Myspace, Facebook and more.
We believe that every artist that has the money to promote their music doesn't have a hit record and every artist that has a hit record doesn't have the money to promote their music. So, instead of charging artists $500 or more to get there song on the release, everyone simply pays $50 to submit their song and we let our panel of judges decide which ones make the cut. Once your song is submitted it will be put in queue and made available for every DJ and A&R that has an account on the site to listen to, download and vote on. Premium submissions will also receive a written marketing consultation from a major label A&R.
After the submission deadline, The 15 records with the highest average ratings are selected to go on the release and we then distribute 5,000 FREE copies to the consumers and industry tastemakers and begin our 3 month promotional campaign.
Why should I submit my song?
How do I get on the mixtape?
How can I get a guaranteed spot on the mixtape?
How much does it cost to submit a song?
What’s the difference between basic and premium submission?
What genres of music do you accept?
Can I submit more than one song?
Can I submit the same song for more than one mix?
How will I know if my song was chosen?
What are the judges listening for?
- Your record will be serviced to all of the DJs that are registered on the site.
- You will receive objective feedback on your record from DJs.
- If you choose to do a premium submission your music and contact information will also be serviced to a major label A&R who will listen to your music give it an objective review and advise on how to improve or better promote the record.
- Selected songs receive over $6,500 worth of FREE promotion and the opportunity to reach hundreds of thousands of new fans.
- Log into the site or Register for a new account.
- Click the "Submit a Song!" Link
- Complete the Song Submission form and upload file.
- After form is submitted you will be redirected to PayPal to pay submission fee.
- After payment is received your song will be put in queue for review.
- You may log back into the site at anytime to see how well your song is doing.
How can I get a guaranteed spot on the mixtape?
We do not sell guaranteed slots on the mixtape. All songs must go through the submission process and be selected by our judges.
How much does it cost to submit a song?
Standard song submissions are $50.
Premium song submissions are $100 and include a written marketing consultation from a Major Label A&R.
What’s the difference between basic and premium submission?
All submissions are serviced to the DJs on the site but and voted on for the opportunity to go on the release but only premium submissions are serviced to a major label A&R and receive written marketing consultation. Our selected A&Rs sit down with each premium submission to analyze the record and prepare a written statement which will include an objective review of the song and other helpful information such as potential markets to work the record in, ideas to improve the song and promotional advice for pushing the project. This consultation will be posted to the site and sent by email within 2-14 business days of receipt.
Example Consultation:
"The song concept was very original. Unfortunately, the hook leaves much to be desired. The chorus is extremely long and wordy. It sounds more like the beginning of a verse than a hook. I recommend keeping the first four bars of it and making the last four more repetitive. The third verse is unnecessary for this song. It makes the song drag on and kills any chance at commercial radio play. The bridge sounds great like it is but try adding some female vocals to the background and see how it sounds to you. The production on the record is really good. It has a nice up-tempo feel that could definitely crossover. I would recommend also pushing this record in Detroit, Chicago, DC and other markets where house music works well. Myspace to speak with some people in these areas and get feedback from them on the record and potential DJs to send it to."
What genres of music do you accept?
On The Grind focuses on all genres of urban music including Hip Hop, Pop, R&B and Gospel. Our ultimate goal is to just find great records and we've had songs from all genres make it on to releases.
Can I submit more than one song?
Yes, you may submit as many songs as you like for any release.
Can I submit the same song for more than one mix?
Yes. If a song doesn't make the cut for one release you can resubmit it for another. We suggest doing the Premium Submission so you can get feedback as to why the song probably didn't make the cut and then improve upon those areas before resubmitting.
How will I know if my song was chosen?
Selected artists will be notified by phone and email so it is very important that you keep your profile information updated.
What are the judges listening for?
Each song will be reviewed and rated on the following five categories: Song Concept, Production, Hook, Lyrics and Overall Execution. The purpose of this program is to find the records that will benefit most from the promotional exposure. We are looking for records that have the potential to be commercially successful and change an artist's life.
Step By Step Instructions:
- Sign up for an account.
- Submit your music online.
- After your song has been submitted, it will be placed in Queue for DJs to begin rating.
- All premium submissions will receive a written marketing consultation from our resident A&R.
- Users may log into site at anytime to check on status of songs or marketing consultation.
- After the deadline the 15 highest rated songs will be selected to go on the release.
- Selected artists will be contacted.
- The CD will be released online and distributed for the specified event.
