Hey Reader,

This week I did something I’ve been putting off for months:
I cleaned up my list of favorite labels—those I’d love to release on one day.

It used to have over 50 names on it.
Great labels, no doubt. But too many to focus on.

So I narrowed it down to around 10–15—
the ones I truly connect with and want to build my sound around.

Not just to improve my chances of getting signed.
But to really study what makes each label unique—
the vibe, the groove, the sound design details that make their releases stand out.

Because even within one genre, there are a hundred directions you could take.
Focusing on a few labels helps me stay consistent—and creative—with purpose.

Back then, I didn’t have a clear target.
I just opened Ableton and followed the vibe. And while that felt good in the moment, it often meant I was producing without direction.
​
No rules. No references. Just pure creative energy.
And it worked... well, sometimes. I even finished a few tracks in 2 days.

But then came that weird moment after bouncing a demo:
“This doesn’t fit any of the labels I actually want to release on.”

No target = no clear decisions.
Sound design becomes guesswork.
Arrangement gets vague. Mixing feels endless.

So now, I reverse the process.

🎛️ Here’s what I do instead:

1. Pick one label I really love.​
   Not based on trends—just a gut feeling. What excites me?
2. Listen to their latest & top releases.​
   I drag 2–3 tracks directly into my Ableton project before I start.
3. Build with those references in mind.​
   Not to copy—but to stay focused while still being creative.

Lately, I’ve started taking it one step further:
I’m researching which DJs regularly play these label tracks via 1001Tracklists or YouTube.

Because when I imagine the actual vibe—
A rooftop party, a sweaty club, a festival sunset—
I make faster, clearer decisions.

It’s not just about sounding right anymore.
It’s about feeling right.

📸 Here’s how my personal tracker looks:

This is what I use to stay focused:
favorite labels, rankings via beatstats.com, A&R contacts, submission links, and even my signed or produced tracks connected to each label.

🎁 Want the free version?​
I’ve created a simplified Song & Label Tracker—perfect to get started.
It includes:

• Song tracker for all your project details
• Favorite label list
• Label research guide
• Submission checklist

Reply with “TRACKER”, and I’ll send it over.

Stay Productive,
- LEMAN

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🚀 Need a productivity boost?

If you're ready, here’s how I can help you:

​Stay Productive Notion Template - The ultimate tool to organize your music business, manage your tracks, and stay productive. Designed for music producers.