Electronic music has never been easier to create. With the myriad of software tools and tutorials available, anyone can produce a beat from their bedroom. However, getting that music heard amidst the digital noise? That’s a different story.
Each day, thousands of producers release new tracks across platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and SoundCloud. For emerging artists, producing a great song is no longer the sole challenge; the real obstacle lies in connecting with listeners who will discover and appreciate their work.
Enter Outertone.
Outertone functions as a bridge for new producers seeking to not only release music but also reach audiences eager for fresh electronic sounds. As an independent electronic music label committed to uncovering new talent, Outertone is dedicated to releasing vibrant electronic music while promoting those tracks to a global listening audience.
Outertone boasts a diverse catalogue that spans multiple electronic genres, from house and progressive house to dubstep, drum and bass, trap, and chill electronic music. With its expansive reach, it actively seeks to partner with new artists looking for that pivotal break.
What is Outertone?
Founded in the UK, Outertone is a prominent electronic music label that has been a major player in the industry for over a decade. As part of the larger RouteNote family, it emphasizes showcasing the works of emerging producers and independent artists rather than just established names. Currently, Outertone’s impressive catalogue features over 2,000 tracks, and its YouTube channel has amassed an extensive collection of videos, catering to electronic music aficionados eager to discover new sounds.
Rather than focusing on big names, Outertone’s primary goal is to find exciting music from fresh talents at various stages in their careers. This ethos makes it particularly appealing to independent producers aiming to transition from self-releases to gaining a committed fan base.
Outertone is Built Around Music Discovery
A significant hurdle for emerging artists is visibility and discovery. A brilliantly crafted track can languish in obscurity if no one knows it exists. That’s where Outertone excels.
Their approach to music curation heavily emphasizes discovery. This means that listeners are introduced to emerging artists alongside well-established acts, fostering an environment where audiences are eager to explore rather than simply follow their favorite artists. This framework helps foster a community of listeners passionate about discovering new musicians, paving the way for artists to reach audiences outside their existing circles.
With Outertone’s positioning on YouTube, the label commits to featuring new electronic dance music (EDM) multiple times a week, offering listeners a plethora of genres, from speed garage to progressive house. This approach not only enhances the listening experience but also increases opportunities for artists to get heard.
A Label for the Creator Economy as Well as Streaming
Outertone’s innovative model goes beyond traditional streaming platforms. Recognizing the vast potential of the creator economy, they have curated a catalog designed for use across video content and social media, making their releases practical for video creators and streamers. Collaborations with platforms like Twitch have made it possible for creators to access Outertone’s diverse music catalogue.
For artists, this opens another avenue for exposure. Imagine a listener discovering your track during a live Twitch stream, in a YouTube video, or while playing a game. These varied entry points into your music can lead listeners back to your original work, fostering growth and engagement in ways that traditional streaming might not.
What Kind of Music Does Outertone Release?
While Outertone primarily specializes in electronic music, its releases cover a wide spectrum of genres. Recent tracks from the label include EDM, house, deep house, future house, dubstep, drum and bass, liquid drum and bass, trap, dance pop, chillout, ambient, lo-fi, and electronic pop. Additionally, the label has a sub-branch—Outertone Chill—which focuses specifically on chill, downtempo, and ambient electronic music.
The essential component isn’t merely fitting into a narrow genre but rather creating captivating electronic music that resonates with listeners.
Artists Who Have Released Music with Outertone
Over the years, Outertone has collaborated with countless independent electronic producers. Its roster includes impressive talents such as Tobu, Axero, and Uplink, alongside a vibrant cadre of emerging artists today. Recent releases spotlight burgeoning producers such as KRLYK, Sølus, PrettyDirty, Gasp!, noShift, Bugsy, Freund, Noxious, Vourem, and Never After.
This diverse mix of artists illustrates one of the alluring aspects of independent labels like Outertone. Every celebrated electronic artist possesses a story that began somewhere—often sparked by a single track capturing the attention of listeners. Outertone continuously seeks these pivotal tracks that will resonate within the electronic music community.
Why Release Music Through an Electronic Record Label?
In the digital age, artists no longer require record labels solely for distribution on platforms like Spotify. Independent distribution has revolutionized the music landscape, making it easier for artists to share their tracks independently. However, modern independent labels now offer artists unique advantages—including an established audience and a team to back their releases, providing additional support in discovering new listeners.
Furthermore, there’s an element of social proof in the equation. A producer releasing tracks independently may find it challenging to attract attention. In contrast, being selected by a respected label serves as an endorsement, prompting listeners to click and listen with greater interest.
Do You Need a Huge Following to Submit Music to Outertone?
Absolutely not. Emerging producers should not hesitate to approach labels, fearing they aren’t “big enough” yet. A great track can come from someone with a modest following just as easily as it can from someone with a significant fanbase.
What matters most is the quality of the music. Before submitting, potential applicants should consider a few vital questions: Does the track feel finished? Would they listen to it alongside professional releases? Is there any aspect of the production, melody, vocal, or atmosphere that makes it memorable? Most importantly, would someone want to hear it again?
While follower numbers can increase over time, the focus should remain on delivering compelling music from the start.
What Outertone is Looking for in New Artists
While there is no set formula for signing to a record label, Outertone seeks music that conveys a sense of identity. This is the heartbeat of engaging demos—whether it be an unforgettable melody, a unique vocal track, a surprising bass drop, or a soulfully simple chill tune.
Technical quality plays a role; however, personality and creativity are just as important. Outertone desires to uncover distinct voices rather than duplicating what already exists in the market, making the potential for discovering something innovative all the more enticing.
How to Submit Music to Outertone
If you’re an electronic music producer who believes your work resonates with Outertone’s ethos, it’s time to submit your demo. The label currently accepts submissions through its LabelRadar portal or via its Discord community.
Here’s what you should keep in mind when submitting:
- Send your strongest music: Focus on submitting your best work, rather than spreading yourself thin with multiple average tracks.
- Finish the track properly: Submit music that showcases what your finished record sounds like unless the label specifies otherwise.
- Keep your introduction simple: Avoid the urge to present your entire life story. Instead, provide a brief introduction about yourself, your submission, and any relevant links.
- Make your music easy to hear: Opt for private streaming links over complicated downloads—this makes the review process smoother for A&R teams.
- Don’t obsess over your existing numbers: If you’re still growing your audience, that’s perfectly fine. The quest for your sound is what Outertone celebrates.
Your Next Release Could Be the One
Every electronic producer knows the thrill of creating something special: that exhilarating moment when a track comes together at 2 AM, and you realize you’ve crafted something really good. However, that moment can’t remain confined to your hard drive.
Music needs listeners. Whether you choose to release independently or collaborate with Outertone or another label, the act of finishing your music and sharing it with the world is vital for growing your career.
If you’re making house, EDM, drum and bass, dubstep, chill electronic music, or anything that doesn’t easily fit into a single genre, Outertone is eager to hear what the next wave of electronic producers is creating.
You don’t have to be famous to get noticed; what you need is a fantastic record.
Submit Your Music to Outertone
Think your latest track deserves a spot on Outertone? Submit it now!
Outertone is actively on the hunt for captivating electronic music from talented artists and producers across the globe. Your track could be the next great discovery.
