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Collabs with bigger DJs are one of the best career changing things that can happen to an upcoming artist. There is nothing like a good co-sign from a big artist you look up to.
Here are 3 strategies I have used over the years that helped me get more big collabs.
1. Focus on getting a release with the artist's sub label first
In 2017 I collaborated with one of the biggest DJs in the world, Hardwell. It was one of the biggest co-signs I had ever gotten. Leading up to that was a series of releases on his label Revealed, 3 songs from 2013-2016. It really helped lead and warm up that conversation. Big artists love to support artists on their own label because it helps build their vision too. Before pitching demos to bigger artists, try to get one on their label first if they have one. It can make a lot more sense for all parties this way. I got my first single signed to Revealed by a random email demo submission when I had no followers!
2. Send multiple options and curate a private demo playlist.
One of the best practices to really increase your odds of a bigger DJ saying yes to a collab is to send them multiple WIP/Demo options. Instead of just sending 1 song, send 4. Not too overwhelming, but enough to give them more chances of saying yes to an idea that's right for them.
Also make sure this playlist is private, and curated just for the artist. See what they have been playing in their sets recently, listen to their last few releases and make sure your ideas are within their realm/taste. When I sent Hardwell our collab idea I knew he was a dancehall fan and started his career playing 'bubblin beats' which had a lot of dancehall samples.
3. Build momentum in your own brand and content.
Bigger DJs always want to collab with up and comers that have their own momentum. They're going to be way more inclined to say yes to someone that is working hard to build their own audience. After the music is prioritized, making engaging content that's getting views should be your next top priority. Big artists browse social media like reels/tiktok and they can come across your posts easily. A lot of them are tuned in and looking for new talent.
A good example of how good this works is my new collab with Jake Shore . I found him from a reel a year ago and started following him. Loved the song in his post, thought he was funny and entertaining too. After I followed him he shot me a DM and boom our collab 'Take Control' was born.
Hope these tips help you guys lock in more songs with artists you look up to!
-Henry
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