We do listen to unsolicited demos and are always keen to hear new acts. Please consider the following points when preparing your demo.

What are we looking for?

We work with all musicians from all genres but generally look for originality, thoughtful songwriting and exciting performances. We also recognise that hard work and organisation are just as important as talent!

The SOUP label focuses on the more 'acoustic' side of the music spectrum, interpreted in the widest possible sense. Currently SOUP has a duet and two solo artists in our catalogue.

BAD BEAR RECORDS works with bands and the heavier end of things - there are 4 BAD BEAR releases in the pipeline.

Don't send in a CD hoping for critical feedback. We do not normally give feedback on demos - beauty is in the eye/ear of the beholder and who are we to judge your stuff anyway? If you simply want stroking and to hear someone say that your songs are wonderful, play them to your mum/boyfriend/cat. Before you send stuff out to records companies, you should learn to be critical of your own work. Listen carefully to your own music and revise it accordingly; play it to people who you trust to give you an honest rather than a flattering report. We are based in the North of England, so if you sound like Chaz 'n' Dave on a bad day, we are probably not the best label to represent you.

What to send

See the section on e-demos below. A CD is also OK, but please email us first at the address below describing your music and we'll tell you where and to send it and to whom to addess it. We will normally listen to three tracks, probably the first three on the CD, so put your best/favourite songs first. Write a contact phone number and email on the CD itself in case it gets separated from the cover.

Please also send things like a photo, biography and other things that will give us feel for how your image comes across and what stage in your musical career you have reached. Let us know your aims and expectations for your musical career.

If you want your demo back please include a stamp and return address, otherwise it will eventually reach the circular filing cabinet.

E-demos

We will listen to music on websites but we cannot accept songs via our email system. Feel free to email us, but do not add attachments otherwise our anti-spam robots will eat your message. Do send us a link to songs on your web page or myspace page. We will check you out in due course.

Please don't send hundreds of emails following up your demo. One polite message will be sufficient reminder. If we like your stuff and wish to communicate then we will get in touch with you.

Finally, we are a small label and do not have the budget of Sony or EMI, and can only work with a limited number of artists at a time. Please understand that even if we love your songs, we still may not be able to help you at this time.

Still want to send your stuff?

Email us for details of where to post your CD.

Do NOT send it to the company registered address - our accountants have been instructed to bin it!