A pitch sheet is simply a list of music artists who are currently looking for songs or, in today’s music industry, either topliners or beats. A topliner writes words and melody to an existing track. Beats are tracks only that the artist wants to write his or her own lyrics and melody.
Some pitches are limited to publishers only. Some specify solicited only or unsolicited welcome, meaning you should not send material to solicited only unless you have a connection with the listed person/company. This applies more to directory listings.
It’s important to pitch a song that fits the listing request. For instance, if it asks for uptempo, don’t submit a ballad. If you’re not familiar with the artist, do take time to research what the band or singer sounds like. As a songwriter, you want to establish your credentials by being on the mark in style.
The word reputable is also important when it comes to pitch sheets because they are expensive. Here are a few details about three of the established sheets.
ROW FAX
http://www.musicrow.com/
Current price: US$179 per year
Music Row magazine in Nashville publishes Row Fax weekly, predominantly for subscribers who are pitching country. The list includes “the artist, label, producer, recording schedule, project description and contact details when available.” Unlike other pitch sheets, many of the listings require you to drop off a CD. Only insiders can get a listen meeting. If you’re not in town, you may do better to submit your music through one of the songwriter’s organizations.
SONGLINK
http://www.songlink.com
Current price: $295 Euros or US$385 per year
SongLink, founded by David Stark in 1993, mostly covers the European market although on occasion, you will find U.S. listings. Many of the artists are unsigned or on independent labels. The sheet, published monthly and usually in increments, includes the name of the artist, a description of the music wanted, contact info, a link to the artist, time frame and CD, link or mp3 preferences. Most listings accept mp3s via email.
TAXI
http://www.taxi.com
Current price: US$299.95 per year
TAXI calls itself “the world’s leading independent A&R company.” It works a little differently from the other two in that the company has an A&R staff of 200 who screen submissions. You send in the song you consider right for the listing directly to TAXI. The screener decides if the song should be passed on to the artist/publisher/music supervisor who is looking for material. So while the pitch sheet covers details of the project, you do not get contact info. And having a song passed on to the person behind the listing does not mean it will be selected. TAXI allows you to submit by snail mail or online, but either way, you do get charged for each submission above and beyond your yearly subscription.