Behind the Music: talent scouting tips and key qualities to watch out for

Hi, I am JJ Goenen, an Artist Scout at Claudia eRecords, an international record label based in the UK, with offices in Germany and Australia.
 
When I mention my job, people often ask, “So, what exactly do you do?” As an Artist Scout, I search for new talent by exploring clubs, surfing the web, checking out Social Media, Newsletters, Influencers, playlists, and charts. I am always on the lookout for fresh, original music that hasn’t hit the mainstream yet.
 
Of course, there are limits to how much I can explore. I can’t be everywhere at once, so I rely heavily on online platforms. Anything that catches my eye gets a listen.
 
Here is what stands out to me: good music, professional presentation, and passion. Your music needs to shine in a crowded industry. Overnight success is rare these days. It takes hard work, dedication, and a strong online presence. A blurry thumbnail or poor content in general will most likely get overlooked.
 
Artists need to be proactive: Build your fanbase, create strong Social Media messages, and generate press coverage. Treat your music as a business.
 
I appreciate tips from friends and colleagues, but I am specifically looking for genres like Rock, Pop, EDM, Dance, Indie Pop, Soul, RnB, HipHop, and sometimes Rap. Quality matters - production, voice, melody, and originality are key.
 
If your song sounds amateurish or poorly produced, it won’t make the cut. Clear structure and unique sounds are important. Even if you are not an overnight sensation, keep pushing forward. Passion and persistence are essential in this industry. Like a lot of people say: It's a marathon, not a sprint. 
 
You can submit your music to me at www.claudiaerecords.com via the MUSIC SUBMISSION button or connect with us on Social Media. Stay tuned for more tips on what I look for in new songs. Thanks for your support, and keep the music coming!
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