Overview: What is Glasgow Underground?
Glasgow Underground was set up in 1997 by Kevin McKay. He began the label releasing his own music and collaborations with friends and other Glasgow-based artists (Omid 16b, Studio Blue, DJ Q, Harri). Through his DJing and work for various music magazines (Muzik, Jockey Slut, Mixmag Update) he met some of his favourite producers of the time (Romanthony, Mateo & Matos, Idjut Boys…) and convinced some of them to join him releasing on GU. In the early 2000s, Kevin met Mylo and set up the Breastfed record label. The global success of "Destroy Rock & Roll" meant Glasgow Underground was put on hold. After leaving the Breastfed label in 2011, Kevin re-started Glasgow Underground and since then the label has gone on to re-invigorate Romanthony's catalogue with remixes from the likes of Dixon, MCDE, Gerd, Andres, Oliver Dollar, Ejeca, Audiojack, Claptone, Christian Nielsen, Supernova, Jimmy Edgar and Waifs & Strays. The label has also introduced producers like Daniel Trim, Brett Gould, Mia Dora and Illyus & Barrientos as well has releasing established & rising stars such as Metodi Hristov, Stefano Ritteri and Sabb.
Glasgow Underground is an established record label operating within the global electronic music market. this imprint plays a vital role in connecting music producers with electronic music enthusiasts, DJs, and streaming audiences worldwide. Through curated releases, digital distribution, and targeted promotion, the label works continuously to build a distinct musical brand and foster emerging artist talent.
Sound Profile and Genres Released
Understanding the sonic identity of Glasgow Underground is crucial before pitching your music. The label focuses heavily on signature underground and commercial electronic soundscapes, maintaining high standards for composition, rhythm, and overall production value.
The primary music genres and styles released by this imprint include:
- Electronic Music – Contemporary club tracks engineered for festivals and venue sound systems.
- House & Techno Variations – Rhythmic, groove-heavy compositions with professional sound design.
Tracks considered for release generally share key elements: dynamic build-ups, strong dancefloor appeal, punchy drums, balanced low-end frequencies, and a distinct melodic or rhythmic motif that sets them apart from standard productions.
Complete Guide: How to Submit Demos
Submitting your unreleased tracks to the A&R team at Glasgow Underground requires careful preparation. Record labels receive dozens of submissions daily, so presenting your demo professionally significantly increases your chances of getting noticed and signed.
1. Technical Track Preparation
- Finish Your Track Completely: Do not send unfinished loops, rough ideas, or work-in-progress clips. Only submit fully arranged, structured tracks ready for release consideration.
- Mixdown Quality: Ensure proper headroom (around -3dB to -6dB), crisp highs, and clear separation between instruments. Clean mixes grab A&R attention immediately.
- Audio Format: Use private streaming links such as SoundCloud or Box/Dropbox. Ensure tracks are downloadable if requested by the label.
2. Pitching Email Best Practices
- Personalize Your Message: Address the A&R team properly. Avoid generic template emails or mass CC/BCC sends, which are often automatically filtered out as spam.
- Include Essential Details: Briefly introduce yourself, mention 2–3 of your strongest unreleased tracks, and include your social media or Spotify artist profile links.
- Respect Privacy Settings: Always keep your SoundCloud playlist or track set to Private. Independent labels strictly prefer exclusive, unreleased music.
🎛️ Need Professional Mix & Mastering for Your Demo?
Before emailing your unreleased tracks, ensure your sound quality stands out against hundreds of daily demo submissions. Get club-ready sound with professional mixing and mastering.
What Happens After You Submit Your Demo?
Once your demo is sent, the A&R (Artists and Repertoire) team evaluates the track based on musical fit, production quality, and current release schedules. Due to high submission volumes, response times can vary from a few days to several weeks.
If your track is accepted, representatives will reach out with a contract offer covering release schedules, master rights, revenue splits, and promotional plans across major streaming platforms like Beatport, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Official Contacts & Digital Channels
Use the verified contacts and official platforms below to connect with Glasgow Underground for demo submissions, licensing inquiries, and business communications:
Official Websites & Social Profiles:
Catalog & Latest Discography
To explore the newest releases, EPs, and compilation albums from Glasgow Underground, we recommend browsing their official streaming profiles and digital stores. Analyzing a label’s recent discography is essential for producers to understand their current sound direction, mixdown standards, and release frequency before pitching music.
- Beatport Catalog: Check the official Glasgow Underground Beatport Store for high-quality WAV/AIFF downloads, charts, and new releases.
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Are you looking to submit demos to more record labels similar to Glasgow Underground? Browse through our Find My Labels directory to discover active record labels filtered by genre, submission status, contact emails, A&R links, and location.
