Melodic Dubstep and Future Bass, often collectively referred to as “Melodic Bass,” represent a powerful, but more emotive side of electronic music. These genres combine strong basslines with emotional melodies, atmospheric soundscapes, and often heartfelt vocals, striking a delicate balance between intensity and beauty. Melodic Dubstep is rooted in the heavy drops and deep bass of traditional dubstep, but with an added layer of warmth and emotion. Future Bass, on the other hand, brings a lighter, more euphoric vibe with its uplifting chord progressions and shimmering synths.
In these genres, record labels play a pivotal role in shaping the sound and culture. Labels such as Monstercat, Ophelia, and others not only provide a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their music but also foster communities around these sounds. Through curated releases, these labels help artists refine their craft, reach wider audiences, and push the boundaries of Melodic Bass. By offering a home for innovation and collaboration, they ensure that these emotionally charged subgenres continue to evolve while retaining their core identity of melody-driven, bass-heavy electronic music.
This guide delves into some up and coming record labels, as well as a handful of well-established ones. With a brief background and overview of notable artists, there is also a demo submission email or portal link included for each one.
Additionally, we’ll provide some tips for preparing and submitting your music, as well as good practices for interactions with labels and A&R representatives. By mastering these elements, you’ll be better positioned to make a powerful impression and harness the full potential of your music within a dynamic and competitive melodic bass scene.
UP AND COMING LABELS
Heaven Sent, founded in 2020 by the electronic duo SLANDER, is a record label born from a deep connection to emotional and melodic electronic music. The label is an imprint of Insomniac Records. Known for their signature sound, blending bass-heavy drops with poignant melodies and heartfelt lyrics, SLANDER launched Heaven Sent as a platform to champion music that resonates on an emotional level. The label’s focus is on showcasing melodic bass, future bass, and other emotionally driven electronic subgenres.
Heaven Sent serves as an extension of SLANDER’s artistic vision, curating tracks that emphasize storytelling, emotional depth, and sonic beauty. By providing a space for emerging and established artists alike, the label has quickly become a go-to for fans of melodic and emotionally powerful electronic music. Through Heaven Sent, SLANDER continues to push the boundaries of the genre, creating a community around music that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via their portal HERE, or via the “Contact Us” form on their website.
Ophelia Records, founded in 2018 by renowned electronic producer Seven Lions, has become a cornerstone for melodic bass music, especially in the realms of melodic dubstep, trance, and psytrance. Known for his innovative blend of heavy basslines, ethereal melodies, and emotionally charged soundscapes, Seven Lions created Ophelia Records to nurture this signature sound and give artists a platform to explore the intersection of powerful bass and melodic beauty.
The label quickly gained recognition for its consistent stream of high-quality releases, featuring both Seven Lions’ own works and those of rising talents. Ophelia has built a loyal following for its carefully curated blend of atmospheric, emotive music that transports listeners to new dimensions.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via email to [email protected].
Deadbeats was established by the influential electronic music duo Zeds Dead. The label was created to provide a platform for artists who share the duo’s vision of blending various genres and exploring new sonic landscapes. With their deep roots in electronic music and a passion for discovering fresh talent, Zeds Dead aimed to build a label that champions creativity and innovation in the genre.
The label mainly consists of Dubstep and Trap, but is also home to a variety of other genres.
Notable artists include:
Deadbeats accepts demo submissions via their demo portal HERE.
Cyclops Recordings was founded in 2019 by Dubstep heavy-hitter Subtronics, known for his distinctive and high-impact style. The label was launched with a clear vision: to create a platform for the most innovative and dynamic sounds in bass music. It was designed to push the boundaries of traditional dubstep and bass music. Cyclops Recordings was introduced to offer a space where emerging and established artists could explore new sonic territories and connect with a community of like-minded creators and fans.
Notable artists:
Cyclops Recordings can be reached at [email protected].
Joytime Collective, launched by global electronic music sensation Marshmello, is a record label designed to support emerging talent in the electronic music scene. Named after his debut album Joytime, the label reflects Marshmello’s signature style of blending upbeat, melodic elements with diverse electronic subgenres like future bass, trap, and pop-influenced EDM.
Joytime Collective focuses on uplifting new artists, helping them gain visibility and develop their sound in a competitive industry. With Marshmello’s worldwide influence and commitment to discovering fresh talent, the label has become a nurturing ground for artists looking to create fun, energetic, and accessible electronic music.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted to Joytime via their portal HERE.
Jadu Dala was created in 2016 to establish a space for unconventional dance music that didn’t fit with the mainstream dance labels of that time. The vision for the label reflects genre-blending styles, encompassing elements of dubstep, drum & bass, trap, and other electronic influences. Jadu Dala is known for its commitment to artistic experimentation and its role in showcasing groundbreaking talent in the electronic music scene.
Notable artists include:
Jadu Dala receives demos through their submission portal HERE.
Lost In Dreams, launched in 2021 by Insomniac Events, is a record label and event brand dedicated to melodic electronic music, focusing on genres like future bass, melodic dubstep, and emotional-driven house. Created as an offshoot of Insomniac’s commitment to the broader electronic music culture, Lost In Dreams serves both as a platform for emerging and established artists in the melodic bass space and as a festival experience that brings these sounds to life.
The label curates tracks that evoke deep emotions while maintaining high-energy, festival-ready vibes, providing a home for artists who blend powerful melodies with bass-heavy beats.
Demos can be submitted via their portal HERE, or via the “Contact Us” form on the Insomniac website.
Seeking Blue, founded in 2014 by YouTuber and music curator MrSuicideSheep, has become one of the most prominent independent record labels in the electronic music space, known for championing emotive and melodic-driven sounds. Originally emerging from the success of the YouTube channel, Seeking Blue quickly established itself as a platform for forward-thinking artists in genres like chill, future bass, and melodic dubstep.
The label focuses on showcasing music that connects emotionally with listeners, often characterized by atmospheric soundscapes, lush melodies, and heartfelt vocals.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via MrSuicideSheep’s portal HERE.
Lowly is an influential record label that emerged from the success of the YouTube channel Trap Nation. Initially rooted in trap and bass music, Lowly has since expanded its sound, embracing a diverse range of electronic genres, including future bass, melodic bass, and pop-infused EDM. The label is known for supporting innovative and genre-blending artists who push the boundaries of modern electronic music.
With a focus on fresh talent and forward-thinking production, Lowly has become a platform for emerging artists to gain exposure and reach wider audiences.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via email to [email protected].
Gud Vibrations, founded by electronic music duo SLANDER (Derek Andersen and Scott Land) and producer NGHTMRE (Tyler Marenyi) in 2018, began as a joint live performance series and quickly grew into a prominent record label and event brand. Rooted in their shared love for bass music and melodic dubstep, Gud Vibrations became a platform to showcase innovative, bass-heavy tracks with emotional depth.
The label has become known for releasing music that balances hard-hitting drops with melodic, atmospheric elements, aligning with SLANDER and NGHTMRE’s signature sound. Gud Vibrations not only supports a roster of emerging talent but also fosters a community around high-energy bass music and immersive live experiences.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted via the “Contact Us” form on the Insomniac website.
ESTABLISHED LABELS
Proximity, founded by Blake Coppelson in 2011, began as a YouTube music curation channel before evolving into a respected record label in the electronic music scene. Initially known for sharing the latest in melodic, future bass, and progressive house tracks, Proximity quickly gained a massive following by delivering consistent, high-quality music to its community.
As a record label, Proximity focuses on uplifting emerging talent while collaborating with established artists in the electronic music world. The label emphasizes genres like melodic bass, house, and EDM, curating releases that combine infectious energy with emotional depth. Proximity has played a significant role in bridging the gap between music curation and production, helping shape the tastes of modern electronic music fans while supporting the growth of both underground and mainstream artists.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted at the bottom of the website.
Monstercat, founded in 2011, is a prominent independent record label known for its vibrant and diverse catalog of electronic music. Originating in Vancouver, Canada, Monstercat quickly established itself as a key player in the electronic dance music scene, gaining a reputation for its eclectic mix of genres including dubstep, house, and future bass.
The label is celebrated for its distinctive branding and innovative approach to artist promotion, often leveraging digital platforms and a strong online community to connect with fans. Monstercat has become synonymous with cutting-edge electronic music and continues to be a significant force in shaping the genre’s evolving landscape.
Notable artists include
Monstercat receives demos via their portal HERE.
Disciple Recordings was founded in 2013, and has come to be one of, if not the most prominent name in dubstep. It was originally an imprint of the now-defunct Never Say Die Records, but has since become a force of its own. Disciple has carved out a reputation for its diverse and high-energy roster, which includes a range of artists known for their innovative approaches to dubstep, riddim, and other bass-driven genres
Through its influential releases and strong presence in the electronic music scene, Disciple Recordings has established itself as a key player in the evolution of modern bass music.
Notable artists include:
Demos can be submitted at [email protected].
TIPS & TRICKS
When preparing your music for release and submission to a record label, having a thorough checklist can ensure you present your work in the best possible light. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get ready:
- Professional Mix and Master:
- Mixing: Ensure your track is mixed professionally, with balanced levels, clear separation of elements, and polished sound.
- Mastering: Have your track mastered to meet industry standards, ensuring it sounds cohesive, loud, and clear across various playback systems.
- Press Kit:
- Bio: Include a well-written artist bio that highlights your background, achievements, and musical style.
- Press Photos: Provide high-quality, professionally taken photos that represent your image.
- Music Links: Include links to your music on streaming platforms or a private link to the track you’re submitting.
- Press Coverage: If available, include any previous press coverage or reviews to demonstrate your credibility.
- Branding:
- Visual Identity: Develop a consistent visual identity, including logo, color scheme, and imagery that aligns with your music and persona.
- Artwork: Create eye-catching and professional artwork for your single or album that fits the genre and style of your music.
- Submission Materials:
- Cover Letter: Write a concise, engaging cover letter tailored to the specific record label, explaining why your music is a good fit and any relevant information about the track.
- Track Info: Include detailed information about the track, such as genre, tempo, and any relevant production notes.
- Demos: If submitting a demo, ensure it is polished and clearly labeled, even if it’s a rough version.
- Networking and Relationships:
- Industry Contacts: Build and maintain relationships with industry professionals, including A&R representatives, producers, and other artists.
- Social Media: Be active on social media platforms to build a following and engage with your audience, which can help with your visibility and credibility.
- Submission Guidelines:
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to the specific submission guidelines of each record label, including format, length, and any required information.
- Timeliness: Submit your materials in a timely manner, respecting deadlines and giving yourself enough time to address any feedback or revisions.
- Legal Considerations:
- Copyright: Ensure your music is copyrighted to protect your intellectual property.
- Contracts: Familiarize yourself with standard contract terms and be prepared to negotiate if an offer is extended.