Submission Guidebook
Tone Farmers Artist Submission Guide
Last Updated: February 2025
Welcome
Thank you for your interest in working with Tone Farmers. This guide will help you understand our approach to artist development and prepare your submission materials. We believe great recordings start with compelling performances, and we invest deeply in artists who share this vision.
Table of Contents
- About Tone Farmers
- Our Approach to Artist Development
- What We Look For
- Submission Process
- Required Materials
- Technical Guidelines
- Evaluation Process
- Next Steps
- Submission Checklist
1. About Tone Farmers
Based in Livingston, Montana, Tone Farmers cultivates exceptional artists who understand that great recordings start with compelling performances. We're a community-oriented label that invests in artists who can deliver magic both on stage and in the studio.
Our Mission
We help develop artists who demonstrate authentic creative voices and genuine performance abilities. Through professional recording services, performance development, and community connection, we work to build sustainable careers while strengthening Montana's musical landscape.
Our Philosophy
While digital tools offer endless possibilities, we believe the heart of great music lies in the human ability to move people through authentic performance. When artists feel completely comfortable, whether on stage or in the studio, magic happens.
2. Our Approach to Artist Development
Comprehensive Support
When we choose to work with an artist, our investment includes:
- Professional recording services
- Performance development coaching
- Live sound optimization
- Venue relationship building
- Community connection
- Marketing support
- Business guidance
The Homegrown Sessions
Our signature performance series provides:
- Professional multi-camera video capture
- High-quality live audio recording
- Intimate audience connection (25-30 people)
- Performance documentation
- Marketing content creation
Investment Packages
We offer tiered investment packages ranging from $500-3000, tailored to each artist's needs:
Basic Package ($500-1000):
- 4-6 hours studio time
- Essential mixing/mastering
- Digital distribution
- Basic marketing support
- Homegrown Sessions opportunity
Standard Package ($1000-2000):
- 8-10 hours studio time
- Professional mixing/mastering
- Enhanced marketing
- Expanded development support
- Performance documentation
Premium Package ($2000-3000):
- 12+ hours studio time
- Premium production
- Comprehensive marketing
- Complete development support
- Full documentation suite
3. What We Look For
Essential Qualities
- Compelling live performance ability
- Authentic creative voice
- Growth mindset
- Professional reliability
- Community engagement
Performance Abilities
- Strong stage presence
- Audience connection
- Sound management skills
- Technical proficiency
- Performance stamina
Professional Approach
- Regular performance schedule
- Venue relationships
- Career goals
- Business understanding
- Marketing awareness
4. Submission Process
Step 1: Preparation
- Review this guide completely
- Attend a Homegrown Session if possible
- Gather required materials
- Prepare performance videos
- Check technical specifications
Step 2: Submission
- Complete all application sections
- Include all required materials
- Check technical quality
- Verify links work
- Submit complete package
Step 3: Review
- Confirmation (immediate)
- Initial review (1-2 weeks)
- Detailed evaluation (if selected)
- Response (3-4 weeks total)
- Meeting (if partnership potential exists)
5. Required Materials
Essential Components
- Live Performance Videos
- Minimum two recent performances
- Good audio quality essential
- Clear view of performance style
- Maximum 12 months old
- Additional Music
- 3-4 songs representing your work
- Both live and studio welcome
- Focus on current material
- Background Information
- Performance history
- Venue relationships
- Band member details
- Previous releases
- Press materials (if any)
- Development Goals
- Performance aspirations
- Recording plans
- Career vision
- Growth areas
- Community involvement
6. Technical Guidelines
Video Submissions
- Formats: MP4, MOV, or online links
- Resolution: Minimum 720p
- Audio: Clear quality required
- Size: Maximum 2GB per video
- Context: Include date and venue
Audio Submissions
- Formats: WAV, MP3 (320kbps)
- Labeling: Artist - Title
- Context: Recording date and details
- Size: Maximum 1GB total
- Credits: Include if applicable
Supporting Materials
- Press kit (if available)
- High-resolution photos
- Technical requirements
- Stage plot (if applicable)
- Social media/website links
7. Evaluation Process
Initial Review
We assess:
- Performance ability
- Technical proficiency
- Development potential
- Professional approach
- Community alignment
Detailed Evaluation
If selected, we consider:
- Growth potential
- Resource needs
- Development timeline
- Investment level
- Partnership fit
Final Decision
Based on:
- Artistic readiness
- Development needs
- Resource availability
- Community fit
- Mutual goals
8. Next Steps
If Selected
- Team meeting
- Goal setting
- Package selection
- Development planning
- Partnership agreement
If Not Selected
- Feedback provided
- Development suggestions
- Community opportunities
- Resubmission timeline (6 months)
- Continued engagement welcome
9. Submission Checklist
Before Starting
□ Review entire guidebook □ Attend Homegrown Session (recommended) □ Gather all materials □ Check technical requirements □ Prepare performance videos
Required Materials
□ Two recent live performance videos □ 3-4 additional songs □ Complete background information □ Development goals statement □ Technical requirements list
Technical Checks
□ Video quality meets specifications □ Audio quality is clear □ File formats are correct □ File sizes within limits □ All links working
Supporting Materials
□ Press kit (if available) □ High-resolution photos □ Stage plot (if applicable) □ Social media links □ Additional documentation
Final Steps
□ Review all materials □ Check completeness □ Verify contact information □ Save copy of submission □ Submit complete package
Contact Information
Questions about submission? Email: submissions@tonefarmers.com Phone: [Phone Number] Website: www.tonefarmers.com
Thank you for your interest in working with Tone Farmers. We look forward to learning about your music and exploring how we might grow together.
Version: 2.0 Last Updated: February 2025