> FREQUENTLY_ASKED_QUESTIONS

Everything You Need to Know

// ABOUT_THE_LABEL

Dark Server Records is an independent underground electronic music label focused on releasing complete artistic statements — albums, EPs, and continuous mixes.

We operate outside mainstream industry standards, prioritizing artistic integrity, sonic depth, and authorial vision over commercial optimization. Our catalog is curated for listeners who seek immersive musical experiences, not background noise.

It's our tagline representing our sound philosophy:

  • Continuous: We release full-length projects designed for sustained listening, not fragmented singles
  • Post-Human: Music that explores the intersection of human creativity and machine precision
  • Trance: Sound designed to induce flow states, hypnotic progressions, and deep immersion

We curate underground electronic music across multiple subgenres:

  • House (Deep House, Tech House, Progressive House)
  • Techno (Minimal Techno, Dub Techno, Hypnotic Techno)
  • Trance (Progressive Trance, Psychedelic Trance, Goa)
  • Ambient (Dark Ambient, Drone, Experimental)
  • Dub (Dub, Steppers, Roots & Bass)
  • Minimal (Minimal House, Microhouse)

What matters most: Sonic depth, originality, and immersive quality — not just genre categorization.

Singles are typically designed for algorithmic consumption and viral moments. We believe music is not a product to be fragmented into 3-minute clips.

We release complete artistic statements — albums and EPs where each track exists within a cohesive vision. This approach respects the artist's intention and creates deeper listening experiences.

(Exception: We'll release a single if it's part of a larger project rollout strategy, but never as a standalone product.)

// DEMO_SUBMISSION

Visit our Submit Demo page and fill out the submission form with:

  • Artist/Project Name
  • Email Address
  • Project Title (Album/EP/Mix name)
  • Genre
  • Demo Link (SoundCloud, Bandcamp, Google Drive, WeTransfer, Dropbox)
  • Brief project description

Read all guidelines carefully before submitting.

For demo submission:

  • 320kbps MP3 or lossless (FLAC, WAV)
  • Private SoundCloud/Bandcamp link preferred
  • Or file-sharing services (Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer)

If accepted, final masters must be:

  • WAV 24-bit/48kHz (or higher)
  • Properly mastered (no clipping, balanced frequency response)
  • Separate tracks for each piece on the album/EP

Response time: 3-7 business days

We listen to every submission. If your music aligns with our vision, we'll reach out with next steps. If it's not a fit, we'll send a brief response acknowledging your submission.

High submission volumes may occasionally extend response times, but we strive for timely communication.

We seek:

  • Originality: Unique artistic voice, not generic templates
  • Sonic depth: Layered arrangements, dynamic progression, textured sound design
  • Immersive experience: Music designed for focused listening, not background play
  • Production excellence: Professional mixing, mastering, attention to detail
  • Artistic integrity: Vision over trends, substance over viral potential

Read our Catalog Selection Criteria for detailed breakdown.

No. We only release full albums (8+ tracks), extended EPs (4+ tracks, 30min+), or long-form mixes (60min+).

If you have a single track, consider developing it into a complete project before submitting.

We accept music that uses AI as a tool within a larger creative process, but not AI-only music without significant human authorship.

If AI was used (e.g., for sound design, arrangement assistance, generative elements), the work must demonstrate:

  • Clear authorial decision-making
  • Human curation and compositional intent
  • Original creative vision beyond prompt engineering

We reject fully AI-generated tracks with minimal human involvement.

// FINANCIAL_AND_LEGAL

50% Artist / 50% Label

This split applies to all revenue generated from:

  • 450+ global platforms and stores (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, TikTok, Amazon Music, YouTube Music and more)
  • YouTube Content ID — automatic royalties on every video use
  • Bandcamp & digital sales
  • 200+ global territories

You retain 100% ownership of your music. We only collect our share from distribution revenue.

Yes, 100%.

You retain all master rights and copyright ownership. Dark Server Records acts as a distribution and promotional partner, not a rights holder.

Our agreement grants us non-exclusive distribution rights for a defined period, after which you can reclaim full control or renew the partnership.

Payment schedule: Monthly

Methods: PayPal, Stripe, Bank Transfer (ACH/Direct Deposit) or Venmo

Reporting: Detailed royalty reports with each payment — 40+ types covering streams, sales, platforms and territories

Real-time analytics: Dashboard with daily data from Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, TikTok and more

Your 50% label share covers:

  • Distribution to 450+ platforms across 200+ territories
  • ISRC & UPC — codes provided at no cost
  • YouTube Content ID — automatic registration & monetization
  • Pitch Portal — submission to Spotify editorial playlists and others
  • Spotify for Artists — immediate verified access
  • Chart Registration — eligibility for chart placements
  • Usage Discovery — monitoring of music use across social media
  • Visual support: cover artwork, press kit & bio
  • Promotion: Instagram, YouTube, Bandcamp

Yes. If your submission is accepted, we'll send an Artist Agreement outlining:

  • Revenue split (50/50)
  • Distribution rights (non-exclusive)
  • Contract duration (typically 2-3 years, renewable)
  • Ownership (you retain full copyright)
  • Payment terms & reporting schedule
  • Termination clauses

The agreement is designed to be fair, transparent, and artist-friendly. You can review with a lawyer before signing.

// DISTRIBUTION_AND_PROMOTION

450+ platforms across 200+ territories, including:

  • Streaming: Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora
  • Video: YouTube (with YouTube Content ID for automatic monetization)
  • Sales: Bandcamp, Beatport, Traxsource, Juno Download, iTunes Store
  • Social: TikTok, Instagram Music, Facebook Music
  • Regional: NetEase (China), Anghami (Middle East), Boomplay (Africa), JioSaavn (India), Melon (South Korea) and more

Timeline from approval to live:

  • Submission to label: 3-7 days for review
  • If accepted: Contract & final file delivery (1-2 weeks)
  • Distribution upload: 2-4 weeks for platforms to process
  • Total: ~6-8 weeks from acceptance to release date

We coordinate a unified release date across all platforms.

Standard promotion for all releases:

  • Feature on label's website, social media, and Bandcamp
  • Inclusion in label playlists (Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud)
  • Spotify for Artists playlist pitching
  • Press release & bio writing
  • Social media posts (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)
  • Email newsletter to label subscribers

Artist responsibilities:

  • Promote on your own channels (cross-promotion amplifies reach)
  • Engage with your fanbase during release week
  • Provide promotional assets (bio, photos, artwork)

Absolutely! We encourage it.

You're free to:

  • Promote on your social media, website, and mailing list
  • Submit to playlists, blogs, and radio shows
  • Book shows and DJ gigs to support the release
  • Run your own ads (Spotify Ads, Facebook/Instagram Ads)

The more we collectively promote, the better the release performs. We're partners in this.

// GENERAL_QUESTIONS

Underground • Global

We operate as a distributed, location-independent label. Our team and artists collaborate remotely from various countries. Music knows no borders.

Yes, absolutely.

We work with artists worldwide. All communications, contracts, and payments can be conducted in English. We distribute globally to 450+ platforms across 200+ territories, regardless of your location.

It depends.

If your music is already widely distributed (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.), we generally cannot re-release it due to platform conflicts.

However: If you self-released on limited platforms (e.g., only Bandcamp or SoundCloud) and can take it down for exclusive distribution through us, we can consider it.

For unreleased material, there's no issue — submit anytime.

Our contracts include clear termination clauses.

After the contract period (typically 2-3 years):

  • You can choose to renew or leave
  • If you leave, we remove your music from distribution within 90 days
  • You regain full control to re-release independently or with another label
  • Revenue earned during the contract period is settled in final payment

We believe in fair partnerships — you're never locked in forever.

Email: darkserverrecords@gmail.com

Demo submissions: Use the Submit Demo form

General inquiries: Use the Contact form

Response time: 3-7 business days for demos, 1-3 days for general questions

// STILL_HAVE_QUESTIONS?

If you didn't find your answer here, reach out directly.

CONTACT US SUBMIT DEMO