Record Labels
Feedback collection for record labels
Sending promos without collecting feedback is like throwing a party and never checking if anyone showed up. For labels, feedback from DJs, curators, and journalists tells you which tracks are working, which need a rethink, and where your next promotional push should focus.
Why feedback matters more than download counts
Downloads tell you someone grabbed the file. Feedback tells you what they thought. A DJ who downloads a track might play it once and forget it, or they might make it a set staple for the next six months. Without feedback, you have no idea which scenario played out. Promoly lets you require feedback before allowing downloads. That means every person who grabs your track also leaves a rating and a comment. Some will be brief ("great track, will play this weekend"), others will be detailed ("the intro is too long for mixing, but the drop is massive"). Both are useful. Over time, feedback data helps you make better A&R decisions. If DJs consistently praise your label's peak-time tracks but ignore the downtempo releases, that tells you something about your audience and your roster.
Setting up feedback-before-download
In Promoly, you can toggle feedback requirements on a per-campaign basis. When enabled, recipients must leave a star rating and a written comment before the download button becomes active. This isn't a barrier to engagement. It's a value exchange. The recipient gets the music they want, and you get data you need. Most DJs and journalists are happy to leave feedback when asked. It takes them thirty seconds and it shows you they're genuinely interested. You can customise the feedback form to ask specific questions if you want more targeted responses. For example, "Would you play this in a set?" or "Is this a fit for your playlist?" gives you more actionable answers than a generic "leave a comment" prompt.
Using feedback to shape your release strategy
Once you've collected feedback across several campaigns, patterns emerge. Maybe your label's deep house tracks consistently score higher than your tech house releases. Maybe a particular artist on your roster gets glowing reviews every time. Maybe DJs in one region love your sound while another market is cold. This data should inform your decisions. Double down on what's working. If a track gets exceptional feedback, prioritise it as the lead single. If DJs say an EP's weakest track is the one you planned to premiere, reconsider. Feedback isn't just vanity metrics. It's market research from the exact people who will determine whether your release succeeds.
Feedback Collection checklist for record labels
Enable feedback-before-download
Toggle this on in your campaign settings. Recipients must rate and comment before downloading.
Customise feedback questions
Add one or two specific questions like "Would you play this in a set?" for more useful responses.
Send to DJs who actually play your genre
Feedback from the wrong audience is misleading. Segment your list so the right people are reviewing the right music.
Review feedback within 48 hours
Early feedback often predicts how a release will perform. Check it quickly so you can adjust your marketing if needed.
Share positive feedback with your artists
Artists want to know their music is landing well. Share the best comments and ratings with them.
Flag recurring themes
If multiple DJs mention the same issue (too long, too quiet, wrong key for mixing), take it seriously.
Use ratings to identify your strongest tracks
If you're releasing an EP, feedback ratings can tell you which track to push as the single.
Compare feedback across releases
Track average ratings over time to see if your label's output is improving, plateauing, or declining.
Build relationships with your best reviewers
DJs who consistently give thoughtful feedback are your most engaged contacts. Treat them accordingly.
Quick tips
Don't take every comment at face value
One negative review doesn't mean a track is bad. Look at the overall pattern across multiple responses before drawing conclusions.
Make feedback easy
Keep your custom questions short and simple. The easier it is to respond, the more feedback you'll collect.
Close the loop
If a DJ gives great feedback and you end up using their quote in marketing, let them know. It makes them more likely to engage next time.
Separate feedback by audience
DJ feedback tells you about dancefloor potential. Journalist feedback tells you about editorial appeal. Don't mix the two when making decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I require feedback before allowing downloads?
Yes. Toggle feedback-before-download in your campaign settings. Recipients must leave a star rating and written comment before the download link activates.
What kind of feedback do recipients typically leave?
Most leave a star rating (1-5) and a short comment. Some are brief ("solid track"), others are detailed ("great groove, will play this at my residency on Saturday"). Both are useful.
Can I customise the feedback form?
Yes. You can add specific questions to the feedback form, like "Would you play this in a set?" or "Is this a fit for your publication?" to get more targeted responses.
How do I see all the feedback for a campaign?
Every campaign in Promoly has a stats page where feedback is listed alongside opens, plays, and downloads. You can filter by rating, date, or contact name.
Does requiring feedback reduce downloads?
In most cases, no. DJs and journalists expect to give feedback on promos. The ones who won't leave a comment are rarely the ones who'd play your music anyway.
Start collecting real feedback on every release
7-day free trial. No credit card. Set up in seconds.
Start free trial