1. Presentation is key. Get great album artwork. It doesn't have to be colorful, but it does need to be engaging. Here's where I go against the majority. Having a cartoon version of yourself or the other countless cliches I see on mix tapes doesn't necessarily constitute engaging. Keep in mind how many CD's this person receives. You want to stick out of the heap. You want your's on first glance to say, "I'm different and I won't disappoint you like the rest".
Here are a few examples that caught my eye...
2. On the cover, it's wise to put a sticker with your website. This shows you're serious and professional.
3. Use a jewel case not a CD sleeve. Jewel cases are easier to get in and out of. It's that simple.
4. You have 30 seconds to capture their attention so put the most attractive/engaging song at the front.
5. Have instrumental versions of your songs. They may not want to use your vocal for a scene. Maybe the music alone is perfect for the scene they have in mind. Be sure to provide them with that. If they don't have to go back to you for it, you're saving them time and that means they like you better already.
6. Give yourself credit. Somewhere that's easy to find, display clearly who the songwriter is, the title of the song, the artist's name, publisher, as well as their IPI/CAE. The more leg work you do for the supervisor the more likely they are to choose your song. Go ahead and give them your catalog number and who you're registered with (BMI, SESAC, ASCAP). They like this.
7. Give them shortcuts. If you think your bridge is what would work best, don't take the risk of hoping they get to it, tell them. Give them the minutes and seconds they might need to skip to to hear it. Don't make them sit through a slow verse and chorus to hear your killer bridge. Leave it in the jewel case as a note, or write on a label and stick it to the CD.
There ya go...a few tips to help you survive the elimination process of a music supervisor. Good luck!
be kind+make good music
