At Dubophonic Records we aim to keep our collaborations transparent, professional and artist-friendly. This FAQ should answer some of the most common questions before getting in touch with us.
00. What kind of music are you looking for?
We focus on dub-oriented music across its full spectrum, including roots, steppers, digital dub, experimental dub, dub techno, and live instrumental dub. We are especially interested in music with strong atmosphere, deep bass foundation, and a clear artistic identity.
We are not limited by tempo or production style, but we prioritize originality, sonic depth, and a strong connection to dub culture and sound system aesthetics.
01. What is Dubophonic Records?
Founded in 2013 in Cyprus, Dubophonic Records is an independent label dedicated to dub music in all its forms — roots, steppers, digital, experimental, electronic and live-oriented productions.
We currently offer three types of releases:
a. Free Download Releases
Released mainly through Bandcamp, often combined with streaming platform distribution for wider exposure and promotion.
b. Standard Digital Distribution
Worldwide distribution to major streaming platforms and online stores including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer, Beatport, Juno Download and many more.
c. Vinyl Releases
Selected projects may also be released on limited edition vinyl and dubplates.
02. How do you select the music you release?
We are always looking for original and high-quality dub music with identity, character and vision. We prefer projects specifically intended for Dubophonic Records rather than releases being simultaneously submitted to multiple labels.
Our focus is not quantity, but meaningful music with long-term value. Every release receives dedicated promotion through our network including radio support, reviews, playlists, social media campaigns, podcasts and sound system communities worldwide.
We carefully listen to all submissions, but we remain selective in order to maintain the identity and quality of the label. If your music is not accepted, please do not be discouraged — many artists evolve over time and later become part of the label.
If we find your music suitable, we may first include tracks in compilations before moving towards a dedicated EP or full album release.
03. How can I submit my music?
If you would like to submit your music, please contact us via the contact details available on the official website.
To help us properly review your work, please include:
- A short artist biography or introduction
- Information about your musical direction and influences
- Private streaming or download links to your music (WAV or high quality MP3 preferred)
- Links to your website or social media pages
- Any previous releases or label history if available
Please avoid sending large email attachments. Services such as WeTransfer, Dropbox or private streaming links are preferred.
We encourage artists to submit finished and carefully prepared projects. A strong presentation always helps us better understand your vision and promote your music effectively.
04. Do you still accept free download releases?
Yes — absolutely. Free download releases remain an important part of the identity and philosophy of Dubophonic Records since the label’s foundation as a netlabel in 2013.
We continue to support selected projects as free downloads through platforms such as Bandcamp, helping artists reach a wider international audience and keeping alive the spirit of underground dub culture, accessibility and music sharing.
At the same time, we also work with commercially distributed releases available on streaming platforms, digital stores and physical formats. The release format is always discussed individually depending on the project, the artist’s goals and the promotional strategy behind the release.
Creative Commons & Free Releases
Free download releases are typically published under a Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) license.
This means:
- The music can be freely shared and downloaded for personal use
- Proper credit must always be given to the artist and label
- The music cannot be used for commercial purposes without permission
- The music cannot be remixed, edited or altered without permission
Once a release is published under this license, it is intended to remain freely accessible as part of the open netlabel culture. Artists should only submit work they are fully comfortable sharing under these terms.
05. What about copyrights and samples?
Artists remain fully responsible for the content they submit, including the clearance of samples, vocals or any third-party copyrighted material used in their productions.
By submitting music to Dubophonic Records, you confirm that you own or control the necessary rights for the material provided.
06. What are the royalty splits?
For commercially distributed digital releases, Dubophonic Records generally operates on a transparent 50/50 net revenue split between the artist and the label, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Royalties are generated from digital sales, streaming income and any additional monetisation connected to the release.
07. Do you offer vinyl releases?
Yes, but only for selected projects.
Vinyl production involves substantial manufacturing and promotion costs, therefore only a limited number of releases are chosen for physical pressing. If we believe your project is suitable for vinyl, we will discuss the possibilities together.
08. How do you promote your releases?
Every Dubophonic Records release receives dedicated promotion through our international network and media channels. Depending on the project, promotion may include premieres, radio airplay, DJ servicing, podcast support, reviews, interviews, playlist pitching, social media campaigns, YouTube promotion and direct outreach to selectors and sound systems worldwide.
A key part of our promotion strategy is Dubwise Promotions, our specialized reggae and dub promotion platform working with radio stations, DJs, selectors, journalists and sound systems across the globe. Through this network, releases are delivered directly to targeted promoters and industry contacts active within the reggae and dub scene.
Our goal is not simply to distribute music, but to ensure every release reaches the right audience and continues to grow organically over time.
09. What do you NOT release?
We are generally not suited for:
- Generic commercial EDM or pop-oriented productions
- Unfinished or low-quality demo material
- Music without a clear artistic identity
- Copy-based productions with little originality
- Poorly mixed or unmastered submissions intended for release
We focus on originality, depth, and authentic dub culture expression.
10. How long do you promote a release?
Each release receives an initial focused promotion campaign around the release date, followed by ongoing long-term catalog support.
Depending on the project, promotion may continue through radio rotation, DJ support, playlists and Dubwise Promotions servicing for months or even years after release.
Dubophonic focuses on long-term visibility rather than short-term hype.
11. Do you charge artists for releases?
No. Dubophonic Records does not charge artists for standard digital or free download releases.
In cases involving vinyl production or special physical editions, costs may be discussed transparently and shared depending on the project agreement.
12. Do you accept remixes or collaborations?
Yes. We are open to remix projects, collaborations between artists, and special concept releases when they fit the label direction.
These may be released as compilations, split releases, or special editions within the Dubophonic catalog.
13. How can listeners support Dubophonic Records?
Listeners can support the label and artists by:
- Purchasing digital releases on Bandcamp and online stores
- Streaming music on official platforms
- Sharing releases on social media
- Following and subscribing to our channels
- Supporting vinyl and limited edition releases when available
Direct support helps us continue releasing independent dub music and supporting artists worldwide.
14. Why release with Dubophonic Records?
By joining Dubophonic Records, artists become part of an international dub community built over more than a decade.
We offer:
- Worldwide digital distribution
- Professional label presentation and branding
- Promotion through radio, podcasts and media channels
- Access to an established global dub audience
- Long-term catalog support
- Physical release opportunities for selected projects
- A label genuinely dedicated to dub culture and artistic freedom
We believe in building lasting relationships with artists and releasing music that carries message, depth and authenticity.