The A+S+Q Framework: DM Scripts That Book Calls, Not Get Ignored
Stop sending DMs that get ignored. Learn the Acknowledge + Statement of leverage + Question framework. Plus Kobe's 9-step DM script for booking high-ticket calls.
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Why Your DMs Get Ignored
You send a DM. The artist sees it. They don't respond. You assume they're not interested. The real reason is simpler: your DM didn't give them a reason to reply.
Artists receive dozens of producer DMs every week. Most follow the same pattern: "Hey bro, love your music. Check out my beats." This message gets deleted in under 2 seconds because it offers nothing specific, requires effort from the artist, and sounds exactly like every other DM they received today.
The A+S+Q framework changes the game. It turns DMs from generic pitches into conversation starters that book calls.
The A+S+Q Framework
Acknowledge + Statement of leverage + Question.
| Element | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledge | Show you paid attention | "I saw your latest track 'Midnight Run'..." |
| Statement of leverage | Explain your relevance | "...the way you layered those harmonies was fire. I produce that exact style for artists like you." |
| Question | Make it easy to respond | "Who produced the last track?" |
The Acknowledge proves you're not copy-pasting. The Statement of leverage shows why you specifically can help. The Question gives the artist an easy way to reply. The question must be answerable — not "want to work together?" but something specific that takes 5 seconds to answer.
Kobe's 9-Step DM Script
Kobe (Sample Source) teaches a complete 9-step DM sequence. Each step serves a specific purpose in moving the artist from stranger to booked call.
| Step | Action | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Message through Stories/Highlights | Tap their story, reply with something relevant |
| 2 | Reference something specific from their post | "That studio session looks fire. What are you working on?" |
| 3 | Acknowledge their work | "Your latest single has been on repeat for me." |
| 4 | Build common ground | "I work with a lot of artists in that lane." |
| 5 | Statement of leverage | "I actually helped [similar artist] get their sound to the next level." |
| 6 | Ask a qualifying question | "What is your goal with the next few projects?" |
| 7 | Listen to their answer | don't rush. Let them talk. |
| 8 | Offer a low-friction next step | "I think I've some beats that would fit your sound. Want to hop on a quick call?" |
| 9 | Book the call | "Cool. I've time at 3 PM tomorrow. Does that work?" |
Do not try to do all 9 steps in one message. The sequence unfolds over several exchanges. Step 1-3 might be your first DM. Step 4-6 comes after they respond. Step 7-9 is the close.
Skip the manual research. Get 50 free qualified artist leads.
Stop wasting hours on Spotify and Instagram. SoundLeads scans, scores, and delivers artists who need your production — ready to pitch.
Claim your free leadsCommon Rapper Responses and How to Handle Them
Response 1: "Send me some beats."
This is the most common response and usually a test. If you send beats, they make a playlist and never buy.
Your response: "I have a catalog of exclusive beats that I curate per artist. Rather than sending random links, let us hop on a 10-minute call. I will play you 3-4 beats that match your style specifically. When are you free?"
Response 2: "What are your prices?"
Do not send prices in DMs. Ever.
Your response: "I have a few different packages depending on what you need — production only, full track with mixing, or the complete package with brand strategy. A quick call is easier to walk through. Got 10 minutes tomorrow?"
Response 3: "I'm not looking for production right now."
They might genuinely not be ready, or they might be protecting their wallet. Find out which.
Your response: "No worries at all. Out of curiosity — if you were looking, what would be the main thing you would want from a producer?" This opens a conversation without pressure.
Response 4: No response at all.
Follow up once after 48 hours. don't send "Hey, did you see my message?" Send something with new value.
Your response: "I actually put together a quick 15-second idea inspired by the vibe of your track 'Midnight Run.' Want me to send it over?" This offers value without demanding a response.
The Follow-Up Protocol
Most deals close on the second or third touchpoint. Your follow-up strategy determines your close rate.
| Attempt | Timing | Message Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Day 1 | Initial A+S+Q DM |
| 2 | Day 3 | Add value — new observation or idea |
| 3 | Day 7 | Direct ask — "Want to set up a quick call?" |
| 4 | Day 14 | Breakup — "Closing the loop. If timing changes, reach out." |
After 4 attempts with no response, move on. The artist is not interested or not in a buying cycle. Revisit them in 60-90 days.
Voice Notes: The Secret Weapon
Sample Source emphasizes that voice notes dramatically increase response rates. A voice note proves you're human. It conveys tone, enthusiasm, and authenticity that text cannot.
When to use voice notes:
- After the artist responds to your first DM
- When the conversation stalls
- To book the call
- To follow up
Voice note script for booking a call: "Hey [Artist], appreciate you chatting. Based on what you told me about your project, I genuinely think I can help. I've a few ideas I want to play for you. Jump on a 10-minute call this week?"
Skip the manual research. Get 50 free qualified artist leads.
Stop wasting hours on Spotify and Instagram. SoundLeads scans, scores, and delivers artists who need your production — ready to pitch.
Claim your free leadsThe 50/Day Rule
Kobe teaches DM 50 artists per day. Instagram allows roughly 20 DMs per hour and 50 per day before limits kick in. At a 25% response rate, 50 DMs per day produces 12-13 conversations per day. Over a month, that's 375 conversations.
| Daily Volume | Response Rate | Conversations | Calls Booked | Deals Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 25% | 5 | 1-2 | 3-5 |
| 50 | 25% | 12 | 3-5 | 8-12 |
| 50 (with system) | 35% | 17 | 5-7 | 12-15 |
The producers who book the most calls are not the most talented. they're the most consistent. Fifty DMs per day, every day, with the A+S+Q framework.
For the Threads inbound version of this strategy, read our guide on the Threads Inbound Method. And once you book the call, the Two-Call Close system shows you exactly what to say.
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