How to Get Signed by a Record Label
Steps
Develop Your Image
- Go to the gym. Image is everything, especially if you want to be noticed by the major labels. It's very rare that an overweight or unkempt looking singer will be courted by major labels.
- Avoid drugs. Word travels and artists with drug problems usually cost more money than artists without issues. Labels want a good return on their investment these days, not headaches.
- Coordinate the style of everyone in the group. Arrange a wardrobe for shows that make your group look like a marketable group. If you're a solo artist, make yourself look as trendy and fashionable as possible. Determine what clothes or fashion style suit you best and go with that.
- Get professional photos and video made. You want to have good headshots (or band shots) that are done by a reputable photographer. You also need a video that is ideally of your best live performance.
- Make a press pack. This consists of a photo, your demo (printed) and a biography of the group (or yourself, if a solo artist). The pack should also include interesting info about the members, press clippings (if applicable) and photos of live shows.
- Practice regularly. You need to be well rehearsed and ready to play at the drop of a hat. Set aside time for daily rehearsals or to focus on writing new material.
- Write great songs, polish your live show and play for Entertainment Executives that can take you to the next level. This day and age "The Next Level" is different for everyone. We sign some artists to Major labels because that is where they belong, and a label is where they will make the most of their career. Others we may sign to an investment group that is simply looking for a write off. Furthermore we help look for management, booking, distribution, radio promotions, etc. It's not always the proverbial "label" that can help you. It has more to do with which company can give you the best exposure. We are on a constant search for great singers, songwriters, and bands. Here are some great tips that will prepare you in your search for the right company to work with...
- 3Make good music. Image is nothing without songs which are well-written and that can be marketed. Write as many songs as you can and then whittle it down to the best 10-12 songs for live performance.
- Assess the current music scene. If dance pop acts are all the range, your metal band isn't likely to be courted by major record labels. While you shouldn't adopt a style of music just to increase already slim odds, you should try to incorporate current sounds into your performances and demos.
- Develop your songs on stage. Use the audience to gauge what works and what doesn't. It will be a good representation of how others perceive your sound. Your favorite song may flop with the crowd, and vice-versa.
- Record an amazing sounding demo. You should record your demo with a great local producer and pay to have a professional label made with your contact information. Don't send our demos of cover songs. This should be your best sounding original music. Print multiple copies and set some aside for selling at shows.
- Save your money. There are hard costs associated with making demos and getting noticed.
- If you need to replace a member do it before you cut the demo. It will save you legal hassles later and prevent you from potentially having to re-record a demo you invested so much time and money into..
- Start booking shows locally. You want to play 1-2 shows a month in the very beginning until you've built up a steady, local following. Once you do this, you can increase your shows locally to perhaps weekly and then branch out into more regional shows.
- Perform at local music stores. If people may not come out to see you specifically, bring your music to a space where it can't be ignored like a local music store. Play with other bands and have everyone bring all their friends. This is often the most effective way to develop a following initially.
- Start looking for an experienced manager. An experienced manager will probably not be your best friend, advisor and musical coach, but someone who understands the ins and outs of the industry. This person may also be able to help you book gigs and secure an entertainment attorney when the time comes.
- Reach out to record labels. Find the address of any record label your music would be at home with and send them a press pack. Make sure they accept unsolicited demos.
WASHINGTON – Winning the American Idol crown was only the first leg of Phillip Phillips' marathon year. After eight painful kidney surgeries, the Season 11 winner is bracing himself for what lies ahead, both in the studio and on the Idols Live tour.
It's going to be non-stop," says Phillips, 21. "A lot of riding around, going to each city and performing, and then, on days off, doing interviews. Plus, I'll be recording. It's going to be a very long and tiresome summer, and just a long year."
The musician underwent a 6½-hour operation June 7 to remove several kidney stones. He's doing "really well" but keeping a sense of humor about how he's going to stay healthy in the stretch ahead. "I have no idea," he says. "If you have any pointers, please let me know."
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He made his post-Idol debut Wednesday night at A Capitol Fourth, televised from the National Mall in Washington. He was feeling the pressure going in ("I'm nervous, but it's always good to have a few nerves") but found a receptive audience. Attired in his trademark gray, he delivered a typical Phillip performance, complete with gravelly voice and his distinctive mouth contortions.
Critics and fans adored the Mumford & Sons-style folk of coronation single Home, but Phillips says he's seeking a rock sound on his debut album, out this fall. "It's going to be a little different than (Home) … more rock and jazz." But he isn't sure whether his original material will make the cut. "Hopefully. … That's all I can do, just hope."
'American Idol' runner-up Jessica Sanchez hugs Phillip Phillips after the Season 11 results are announced.
Having made his first visit to D.C. for A Capitol Fourth, the Leesburg, Ga., native is looking forward to seeing America with the rest of Idol's top 10 when the 46-date Idols Live tour kicks off Friday in Detroit.
"I've never been to New York City, so I'm excited for that," he says. "I'm just excited to go everywhere."
At 18, Canada's luckiest and pluckiest lad enters a treacherous career phase with his second studio album. Pop music eats its young, and few successfully transition from teen idol to leading man.
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Maybe that's why Biebs and crew are casting about, trying on guises to see what sticks.
He should forget about R&B stud: Panting come-ons like All Around the World and Right Here ring false, no matter how much the producers surround him with all-star rappers and baste his voice in electronic effects. (On the one celeb pairing that works —Nicki Minaj, on Beauty and a Beat— the 28-year-old steals the song with the cougar-ish line "Buns out, wiener/But I gotta keep a eye out for Selener.")
He seems more comfortable as a writer and singer of gentler love songs like Catching Feelings, Fall and Be Alright.
Still, there's an overall blandness that prevents this project from being truly believable. — Jerry Shriver
