How to Get Signed to a Record Label!
*New* Go to PhantomCityStudio.com/Demo_Submission for details on how to send your demo to Phantom City Studio in
Orlando, Florida for a chance to GET SiGNED and get a record deal with Phantom City Studio's Record Label.
The life of a professional musician has all the allure of a million dollars and a one-way ticket to being famous. Is it worth
it? Heck, yes! But the only way to becoming a professional musician (and by "musician," we mean singers and bands, not
professional flautists) is to land a record deal. Whether you're aiming for a mainstream or an indie share of the pie, you need
that label to get heard.
Wait, but it's tough to get signed to a label, right? True. And while there are many changes happening in the music industry
right now (especially on the technological side), there is still no better way to make money as a musician than by having an
established record label market your music. So how do you sell your soul to the corporate devil? It's rather tricky, but we'll
walk you through the steps. (And don't worry, it won't involve an evening with RIAA President Hilary Rosen, a bottle of tequila,
and a Barry White album.)
One more quick note: this page is written under the assumption that you do not have a manager and that you are trying to get
signed on your own. If you do have a manager, let the poor guy or gal do his/her job and you just stay out of the way.
Otherwise, you need us bad.
1. HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB
A mechanic would never attempt to fix a car's engine without the right set of tools. Similarly, a band or artist who feels that
they are ready to approach a record label in the interest of getting signed better be prepared. With literally thousands of
unsigned bands looking for love, the competition is fierce. Here are some requirements:
1. You must have good music. This may seem pretty obvious, but you'd be surprised how many bands never get signed and
don't understand that this is the reason. We're not talking about "good" as in taste (which is great news for the Backstreet
Boys). We mean "good" in the sense of talent and experience.
2. You must look "signable." No one will want to sign you unless you're going to make them money. As such, you and your
band must be confident, experienced, dedicated, and have it together (in other words, you must look like you will bring in
money). Unless you're the next Beatles, there are a thousand other bands like you - so make yourself stand out from the rest
by being professional from the beginning.
3. You must have a professional-looking demo package. In the music industry, image and first impressions are the name of
the game; for the unsigned band, your demo package is the first (and usually only) impression a record label will have of you
and your music. As a result, it should be as attractive, informative, and to-the-point as possible. For a good tutorial on how to
make an effective and attractive demo package (also referred to as a "press kit" when sending it to press or radio accounts)
pick yourself up a copy of the book The Billboard Guide to Music Publicity by Jim Pettigrew, Jr.
What? You're too poor to buy a book? Oh yeah, we forgot - you're a musician. So while this isn't a complete explanation, here
are the basics to making a good demo package:
* The package should have a cover letter, demo CD, band biography, band photograph, and press clippings. With all of
these things, how do you make it attractive? We have three words for you: KEEP IT SIMPLE. Why? Because your demo
package is likely at the bottom of a very large pile and after a few hours of going over them, an A&R rep (we'll get to them
later) wants to spend no more than a few seconds deciding if your package should go in the trash or the "will-review-later"
pile. By keeping it simple and elegant, the A&R rep should be able to get a good feeling of what your band is like in a few
seconds.
* For the demo, use a CD instead of a cassette. With the ubiquitous nature of CD players these days - the higher sound
quality, the lower price to manufacture versus cassettes, and the fact that sending a nicely packaged CD looks impressive -
CDs are the best way to go.
* Keep the band biography to no more than one page, and if the reader can't figure out within the first few sentences who
you are, what your band is up to, and why he/she should care, then you need to rewrite your biography.
* The standard band photograph is a black and white 8"x10". A smaller and/or color picture can be sent, but either way it
should demonstrate your band's visual image. There is no need to spend a ton and a half of money on a professional
photographer. As long as it looks good, no one cares. Poor college photography majors are great resources for saving
money when looking for someone to take your band picture.
4. You have to understand that most record labels are only interested in your music in so far as whether or not they can sell it.
Your band may very well be brilliant, but to the average record label, your CD is just another product. This does not mean that
record labels are out to give you the raw end of the deal. More often than not, record executives have an honest and true love
for music and passion for working with bands. However, by understanding that selling music is above all else a business,
you can put yourself in a much better position to get signed. So we suggest that you read as much as possible about the
music industry and how it works. This SYW is a great start.
2. LOCATE POTENTIAL A&R REPS
Like tailoring a résumé to a specific job description, you can greatly increase the impact that your demo package will have by
knowing exactly who your audience is. The person that you should be most concerned with is the Artist & Repertoire
Representative, also known as the A&R rep. It is the A&R rep's job to find new artists to sign and to develop their careers into
a success story. Most bands get heard by A&R reps the same way you are trying to get heard - by sending them a good
package. As a result, not only do you want the A&R rep to get your demo package, but also you want it to knock his/her socks
off!
So what do A&R reps look for? Well, that varies widely between companies and depends largely on what they think is going
to be the new trend in popular music. You already know about the talent, the "look," and the professional demo package, but
what else can you do? Well, this is where it starts to get a little fuzzy. There is not a single record label out there that will sign
a band solely on hearing a demo. So expect an interested A&R rep to want to see your band perform live. Also, it is around
this point that the decision to sign or not sign a band becomes based on a gut feeling just as much as on the past band's
previous record sales (if any) and size of their fan base. Does the music match where the label wants to go? Does the band
have a good shot at becoming a success? These are important questions for A&R reps because their job security is highly
dependent on whether they sign successful acts.
Now that you know who these A&R people are, where do you find them? Well, many would say under a large and slimy rock-
but we like to think a little better of these fine people. Here are some options:
* First, try a contact directory like the CMJ Directory (published by the College Music Journal BUT YOU HAVE TO SIGN UP
FIRST) CMJ Directory(published by the College Music Journal), The Musician's Atlas, or the Musicians' Guide To Touring and
Promoting. These will give you a good list of record labels (and some other good contacts such as clubs, radio stations, and
press outlets).
* Since you are playing in a band that has some level of local name recognition, it probably wouldn't hurt to ask local club
owners, record store proprietors, music directors, or editors whether they know anyone at a good record label who might be
interested in receiving your demo package. It can't hurt to try.
* Showcases. The question often comes up about whether or not showcases (e.g., South By Southwest (SXSW), North By
Northeast (NXNE), CMJ, etc. are effective and appropriate ways to get your band noticed by record labels. The answer is a
resounding yes! Given any chance for your band to get in the eye of the public - and the industry-types - you should go for it.
Unfortunately, getting into these sorts of showcases can often be difficult for an unsigned band.
3. GET AN A&R REP TO LISTEN TO YOU
Wouldn't it be nice if all you had to do was get an address, slap a label on the demo package with "Attention: A&R" and just
wait for the offers to roll on in? Yes, Dorothy, it sure would be. But it's time to come back to planet Earth and realize that
getting heard at all (much less by the right people) takes as much effort and planning as writing and performing songs.
There are several steps that you should go through when attempting to have your band seriously considered by an A&R
representative.
Once you have a list of record labels that you are interested in sending your demo package to, call each and every one of
them PRIOR to mailing anything and verify that:
* They are accepting unsolicited demo submissions
* They are interested in your style of music
* You have the correct name/address to send the package attention to
Why go through all this trouble? Three reasons:
1. The worst mistake that you could make when sending out packages is to engage in "shotgun mailing." Essentially, this
means that you're sending out unsolicited junk mail to a number of record labels that may have changed addresses, gone
out of business, or may not be accepting packages because they are not looking to sign any new bands. Shotgun mailing is
a waste of time and money for both you and the labels.
2. What do you think would have happened if Big Pun sent his demo to Epitaph Records? Probably not a whole lot. If your
music doesn't "fit" what the label wants, then you won't get signed, no matter how talented you are.
3. There is no quicker way to get your demo package thrown into the garbage than to send it attention to a former A&R
executive. So call. Sometimes, they will simply say you should address it to the A&R Department. That's fine, just do what
they tell you to.
When calling the record label to verify all of this information, be on your best behavior. If the person on the other end of the
phone says that they are not accepting unsolicited demos, do not get angry, scream, and say, "You'll be sorry when I'm a big
rock star!" Simply thank them for their time and ask if it is all right to call again in a few months. Chances are they will be
much more impressed by this than by a hissy fit. Also, make sure you mention your band's name at least once (and if it
doesn't make you sound like a freak, several times).
So you've made the initial phone call and everything went smoothly. The record label is in fact accepting demo submissions
and you have all the correct information. Now what? Wait. If you do not hear anything in 4-8 weeks, make a follow-up phone
call. Ask for the person who you addressed the package to. If he or she is unavailable, or if you simply addressed the
package to the A&R Department, speak with the secretary. Verify that they received your package, if they had a chance to
review it, and their reactions. Now take a deep breath and brace yourself. If they 1) didn't like the demo, 2) blow you off, or 3)
never got it, do not overreact. Thank them for their time, hang up the phone, and gripe to a friend. There are literally thousands
of record labels in the United States alone; don't waste any more of your time on one that's not interested in your band. Does
this mean you should never send them another package? No. After about 6 months to a year, if you have a new recording (or
other significant change in your demo package) give the label another call. You never know; they may like your new stuff, or
they may be trying to change their image.
4. KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET AN OFFER
The long journey to the Promised Land is finally coming to an end: you've gotten an offer from a record label! You've done the
research and they seem like an organization you would be happy to be a part of. Not so fast . . . once you get the offer, there
are still several things you need to consider:
1. Get yourself a good entertainment lawyer. This cannot be stressed enough - he/she will be your best friend, confidant, and
advisor through what is bound to be a complicated and arduous process. Entertainment lawyers tend to be very expensive,
anywhere from $75 - $400 an hour, but they are worth every last penny of it. The terms of a record contract can vary widely, so
rely on your lawyer to translate the legalese into English so you can fully understand what you are getting yourself into. You
don't want to trap yourself into something you hate.
2. Make sure you have a good idea of what you want out of a record deal and where you would like to go with your career.
There are many pitfalls for a band, particularly a new/small band, when signing a record deal. How many albums do you
want to release on the label? How much money/royalties can you demand from the label? How large should your advance
be? How does this affect future royalty payments? Who owns the copyrights to the songs? The list of debatable items could
go on for a mile. Talk with your lawyer about all of the options and make an educated and informed decision. After all, this is
your career.
3. Pick up a copy of This Business of Music. While about as entertaining to read as a chemistry textbook, it is an outstanding
resource for learning the business and legal side of the music industry.
Even though the process of getting signed to a record deal can be difficult, the prospect of being able to make a living as a
professional musician is often too good to pass up. While good looks and some catchy tunes probably wouldn't hurt, you
now have a huge edge over all those morons who are sending out 10-page bios. And hey, if all else fails, there's always the
Army.
7 Myths About Getting Discovered!
Are you just a dreamer, or do you want to do something about it? If you're just a dreamer, you're probably not even reading
this sentence. But if you're the kind of person that REALLY wants to do something about it, you'll take a minute and actually
read through this page.
First, if you want to get anywhere in music, you NEED, MUST, HAVE TO know the way the music industry really works. Not the
way you think it works and not in the fantasy world in which it's portrayed on TV. If you're really serious, you'll learn the
guidelines and do everything possible to increase your chances of success.
If you don't read through this information, you might be one of the thousands of people who email companies saying "please
give me a chance", and then get confused and bitter when no one responds.
You must understand that the music industry has changed dramatically in the last 5 years alone, (it's now 2009) and
continues to change very rapidly as major labels scramble for ways to stop the losses. The old business model of the music
industry is dead. It was built on principles and practices of vinyl manufacturing and distribution that no longer apply. But this
is GREAT news for you and all independent artists! It's now possible for an artist to make a career in the music industry
without any help at all from the record labels. So let's get into the MYTHS that surround the music industry and put an end to
these limiting beliefs that are holding back thousands of talented artists.
MYTHS and UNTRUTHS SURROUNDING THE MUSIC INDUSTRY...
Myth #1 Someone will discover you without a great recording...
Yes, we've all heard the stories of some waitress being discovered while waiting on a record label executive. Or a singer
being discovered in some small bar in Texas, or Oklahoma, etc. Yes, these things have happened and will continue to. But if
that's what you're waiting for, you have a much better chance of winning the lottery. Good luck!
This way is fantasy land and is for dreamers only.
Myth #2 If you email and call enough people, someone will give you a chance...
Why should they? What you don't realize is that companies get literally thousands of emails everyday with people telling their
stories about how they love singing and it's their dream. Yet, they have no recording, no music up on the internet, no live
performances and the only step they've taken in their musical careers is to email companies asking for a shot. Sorry, but
that's not the way it works. If you don't believe in yourself enough to invest in getting a good recording made, don't expect
anyone else to believe in you.
Again, this road is for dreamers only.
Myth#3 You don't need a great sounding music demo, any demo will be fine...
Wrong!!! The music demo/master is how you portray yourself to the world. The internet is flooded with good music, so what's
makes you think that a poor recording will stand out against so many great recordings? It won't! You want to constantly
increase your chances of becoming successful, so if possible, get a great sounding music demo/master recording,
produced by music industry pros. This will portray you in the best light possible and put your unique talent front and center.
Myth #4 If you have a computer, you can get a program and do your own music demos...
Do you really believe that a program is all there is to producing great sounding music? Think of all the programs you have in
your computer. They are tools, just like a music program is. Having a word processor doesn't make you a writer, and having
a drill doesn't make you a carpenter. But really knowing how to use them properly is what makes the difference between a
pro and an amateur. While this might be the right road for a very very small segment, most singers will find that their limited
music production skills aren't even close to the high quality level of their vocal talent that took years to develop. Also,
professional music producers will direct and guide the singer during the recording process to deliver her/his best vocal
performance. The music producer can come up with vocal harmonies, background vocal ideas, ad libs and whatever else is
necessary, including voice processing and pro editing techniques. An experienced engineer in a professional studio with
thousands of dollars worth of equipment and hi end microphones will give you the polished sound that will set you above the
rest of the crowd. So, do you want a professionally produced recording, or a home demo? Which one will help you build more
fans?
Myth #5 You should send your music demo out to record companies in order to get signed.
This is a biggie, because a few short years ago, this was absolutely true. This was the way it was done, though the odds
were still astronomical.(that's a whole 'nother article-too long to cover here) But to understand this now, you have to
understand how the internet has changed the music industry forever. Ask yourself this question. If YOU were given a job as
A&R over at Sony, and you had to sign an act and make them successful in 6 months or you would lose your job, what would
you do? Let's say you have 1000 CDs in 2 HUGE boxes in your office, and you know from past experience that at least 95%
will be garbage (home recordings, lousy songs, can't hear the vocals, etc). Would you spend your time listening to those
CDs, or would you head straight to the internet and see where the buzz is? Which artists are winning contests and climbing
the indy charts? Which artists have 5000 downloads of their songs and doing sold out shows? Which artists have 20,000
people on myspace and built up a huge fan base that constantly sings their praises on the forums? Wouldn't it be smarter
and more profitable to sign an act like that, which already has so much going for them? Absolutely, and that's why it's crucial
today to BRING YOURSELF TO THE MARKETPLACE AND MAKE SOME NOISE!
Myth#6 The record company will develop you as an artist
Record companies are looking for artists that have already developed themselves to a certain level, and this is now mostly
done in the music production stage of the process. When the artist finally gets into the Internet Marketplace, they should have
already established a unique sound and image that represents who they are. Again, that's where having an experienced
music producer and a team of music industry professionals working on your behalf can really benefit you.
Myth#7 If you get a record deal, you'll be rich
Sorry to break it to you, but a record deal itself usually doesn't mean you'll get rich. If you are fortunate enough to get signed
by a major label, realize that this is only the beginning. Many artists are signed but never record, some record but are never
released, some are released with no real push or backing by the company and many flop and are dropped by the labels,
even though they may have sales in the hundreds of thousands. The last estimate I recently saw said that an artist that goes
GOLD (sales of 500,000) stands to make only around $47,000! This is why so many major artists are choosing NOT to
resign with their record companies, but instead, to release their new CDs independently. An independent artist selling
15,000 of their own CDs can "theoretically" make twice the amount of money as the signed artist selling 500,000 copies!
(there are exceptions to this and every other point)
There are now more opportunities for singers and artists than ever before in history! The artists that succeed will be the ones
that wanted it more, and were willing to sacrifice more in order to achieve success. You have to get yourself into the "game"!
And of course, once you're in the "GAME", the talented ones will rise to the top!
How to Get Signed to a Record Label - Tips in Making Your Demo
Your demo is your key to making a great first impression to the record label and eventually, your ticket on how to get signed
to a record label. Therefore, it is important that you make your demo right and appealing as well.
Making a good demo may be an important requirement on how to get signed to a record label, but it does not assure you of
any recording contract. Of course, record labels are considering many factors - your kind of music, your appeal and charisma,
your versatility and most importantly, the marketability of your music - although you can always get a chance to prove it to
them if you impress them with your demo.
Here are some tips on making your demo and sending them out to record labels.
* Making your demo does not have to be very expensive. Although you have to make sure that it is done professionally. Get
rid as much as possible of bad recording that may ruin the brilliance of your composition. If you cannot have a good quality
recording at home, go to some studios that may not cost too much. Indeed, some record labels may understand that you are
just starting out but make sure also that you give your best because not too many have second chances.
* Choose demo songs that will capture the attention of your audience right from the start. Make sure your demo does not bore
your listener. Choose something that you think will be a great piece to sell to the market.
* Pick a few demo songs and do not overwhelm the record label with all of your collections since childhood. Carefully select
just few tracks that you think are attention-grabber and marketable. Reserve those other tracks if they want to see more.
* Know your music. It is important that you know the genre that you want to pursue. One wise thing you can do before going
to all record labels is to have a list of labels. Check out who are most likely to get interested in your type of music. Sending
your demo to the right label may save you time and effort.
* Before you send your demo to the label, make sure you know their rules on accepting demos - check the acceptable
format or is there a specific person you need to get in touch with or if it is acceptable to send the demo yourself. Other labels
may not accept demos directly from new artists, which means you need representation. So you might want to know the
guidelines first before going to the label.
* When you send your demo to the record label, make sure you give them your email or phone number. Give them many
options to contact you, so don't just leave a number.
Sending your demo may get frustrating at times, especially if you do not get to hear anything in return. You can do a follow-
up though, but even if your demo is turned down, always keep a positive attitude. Some famous artists have been turned
down the first time they send in their demos, so always be nice and well mannered. Who knows, you might get your second
chance.
BOTTOM LINE
If you're reading this, congratulations! You're a "doer" and you've just passed 80% of the people who do nothing but dream! If
you're ready to do more than just dream and you're serious about a career as a singer, we can help get you there.
How to Get Signed to a Record Label!
*New* Go to PhantomCityStudio.com/Demo_Submission for details on how to send your demo to Phantom City Studio in
Orlando, Florida for a chance to get signed and get a record deal with Phantom City Studio's Record Label.
- Would you like to get signed to a record label?
- Phantom City Studios is looking to sign new recording artists.
- Get professional criticism from A&R representatives.
- Send your demo for a chance to get a record deal.
- CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
*New* Go to PhantomCityStudio.com/Demo_Submission for details on how to send your demo to Phantom City Studio in
Orlando, Florida for a chance to GET SiGNED and get a record deal with Phantom City Studio's Record Label.
The life of a professional musician has all the allure of a million dollars and a one-way ticket to being famous. Is it worth
it? Heck, yes! But the only way to becoming a professional musician (and by "musician," we mean singers and bands, not
professional flautists) is to land a record deal. Whether you're aiming for a mainstream or an indie share of the pie, you need
that label to get heard.
Wait, but it's tough to get signed to a label, right? True. And while there are many changes happening in the music industry
right now (especially on the technological side), there is still no better way to make money as a musician than by having an
established record label market your music. So how do you sell your soul to the corporate devil? It's rather tricky, but we'll
walk you through the steps. (And don't worry, it won't involve an evening with RIAA President Hilary Rosen, a bottle of tequila,
and a Barry White album.)
One more quick note: this page is written under the assumption that you do not have a manager and that you are trying to get
signed on your own. If you do have a manager, let the poor guy or gal do his/her job and you just stay out of the way.
Otherwise, you need us bad.
1. HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB
A mechanic would never attempt to fix a car's engine without the right set of tools. Similarly, a band or artist who feels that
they are ready to approach a record label in the interest of getting signed better be prepared. With literally thousands of
unsigned bands looking for love, the competition is fierce. Here are some requirements:
1. You must have good music. This may seem pretty obvious, but you'd be surprised how many bands never get signed and
don't understand that this is the reason. We're not talking about "good" as in taste (which is great news for the Backstreet
Boys). We mean "good" in the sense of talent and experience.
2. You must look "signable." No one will want to sign you unless you're going to make them money. As such, you and your
band must be confident, experienced, dedicated, and have it together (in other words, you must look like you will bring in
money). Unless you're the next Beatles, there are a thousand other bands like you - so make yourself stand out from the rest
by being professional from the beginning.
3. You must have a professional-looking demo package. In the music industry, image and first impressions are the name of
the game; for the unsigned band, your demo package is the first (and usually only) impression a record label will have of you
and your music. As a result, it should be as attractive, informative, and to-the-point as possible. For a good tutorial on how to
make an effective and attractive demo package (also referred to as a "press kit" when sending it to press or radio accounts)
pick yourself up a copy of the book The Billboard Guide to Music Publicity by Jim Pettigrew, Jr.
What? You're too poor to buy a book? Oh yeah, we forgot - you're a musician. So while this isn't a complete explanation, here
are the basics to making a good demo package:
* The package should have a cover letter, demo CD, band biography, band photograph, and press clippings. With all of
these things, how do you make it attractive? We have three words for you: KEEP IT SIMPLE. Why? Because your demo
package is likely at the bottom of a very large pile and after a few hours of going over them, an A&R rep (we'll get to them
later) wants to spend no more than a few seconds deciding if your package should go in the trash or the "will-review-later"
pile. By keeping it simple and elegant, the A&R rep should be able to get a good feeling of what your band is like in a few
seconds.
* For the demo, use a CD instead of a cassette. With the ubiquitous nature of CD players these days - the higher sound
quality, the lower price to manufacture versus cassettes, and the fact that sending a nicely packaged CD looks impressive -
CDs are the best way to go.
* Keep the band biography to no more than one page, and if the reader can't figure out within the first few sentences who
you are, what your band is up to, and why he/she should care, then you need to rewrite your biography.
* The standard band photograph is a black and white 8"x10". A smaller and/or color picture can be sent, but either way it
should demonstrate your band's visual image. There is no need to spend a ton and a half of money on a professional
photographer. As long as it looks good, no one cares. Poor college photography majors are great resources for saving
money when looking for someone to take your band picture.
4. You have to understand that most record labels are only interested in your music in so far as whether or not they can sell it.
Your band may very well be brilliant, but to the average record label, your CD is just another product. This does not mean that
record labels are out to give you the raw end of the deal. More often than not, record executives have an honest and true love
for music and passion for working with bands. However, by understanding that selling music is above all else a business,
you can put yourself in a much better position to get signed. So we suggest that you read as much as possible about the
music industry and how it works. This SYW is a great start.
2. LOCATE POTENTIAL A&R REPS
Like tailoring a résumé to a specific job description, you can greatly increase the impact that your demo package will have by
knowing exactly who your audience is. The person that you should be most concerned with is the Artist & Repertoire
Representative, also known as the A&R rep. It is the A&R rep's job to find new artists to sign and to develop their careers into
a success story. Most bands get heard by A&R reps the same way you are trying to get heard - by sending them a good
package. As a result, not only do you want the A&R rep to get your demo package, but also you want it to knock his/her socks
off!
So what do A&R reps look for? Well, that varies widely between companies and depends largely on what they think is going
to be the new trend in popular music. You already know about the talent, the "look," and the professional demo package, but
what else can you do? Well, this is where it starts to get a little fuzzy. There is not a single record label out there that will sign
a band solely on hearing a demo. So expect an interested A&R rep to want to see your band perform live. Also, it is around
this point that the decision to sign or not sign a band becomes based on a gut feeling just as much as on the past band's
previous record sales (if any) and size of their fan base. Does the music match where the label wants to go? Does the band
have a good shot at becoming a success? These are important questions for A&R reps because their job security is highly
dependent on whether they sign successful acts.
Now that you know who these A&R people are, where do you find them? Well, many would say under a large and slimy rock-
but we like to think a little better of these fine people. Here are some options:
* First, try a contact directory like the CMJ Directory (published by the College Music Journal BUT YOU HAVE TO SIGN UP
FIRST) CMJ Directory(published by the College Music Journal), The Musician's Atlas, or the Musicians' Guide To Touring and
Promoting. These will give you a good list of record labels (and some other good contacts such as clubs, radio stations, and
press outlets).
* Since you are playing in a band that has some level of local name recognition, it probably wouldn't hurt to ask local club
owners, record store proprietors, music directors, or editors whether they know anyone at a good record label who might be
interested in receiving your demo package. It can't hurt to try.
* Showcases. The question often comes up about whether or not showcases (e.g., South By Southwest (SXSW), North By
Northeast (NXNE), CMJ, etc. are effective and appropriate ways to get your band noticed by record labels. The answer is a
resounding yes! Given any chance for your band to get in the eye of the public - and the industry-types - you should go for it.
Unfortunately, getting into these sorts of showcases can often be difficult for an unsigned band.
3. GET AN A&R REP TO LISTEN TO YOU
Wouldn't it be nice if all you had to do was get an address, slap a label on the demo package with "Attention: A&R" and just
wait for the offers to roll on in? Yes, Dorothy, it sure would be. But it's time to come back to planet Earth and realize that
getting heard at all (much less by the right people) takes as much effort and planning as writing and performing songs.
There are several steps that you should go through when attempting to have your band seriously considered by an A&R
representative.
Once you have a list of record labels that you are interested in sending your demo package to, call each and every one of
them PRIOR to mailing anything and verify that:
* They are accepting unsolicited demo submissions
* They are interested in your style of music
* You have the correct name/address to send the package attention to
Why go through all this trouble? Three reasons:
1. The worst mistake that you could make when sending out packages is to engage in "shotgun mailing." Essentially, this
means that you're sending out unsolicited junk mail to a number of record labels that may have changed addresses, gone
out of business, or may not be accepting packages because they are not looking to sign any new bands. Shotgun mailing is
a waste of time and money for both you and the labels.
2. What do you think would have happened if Big Pun sent his demo to Epitaph Records? Probably not a whole lot. If your
music doesn't "fit" what the label wants, then you won't get signed, no matter how talented you are.
3. There is no quicker way to get your demo package thrown into the garbage than to send it attention to a former A&R
executive. So call. Sometimes, they will simply say you should address it to the A&R Department. That's fine, just do what
they tell you to.
When calling the record label to verify all of this information, be on your best behavior. If the person on the other end of the
phone says that they are not accepting unsolicited demos, do not get angry, scream, and say, "You'll be sorry when I'm a big
rock star!" Simply thank them for their time and ask if it is all right to call again in a few months. Chances are they will be
much more impressed by this than by a hissy fit. Also, make sure you mention your band's name at least once (and if it
doesn't make you sound like a freak, several times).
So you've made the initial phone call and everything went smoothly. The record label is in fact accepting demo submissions
and you have all the correct information. Now what? Wait. If you do not hear anything in 4-8 weeks, make a follow-up phone
call. Ask for the person who you addressed the package to. If he or she is unavailable, or if you simply addressed the
package to the A&R Department, speak with the secretary. Verify that they received your package, if they had a chance to
review it, and their reactions. Now take a deep breath and brace yourself. If they 1) didn't like the demo, 2) blow you off, or 3)
never got it, do not overreact. Thank them for their time, hang up the phone, and gripe to a friend. There are literally thousands
of record labels in the United States alone; don't waste any more of your time on one that's not interested in your band. Does
this mean you should never send them another package? No. After about 6 months to a year, if you have a new recording (or
other significant change in your demo package) give the label another call. You never know; they may like your new stuff, or
they may be trying to change their image.
4. KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET AN OFFER
The long journey to the Promised Land is finally coming to an end: you've gotten an offer from a record label! You've done the
research and they seem like an organization you would be happy to be a part of. Not so fast . . . once you get the offer, there
are still several things you need to consider:
1. Get yourself a good entertainment lawyer. This cannot be stressed enough - he/she will be your best friend, confidant, and
advisor through what is bound to be a complicated and arduous process. Entertainment lawyers tend to be very expensive,
anywhere from $75 - $400 an hour, but they are worth every last penny of it. The terms of a record contract can vary widely, so
rely on your lawyer to translate the legalese into English so you can fully understand what you are getting yourself into. You
don't want to trap yourself into something you hate.
2. Make sure you have a good idea of what you want out of a record deal and where you would like to go with your career.
There are many pitfalls for a band, particularly a new/small band, when signing a record deal. How many albums do you
want to release on the label? How much money/royalties can you demand from the label? How large should your advance
be? How does this affect future royalty payments? Who owns the copyrights to the songs? The list of debatable items could
go on for a mile. Talk with your lawyer about all of the options and make an educated and informed decision. After all, this is
your career.
3. Pick up a copy of This Business of Music. While about as entertaining to read as a chemistry textbook, it is an outstanding
resource for learning the business and legal side of the music industry.
- Have the right tools for the job
- Locate potential A&R reps
- Get an A&R rep to listen to you
- Know what to do when you get an offer
Even though the process of getting signed to a record deal can be difficult, the prospect of being able to make a living as a
professional musician is often too good to pass up. While good looks and some catchy tunes probably wouldn't hurt, you
now have a huge edge over all those morons who are sending out 10-page bios. And hey, if all else fails, there's always the
Army.
7 Myths About Getting Discovered!
Are you just a dreamer, or do you want to do something about it? If you're just a dreamer, you're probably not even reading
this sentence. But if you're the kind of person that REALLY wants to do something about it, you'll take a minute and actually
read through this page.
First, if you want to get anywhere in music, you NEED, MUST, HAVE TO know the way the music industry really works. Not the
way you think it works and not in the fantasy world in which it's portrayed on TV. If you're really serious, you'll learn the
guidelines and do everything possible to increase your chances of success.
If you don't read through this information, you might be one of the thousands of people who email companies saying "please
give me a chance", and then get confused and bitter when no one responds.
You must understand that the music industry has changed dramatically in the last 5 years alone, (it's now 2009) and
continues to change very rapidly as major labels scramble for ways to stop the losses. The old business model of the music
industry is dead. It was built on principles and practices of vinyl manufacturing and distribution that no longer apply. But this
is GREAT news for you and all independent artists! It's now possible for an artist to make a career in the music industry
without any help at all from the record labels. So let's get into the MYTHS that surround the music industry and put an end to
these limiting beliefs that are holding back thousands of talented artists.
MYTHS and UNTRUTHS SURROUNDING THE MUSIC INDUSTRY...
Myth #1 Someone will discover you without a great recording...
Yes, we've all heard the stories of some waitress being discovered while waiting on a record label executive. Or a singer
being discovered in some small bar in Texas, or Oklahoma, etc. Yes, these things have happened and will continue to. But if
that's what you're waiting for, you have a much better chance of winning the lottery. Good luck!
This way is fantasy land and is for dreamers only.
Myth #2 If you email and call enough people, someone will give you a chance...
Why should they? What you don't realize is that companies get literally thousands of emails everyday with people telling their
stories about how they love singing and it's their dream. Yet, they have no recording, no music up on the internet, no live
performances and the only step they've taken in their musical careers is to email companies asking for a shot. Sorry, but
that's not the way it works. If you don't believe in yourself enough to invest in getting a good recording made, don't expect
anyone else to believe in you.
Again, this road is for dreamers only.
Myth#3 You don't need a great sounding music demo, any demo will be fine...
Wrong!!! The music demo/master is how you portray yourself to the world. The internet is flooded with good music, so what's
makes you think that a poor recording will stand out against so many great recordings? It won't! You want to constantly
increase your chances of becoming successful, so if possible, get a great sounding music demo/master recording,
produced by music industry pros. This will portray you in the best light possible and put your unique talent front and center.
Myth #4 If you have a computer, you can get a program and do your own music demos...
Do you really believe that a program is all there is to producing great sounding music? Think of all the programs you have in
your computer. They are tools, just like a music program is. Having a word processor doesn't make you a writer, and having
a drill doesn't make you a carpenter. But really knowing how to use them properly is what makes the difference between a
pro and an amateur. While this might be the right road for a very very small segment, most singers will find that their limited
music production skills aren't even close to the high quality level of their vocal talent that took years to develop. Also,
professional music producers will direct and guide the singer during the recording process to deliver her/his best vocal
performance. The music producer can come up with vocal harmonies, background vocal ideas, ad libs and whatever else is
necessary, including voice processing and pro editing techniques. An experienced engineer in a professional studio with
thousands of dollars worth of equipment and hi end microphones will give you the polished sound that will set you above the
rest of the crowd. So, do you want a professionally produced recording, or a home demo? Which one will help you build more
fans?
Myth #5 You should send your music demo out to record companies in order to get signed.
This is a biggie, because a few short years ago, this was absolutely true. This was the way it was done, though the odds
were still astronomical.(that's a whole 'nother article-too long to cover here) But to understand this now, you have to
understand how the internet has changed the music industry forever. Ask yourself this question. If YOU were given a job as
A&R over at Sony, and you had to sign an act and make them successful in 6 months or you would lose your job, what would
you do? Let's say you have 1000 CDs in 2 HUGE boxes in your office, and you know from past experience that at least 95%
will be garbage (home recordings, lousy songs, can't hear the vocals, etc). Would you spend your time listening to those
CDs, or would you head straight to the internet and see where the buzz is? Which artists are winning contests and climbing
the indy charts? Which artists have 5000 downloads of their songs and doing sold out shows? Which artists have 20,000
people on myspace and built up a huge fan base that constantly sings their praises on the forums? Wouldn't it be smarter
and more profitable to sign an act like that, which already has so much going for them? Absolutely, and that's why it's crucial
today to BRING YOURSELF TO THE MARKETPLACE AND MAKE SOME NOISE!
Myth#6 The record company will develop you as an artist
Record companies are looking for artists that have already developed themselves to a certain level, and this is now mostly
done in the music production stage of the process. When the artist finally gets into the Internet Marketplace, they should have
already established a unique sound and image that represents who they are. Again, that's where having an experienced
music producer and a team of music industry professionals working on your behalf can really benefit you.
Myth#7 If you get a record deal, you'll be rich
Sorry to break it to you, but a record deal itself usually doesn't mean you'll get rich. If you are fortunate enough to get signed
by a major label, realize that this is only the beginning. Many artists are signed but never record, some record but are never
released, some are released with no real push or backing by the company and many flop and are dropped by the labels,
even though they may have sales in the hundreds of thousands. The last estimate I recently saw said that an artist that goes
GOLD (sales of 500,000) stands to make only around $47,000! This is why so many major artists are choosing NOT to
resign with their record companies, but instead, to release their new CDs independently. An independent artist selling
15,000 of their own CDs can "theoretically" make twice the amount of money as the signed artist selling 500,000 copies!
(there are exceptions to this and every other point)
There are now more opportunities for singers and artists than ever before in history! The artists that succeed will be the ones
that wanted it more, and were willing to sacrifice more in order to achieve success. You have to get yourself into the "game"!
And of course, once you're in the "GAME", the talented ones will rise to the top!
How to Get Signed to a Record Label - Tips in Making Your Demo
Your demo is your key to making a great first impression to the record label and eventually, your ticket on how to get signed
to a record label. Therefore, it is important that you make your demo right and appealing as well.
Making a good demo may be an important requirement on how to get signed to a record label, but it does not assure you of
any recording contract. Of course, record labels are considering many factors - your kind of music, your appeal and charisma,
your versatility and most importantly, the marketability of your music - although you can always get a chance to prove it to
them if you impress them with your demo.
Here are some tips on making your demo and sending them out to record labels.
* Making your demo does not have to be very expensive. Although you have to make sure that it is done professionally. Get
rid as much as possible of bad recording that may ruin the brilliance of your composition. If you cannot have a good quality
recording at home, go to some studios that may not cost too much. Indeed, some record labels may understand that you are
just starting out but make sure also that you give your best because not too many have second chances.
* Choose demo songs that will capture the attention of your audience right from the start. Make sure your demo does not bore
your listener. Choose something that you think will be a great piece to sell to the market.
* Pick a few demo songs and do not overwhelm the record label with all of your collections since childhood. Carefully select
just few tracks that you think are attention-grabber and marketable. Reserve those other tracks if they want to see more.
* Know your music. It is important that you know the genre that you want to pursue. One wise thing you can do before going
to all record labels is to have a list of labels. Check out who are most likely to get interested in your type of music. Sending
your demo to the right label may save you time and effort.
* Before you send your demo to the label, make sure you know their rules on accepting demos - check the acceptable
format or is there a specific person you need to get in touch with or if it is acceptable to send the demo yourself. Other labels
may not accept demos directly from new artists, which means you need representation. So you might want to know the
guidelines first before going to the label.
* When you send your demo to the record label, make sure you give them your email or phone number. Give them many
options to contact you, so don't just leave a number.
Sending your demo may get frustrating at times, especially if you do not get to hear anything in return. You can do a follow-
up though, but even if your demo is turned down, always keep a positive attitude. Some famous artists have been turned
down the first time they send in their demos, so always be nice and well mannered. Who knows, you might get your second
chance.
BOTTOM LINE
If you're reading this, congratulations! You're a "doer" and you've just passed 80% of the people who do nothing but dream! If
you're ready to do more than just dream and you're serious about a career as a singer, we can help get you there.
How to Get Signed to a Record Label!
- Would you like to get signed to a record label?
- Phantom City Studios is looking to sign new recording artists.
- Get professional criticism from A&R representatives.
- Send your demo for a chance to get a record deal.
- CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
*New* Go to PhantomCityStudio.com/Demo_Submission for details on how to send your demo to Phantom City Studio in
Orlando, Florida for a chance to get signed and get a record deal with Phantom City Studio's Record Label.
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