Why is it so hard?
The costs of getting music out there have risen and there has been an increase in the amount of sophisticated and talented artists competing for the relatively few places on a label's roster. To add to that, A&R (Artist and Repertoire) departments are overwhelmed with hundreds of demos every month.
Are you ready for a deal?
To be ready to get signed to a major, many in the industry that feel you should at least have the following going for you.
- Playing 100+ dates a year
- Opening up for some nationally known acts
- At least 2 years in the business
- Have a mailing list of 1000+ fans
- Headlining the top clubs in your area
- Touring in at least 4 to 6 states
- A professionally prepared press kit:
Your press kit should include favorable press about your demo as well as press from the different states you play in.
To some of you this probably sounds like over-kill. You're saying to yourself, I know about this group/artist and they weren't that big. All they had was a manager. Well, for those of you lucky enough to find a manager with powerful connections this may be possible. But the rest of us will have to prove to a record label that we are worth the tremendous investment it takes to make money from a new act.
What do industry professionals want?
Some of us assume all we have to do is have a decent sound, make a demo, send them out to a few labels, tell everyone we're about to make it big and wait for the the phone to ring. Believe it or not, there are some that are doing that right now, and you know who you are. Has the phone rung yet, probably not.
However, most of us know getting signed by a major record label takes a great deal of work and some luck. We also realize that, unfortunately, a record label is a business first and foremost and does not care if a group feels they have worked long and hard and deserve a break.
Let me explain some of the other assets labels and distributors are looking for.
- Proven track record
A proven track record in record sales, radio airplay, concert/club audience attendance, as well as a faithful and ever growing fan base. Those that have accomplished this have hit the road playing anywhere that will let them. They've played hundreds of performances and have sold hundreds of cds.
- Image
Most of us have heard of the expression "Image Sells". Can you think of a place where that is more true than in the entertainment industry? The record label will look at your photos, listen to your music and review you bio to determine it's continuity. This is important because your vibe, the energy you give off, the power and passion of the lyrics of your songs must be believable and able to capture and keep the attention of potential fans. Bear this in mind prior to submitting your demo because this could make or break you and chances are you will not get another opportunity with them.
- Originality
Have you ever heard, "Wow, you sound just like...." Though this may have been flattering, a record label doesn't need a "copycat". They are looking for something new, unique and original. A&R reps will not keep their jobs long if they can't distinguish the difference between the real thing and an imitator. Even if that may not have been your intention, if you find people are always comparing you to someone else, the record label may too. And this normally is not a good thing.
We will be providing more information on getting deals soon. Stay tuned!
