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Home::Music
The Formula: How To Get A Record Deal
Author : Matty G
The Formula: How To Get A Record Deal
by Matty G
Actually, anybody that tells you there is an exact formula you
can follow to get signed is lying. The truth is, there is no
exact formula that will land you a record deal, period. This may
be disappointing for some to hear: I know I was disappointed
when I first heard the truth.
Although a record deal can sometimes come about just by being in
the right place at the right time, there are several things you
can do to maximize the possibility of attracting a major label
or production company to get them interested in signing you.
First and foremost, be ready! Make sure your skills are
developed to the point that they can compete with the best the
industry has to offer. A&R, managers, and the like are subject
to hearing some pretty awful stuff. If you can offer something
that sounds amazing, it should greatly increase your chances of
getting signed. Remember if your stuff is not as good or better
than what's already out there, the only thing your demo will
have a good shot at is the office garbage can.
If you have to spend money somewhere, spend it on production and
mixing. This can't be stressed enough. It all boils down to
having good product. You can do everything in your power to
attract attention to your music, but If it sucks nobody is going
to care. Although some label A&R claim they can hear talent
through low budget production, in my experience it pays to have
the best sounding product you can. Because it is sometimes
extremely difficult to get heard at all, it makes sense not to
blow it when you finally do get a chance by delivering the
musical equivalent of nails on a chalk board.
Now that you've got the skills and a tight product, you should
be doing everything in your power to create a buzz for yourself.
In order to do this you're going to need a plan and a team to
help you carry it out. You should be doing shows, selling CD's,
trying to get some radio support (even if it's just college
radio), and doing anything and everything else you can to get
some kind of following.
It helps to have an established following, a good street team,
and some strong independent sales when seeking a record deal.
The more you do on your own, the less the label has to do, and
ultimately the happier they are. In fact, A&R will often seek
you out (eg. come to your show to hear what all the fuss is
about) if you've done a really good job of promoting yourself.
Next you are going to need a manager. Now you might be thinking
you want to manage yourself. Think again. Your buddy that
follows you around to all your shows, again, bad choice. At this
point, you should be seriously considering seeking out a
professional manager. The right manager will make all the
difference when it comes to getting signed. What I mean by the
right manager is one who digs your music and will really hustle
to get you put on. This manager should also have some pretty
good industry connections; otherwise the help he can offer you
will be limited.
As well as a personal manager, you'll need a good entertainment
attorney to negotiate all your contracts (including the one with
your manager) so you don't get screwed. Also, a good
entertainment lawyer (one that actually has industry
connections) will be able to help get your music into the right
hands as well. Make sure the lawyer you retain is working for
you, not the label or your manager!
Ok, so let's recap. You've honed your skills, produced a tight
product, created a strong buzz, and got yourself a good personal
manager and lawyer. Now what? Well, from this point on your
manager will basically put a plan of action together for you and
together you will carry it out. You should now be well on your
way to your first record deal. This can be a long road, so it's
important to keep a positive mental attitude. Make sure everyone
around you (your team) also stays positive. The music business
isn't for the faint of heart! GoodLuck!
More advice on Record Deals and Selling Beats
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