7
Hot Tips for Getting Signed to Record Labels
Before you think about sending your music into
major record labels, like Jive Records,
there are some things you must know.The record label
representative you work with must have a vibe with
you and your music. It is their job to find the next
big artist, one who will get radio play and sell a
lot of CD's and MP3 downloads. If you have interest
in getting a record deal, pay close attention to the
following important tips to help you take your music
to the next level...and get signed.
1) Make Sure Your Music is Tight!
The production needs to be solid, and the music
quality must sound professional. Of course a lot of
fine tuning can be done in the studios after you're
signed, but you know the saying...you only have one
time to make a good first impression...so make the
most out of it.
2) NEVER USE Certified Mail to Send Your
Music to Record Labels.
Certified mail is the first step in the legal
process so artist reps will likely put your mail to
the bottom of their pile.
3) NEVER Contact an A&R (Artists and
Repertoire) Representative More Than Once in a
Week... if they Expressed Interest in Your Music.
They are extremely busy, and will get back to you
when they can. Also, if they think you have a hit on
your hands...you may haveproblems getting them off of the phone because
they will be so ready to talk with you.
4) NEVER Send More Than 4 Downloadable
Songs.
If you are given the go ahead to send your music
to an A&R rep for record deal consideration, do not
send them more than 4 downloadable songs at a time
or 10-12 beats if you are a beat maker. They are
very busy so you want to respect their time by not
overwhelming them with too many music samples. Also,
4 downloadable songs (or 10-12 beats) is more than
enough to give them a feel for your music.
5) If You Mail Songs to Your Contact at a
Record Label, Put Your Contact Information on Your
CD AND Packaging!
A&R reps are so busy, they may open your package
and immediately get distracted with 10 other things.
Eventually they may come back to your CD, and if
your contact information isn't listed on your
CD...your out of luck. So don't make this big
mistake!
6) NEVER Mark Your Emails Urgent.
This sends the message that your songs are more
important than anything and everything they have
going on in their life, and if they see your message
really isn't urgent on the scheme of things...that
may upset them. This is a great way to get you
placed on the back burner of other projects your A&R
Rep is working on.
7) Make Sure Your Photography and
Graphics on Your Website are High Quality.
Your website is like your resume' to music
professionals, so if it is of poor quality, they may
not take your music seriously and you may not be
considered for a record deal. *Note: If you have a
MySpace account, and have some friends on there that
would be viewed as non-professional, strongly
consider removing them from your friends area if you
want the executives at the record labels to take you
seriously.
To your music success,
Traci Crowley
