How to get signed to an independent record label

Here are five tips to help you get a record deal, I have taken some of tips from the musician’s guide to world domination, which I advise giving a read if you want to know more about how to get a record deal, and being successful in the music industry in general.

1) Make sure you’re ready to be signed Most artists that don’t receive record deals are rejected simply because they aren’t ready to take the plunge into the music industry. Either their music isn’t up to scratch, they don’t have a fan base, or they’re not performing gigs regularly enough. Don’t submit demos to record labels until you’re ready for a record deal.

2) Create a demo / press pack they can’t refuse!This is the resume of your band, would you submit anything less than amazing resume for a dream job you were applying for? No. This is where a record label can really see how much you want to get signed.

3) Decide why you want to get signed  One question I always ask new artists when negotiating a record contract is “What is it you’re looking for in a record deal?”, it’s surprising how very few artists actually know what they are contacting record labels for! Why do you want to get signed?

4) Take a personal approach  When you email or post your demo and press pack to a record label, remember to be personal, no one likes to be addressed ‘dear A&R person’! Try and find out a name if possible, and just keep your cover letter short and sweet, explain who you are, why you’re contacting them, and give a few enticing facts about your music that will convince the reader to open your press pack and listen to your demo.

5) Don’t give up  No two record labels are looking for the same thing, so never think that because ten record labels don’t reply, others won’t either. The key to getting signed is persistence, after all, the more demos you send, the better your chances of getting signed to a record deal.There you are, sounds simple right? Unfortunately it is due to these five points that almost all unsuccessful demo submissions are rejected, so try your best to get these boxes ticked!

http://www.themusiciansguide.co.uk