While there is huge potential in viral marketing on the Internet for established acts, creating critical mass remains elusive for new talent. It's not just a matter of built it and they will come. Before you can have a Field of Dreams moment, the public has to first know you even exist. There is no doubt the music industry has been profoundly impacted by the Internet but for the near future at least, the best way to become a recognizable, revenue-producung singer or musician is to sign with a record label. Labels have the deep pockets necessary to promote your music across all platforms to reach the widest audience possible. Here are the Top 10 ways to get signed with a label.
Play showcases at music clubs. In every major American city, record industry A&R people constantly scour local music clubs looking for the next Cold Play or Green Day.
Write your own music. While talented singers and musicians are always a sought after commodity, those who write their own material are especially prized. Taylor Swift was signed as a songwriter before she was given a deal to record her own album. Singer-songwriters have a unique style because they perform from within and labels are most interested in performers that don't sound like anyone else.
Team up with a partner. If you write lyrics, find a composer. If melodies are your strength, find a songwriter. Brooks and Dunn, Lennon and McCartney, Perry and Tyler show that the sum can be greater than its parts.
Cut a demo. Recording a demo doesn't have to cost a fortune. Go acoustic. Especially if you're a singer-songwriter, less can be more.
Plan your own showcase. Offer to play a free gig and a local club and send out invitations.
Send a digital resume. Create a website that appeals to the eyes and ears. Rent a professional digital recorder and make a high-quality video to upload onto your site. That way your music can speak for itself.
Get an agent. If you don't feel comfortable promoting yourself, get an agent to shill on your behalf. True, it means giving up 10% of potential earnings but that value of landing that first deal is priceless.
Participate in a Contest. You don't have to win to make a good impression. Some of the most successful acts to come out of American Idol did not win the competition.
Do your homework. Keep abreast of what the different labels are in the market for and the names of the current A&R reps. People move around a lot in the music business so make sure the person you send a demo package to is still at the label.
Keep practicing. The more you perform, the better your skills become and the more professional you'll sound.
Play showcases at music clubs. In every major American city, record industry A&R people constantly scour local music clubs looking for the next Cold Play or Green Day.
Write your own music. While talented singers and musicians are always a sought after commodity, those who write their own material are especially prized. Taylor Swift was signed as a songwriter before she was given a deal to record her own album. Singer-songwriters have a unique style because they perform from within and labels are most interested in performers that don't sound like anyone else.
Team up with a partner. If you write lyrics, find a composer. If melodies are your strength, find a songwriter. Brooks and Dunn, Lennon and McCartney, Perry and Tyler show that the sum can be greater than its parts.
Cut a demo. Recording a demo doesn't have to cost a fortune. Go acoustic. Especially if you're a singer-songwriter, less can be more.
Plan your own showcase. Offer to play a free gig and a local club and send out invitations.
Send a digital resume. Create a website that appeals to the eyes and ears. Rent a professional digital recorder and make a high-quality video to upload onto your site. That way your music can speak for itself.
Get an agent. If you don't feel comfortable promoting yourself, get an agent to shill on your behalf. True, it means giving up 10% of potential earnings but that value of landing that first deal is priceless.
Participate in a Contest. You don't have to win to make a good impression. Some of the most successful acts to come out of American Idol did not win the competition.
Do your homework. Keep abreast of what the different labels are in the market for and the names of the current A&R reps. People move around a lot in the music business so make sure the person you send a demo package to is still at the label.
Keep practicing. The more you perform, the better your skills become and the more professional you'll sound.
And you can get more great tips and tools like these just about everyday when you visit the MusicBizCenter.com blog at http://www.MusicBizCenter.com/blog. You'll get regular doses of practical advice on how to Sell more of your music, Get more exposure, Attract more fans, Pull in more gigs and Make more money!
From Ty Cohen, Platinum Millennium Publishing and MusicBizCenter.com
From Ty Cohen, Platinum Millennium Publishing and MusicBizCenter.com
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