Hi, fellow musicians.
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 have problems 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 Site 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 get more hot tips for getting signed, and get LIVE FEEDBACK on YOUR music
over the phone by a Major Record Label executive...
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Traci Crowley provides resources that help you Create,
Produce, and Sell your music from home.
Visit her website at:
http://www.indie-musicnetwork.com/index.htm and gain
instant access to tips and tricks for Creating, Producing, and Selling Your Music
from home.
FREE Article Reprint Rights: You are granted free article reprint rights to this article
for use in your website or weblog, provided the Article content and Author Bio is
published with no changes.
Home
