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Sunday, August 10, 2008

7 Hot Tips for Getting Signed to Record Labels

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...

Sign Up for Your AR HOOKUP at the following link:

http://www.indie-musicnetwork.com/RecordDealHookup
 

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.

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