"How Do You Get Noticed By A Record Label?"
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Music Publishers |
There is a process to getting a recording contract and getting your music out there. One part of that is understanding how record labels work. In this article we will take an overview of record labels and how they can affect your music.
As you begin to play on a consistent basis you begin to develop a local following. People recognize you when you are out in public. This is great and all part of getting your music known. You may have already cut a demo record, or cd, of 2 or 3 of your songs that you want to shop it around in hopes of landing a recording contract.
The recording industry has changed over the years. There is still a corporate structure like any business. From your vantage point as a new artist you will never deal with a CEO or many of the people at different levels of this structure, no matter how small the record company is. Your concern for now is getting past the gatekeeper.
In the business world many times this is the secretary or receptionist who's number one responsibility is shielding their boss. In the record business this is the "A & R" department. A&R stands for "artists and repertoire." Without being discovered by A&R people, it is almost impossible for you to get signed by a record label.
Sending a demo tape to the A & R department of a record label is going to be a complete waste of time and of your tape. A & R people are flooded with demo tapes and do not have the time to listen to them without a recommendation first.
The correct way to getting noticed is through a trusted source. This is a person who has the ear of the A & R department. By finding out who that person, or persons, is for the various record labels, you can then go about getting noticed by them first.
Once the trusted source feels like you may have something to offer to the A & R department then you have your foot in the door with the label themselves. Sending a demo tape, inviting them to a gig you are playing, meeting in person, or any way you can get their attention is how you should first spend your time.
Competition is fierce when it comes to getting a recording contract. This does not mean give up. If you are really good there is hope as is evidenced by the number of new acts that do make it each year. Understanding how record labels work is just part of the process.
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Brian Cook is a freelance writer whose articles on music and songwriting have appeared on many websites.
You can find more of these at SongwritersGuide.com.
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