Record Labels Want To Hear About You

One of the most important things to keep in mind when you're trying to get a record deal is that labels generally want to hear about you, not from you.

Many artists submit promotional material to record companies willy-nilly, without first checking to see if the label accepts unsolicited promotional materials.

In many cases, they do not.

One of the best ways to hear from a record label interested in signing your act is to focus on promotion. Instead of sending your music to labels that will likely dispose of the package upon receipt instead of actually reviewing it, it's best for bands to send these materials out to regional press outlets. You've a better chance of gaining press in a city newspaper than having your music heard when you send it to a record label. This way, you're making sure your name gets out there so labels hear about you not from you.

What is an A&R?

An A&R person is responsible for discovering new talent and developing artists. A&R stands for Artists and Repertoire.

If your band is very serious about a record deal, you may have an entertainment attorney solicit an A&R person as a method of getting them to listen to your music and decide if it's something the label is interested in producing.

Many talent scouts report to A&R personnel from the field. These scouts attend concerts and events, looking for talented artists. When they find a worthwhile artist, the scout informs the A&R who will come down to watch the band at a showcase or concert.

Many big stars have been found and developed in this manner.

Artists will find that having a good A&R person advocating on their behalf will greatly improve the band's chance of signing a record contract.

You know you have to get a record deal if your band wants to make it to the top of the charts! So now what? How are you going to do it?

Record deals are important because signing a contract with a record company gives you the opportunity to have your music heard by people all over the world! Record labels specialize in many different areas like working with distributors and people that will get you connected to booking agents, managers, promoters, publicists, radio station personel and more. That's why it's crucial you get a record deal. Artists simply can't afford the money it takes to put albums on the market today. The record labels provide an invaluable service in that they are large organizations with plenty of buying power to back large endeavors.

It's important for you, as an artist, to recognize the importance of working for record labels and how you can attract the attention of these helpful organizations.