So you have written a few songs and you and your band is getting some good reviews. Great, now is the time to start thinking about how to find a record deal. It is important to understand a few things before you get used up and spit out by some record executive looking to make a few quick bucks off of your hard work.
There is no magic bullet for getting a contract with a label. I wish there was. What I can do is give you some words of advice so when you do get there you don't get taken advantage of.
The best way to find a record label is to make a quality Demo and start sending your songs off to publishers, producers and record companies. Make yourself as marketable and professional as possible before you start sending in you music.
A good place to find this information is to buy a Song Writer's Market Book. It can be found at most bookstores and they release a new on every year. It is chalk full of professional contacts and could be the best $25 you spend in your life.
Show Me Where To Sign!
It's tough out there to get heard. When you finally do you think that this is it, I have finally made it. The truth is that getting signed is just the beginning.
The odds that you are going to get signed by a big name record label right off the bat is small and that is alright. So you want to make sure that who you are signing with is worth your time. You are going to have to do your research on them.
So many musicians sign the first piece of paper that comes their way and two years of headaches later they wish they checked out the Record Company first.
Don't feel obligated to sign with them. Don't let that part of you that is begging to be heard sign that paper. Get a grip on yourself and get legal advice first! If this person is really a quality A&R guy he will be willing to work with you and your lawyer. Remember you are looking to build a career in music.
Who Works For Whom?
The way the business works it can seem like as a musician you work for the big label. It is important to realize that you are the talent. The label works for you and with you. That does not mean you should get a big head and start demanding things. It does mean that you have rights and you want to make sure that you are taken care of.
MAKE SURE THERE IS A PERFORMANCE CALUSE IN THE CONTRACT. This means that if they don't do what they say in X amount of time or in X manner the contract becomes void.
Enthusiasm
Make sure that the person publishing and recoding your music is enthusiastic about it. If they are not willing to go the extra mile because they believe in you, than your song will not get anywhere. This is a tough industry and you need a real advocate, not some laze shmoe looking to make a quick buck.
Birds of a Feather
Birds of a feather flock together. That saying means big ideas in the record biz. You need to make sure that you are surrounding yourself with quality people that are honest, creative and worth your time. Surround yourself with people that give as much as they take. Conversely you need to give to the people around you, be thankful for what you have and be honest. It will build a reputation for you as a person that is good to work with.
Also keep in mind that reputation is important, but your character is more important. Have integrity and do what you ay. Say what you do. Having good character will take you far in any business.
Get A Day Job
If you want to be involved in the music industry it might best serve you to find a day job in the industry. You never know who you might meet. I am not saying to get a job down at the local record store. Make yourself available to be an intern if you have to. It will be free work at first but worth your while in the long run. This is a tough business so do what ever you have to to get your foot in the door. It is also important to keep an open mind.
Rejection
Don’t let rejection stop you. A songwriter's most important tool is perseverance. Keep going, do it again, work harder and smarter. Sometimes it takes a rewrite or two of a song before it takes off. Remember that you see and hear the song how it supposed to be, but they only here it as it is. Sometimes there is a discrepancy that you don't see or hear at first. Get a good support group, listen to what they say and give them a quality honest response in return.
Don’t forget to sign up for our Tip’s and musicians quote of the day e-mail service at the top left corner of the page.
For more information about how to build your confidence, improve your creativity and make better music visit http://www.bebop2pop.com and get your copy of 9 secrets to better music.
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