Tips for getting signed to a record label from a major label professional
If you’re an aspiring musician, getting signed to a record label may be a dream of yours. Labels offer quick financing for your musical career and industry connections which can be difficult to obtain when you’re just getting started. But with more competition in the music industry now than ever before, it can be tough to stand out and get noticed. Having worked at both independent and major record labels, I’ve seen what labels of various sizes are looking for to fill spots on their rosters. Below are five tips for increasing your chances of getting signed to a record label:
1. Perfect your craft – and show it off.
This should be obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people put this off: you need to release music, and it needs to be good. In order to do that, the most important thing you can do as an artist is to constantly to improve your skills. The fruits of such labor build confidence, and confidence is the key ingredient to launching your career. With each live show and Spotify upload, you stand a better chance of captivating listeners. As you display your proficiency and passion, record labels will be more likely to take notice. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, so commit to your craft and the doors will start opening.
As you practice, pay attention to your weaknesses and focus on improving them. Whether it’s perfecting your intonation or fine-tuning your lyrics, these details can make all the difference in the final product. Consistent practice will not only make you more comfortable with your music but also enhance your ability to perform it with precision. But as we’ll explore later, there’s more to being a successful artist than simply mastering your craft.
And let’s not forget the invaluable marketing potential of live performances. From humble coffee shops to massive festivals, performing in front of an audience is a vital way to build your skills and boost your confidence as an artist. Moreover, live shows offer a unique opportunity to catch the eye of industry professionals. Record labels often scout for new talent at these events, making them an ideal platform to showcase your skills and catch a break.
2. Build a strong online presence.
In today’s digital age, having a strong presence on social media and streaming platforms is more important than ever. This not only helps you reach a wider audience, but it also shows record labels that you would be a good business partner by actively promoting your music and engaging with fans. You can use many different social media platforms to promote your music, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok. But it’s important to remember that each platform has its own unique features and audiences, so choose wisely and create content that aligns with your brand.
In today’s short-attention-span world, video content is king, making short-form video an essential tool for musicians to get discovered. Platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts allow you to show off your music in creative ways, hop on trends, and attract new fans. It’s also important to use relevant hashtags and post consistently to keep your fans engaged and attract new ones. I recommend using a mix of both small and large hashtags – larger ones to grab initial traffic, and if something does well, you’ll then be a top post on a smaller tag. As with your music, consistency is key, so make sure you practice this regularly to build a loyal fan base who will engage with your music when you need them to.
With A&R representatives and label marketing teams scrutinizing every detail of your online presence with tools like Chartmetric, the days of simply recording and releasing music are long gone. Nowadays, musicians must treat their daily lives as a performance, with every post serving as a glimpse into their world. It’s not just about your follower count, it’s about your engagement, and the consistency with which you deliver. The key is to keep it real – post candid snapshots of your life, let your personality shine through, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at your artistry. Give your audience a taste of the raw, unfiltered you, and you just might catch the attention of those who hold the keys to the industry.
In addition to social media, it’s also important to have your music available on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. Services like DistroKid can help you get your music on the platform without a music distributor or label to do it for you. These platforms are where many people discover new music and artists, so it’s important to have your tracks available for streaming. You might also consider using streaming platforms to release exclusive content or to offer special perks to your most dedicated fans. Keep up with new features on each platform, and be sure to note this in your playlist pitching – streaming services love to support musicians who also support them.
3. Network and make industry connections.
In the music industry, it’s often said that who you know is just as important as what you know. Building relationships can be daunting, but it’s an essential step to advancing your career. Attending conferences and networking events is a great way to meet industry professionals and get your foot in the door at a record label, but digital networking can be just as valuable.
While networking can be intimidating, it’s important to remember that most industry professionals are approachable and willing to help up-and-coming artists. But don’t just blindly add people on LinkedIn without a message or ask for favors without building a relationship first. To make the most of your networking opportunities, be prepared with a short pitch about yourself and your music. And have a digital portfolio full of your music and press photos (EPK) ready to share with those you meet.
Follow-up is also key. After an event, send a quick email thanking them for their time and highlighting something you discussed. Don’t forget to keep in touch periodically with industry professionals, as it’s important to continue to nurture these relationships. With persistence and a little bit of luck, your networking efforts could lead to valuable opportunities for your career.
4. Have a clear vision and brand.
In the music industry, having a distinct and memorable brand is crucial to getting noticed by record labels. It’s not enough to simply have talent – you need to know who you are as an artist and be able to effectively communicate that to the world. This means taking the time to think about your brand and what sets you apart from other musicians. You don’t want to be an impersonator of the latest chart-topping crooner, but rather a unique voice in your own right.
Your brand should reflect your music, your values, your fashion sense, and your overall aesthetic. It should also speak to your target audience and what they’re looking for in an artist. Once you have a clear idea of your brand, you need to promote it consistently across all platforms. This includes your music, social media, and live performances. Make sure everything you put out into the world aligns with your brand and showcases what makes you special. Once you have enough music posted and data to look at, use analytics tools on platforms like Instagram and TikTok but also Spotify For Artists to look at who your music is resonating with and think about what else you can do to engage them.
Remember, a strong brand isn’t just about standing out – it’s about being authentic and true to yourself. Don’t try to be something you’re not just to get noticed. The music industry is full people trying to make it without a sense of self. What will set you apart is your unique voice and the vision you have for your brand. So take the time to develop it, and then promote it with confidence and consistency. The right record label will take notice if it’s meant to be.
5. Be patient and persistent.
The music industry can be tough, and it can take time to get noticed by a record label. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate success. Keep working hard and pursuing your dreams; success rarely happens overnight. This might mean putting in long hours of practice, playing multiple gigs each week, or continuing to release and promote your music online.
Remember that even the most successful musicians had to put in a lot of hard work and dedication to get where they are today. By staying focused and persistent, you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed by a record label and achieving your goals.
Even if you don’t land a record deal, there are a myriad of other ways that you can make a career as an independent musician. Consider servicing your music through a music distributor like AWAL, who will allow you to retain the rights to your master recordings but will also invest in your musical career.
Getting signed to a record label is a big milestone for any musician, and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. By following these tips and improving your craft, you can increase your chances of getting noticed and achieving your dreams. Don’t give up, and keep working towards your goals – success is within reach.
