I am an Electronic Music artist and I am looking to get a record deal, dont know what steps to take first.....can anyone help?
2006-07-05 16:38:41 · 6 answers · asked by Bob 3 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
First of all....dont waste your time trying to send in a demo to any of the MAJOR labels. They all go into File 13...the garbage can. Why? They try to avoid any potential lawsuits from people who claim they submitted them for perusal and then some artist on the label copied them. Warner Brothers USED to be the only major that still accpeted them, but that was back in the '90's.
My suggestion would be to contact a label that SPECIFICALLY deals with electronic music, an indie, to start with. Contact them and see if they actually accept "unsolicited demos" or if they will accept a demo from you. You save yourself a LOT of time, and especially $$$$ by testing the waters first.
You may want to check with local club dj's to see if they think your stuff has any potential, but be SURE to copyright all of your stuff, whether checking with club dj's or sending demos out.
If a label decides that you have potential...DON'T SIGN THE CONTRACT AS SOON AS IT COMES IN! It could be the biggest, costliest mistake you ever make. A good entertainment lawyer (notice i specified ENTERTAINMENT laywer, not a run-of-the-mill bodily injury lawyer or for that matter, ANY other type of lawyer because entertainement law has a lot of non-standard legal clauses not applicable to normal contracts) is NOT cheap. They usually cost upwards of $250-300 per HOUR minimum and they want it paid prior to doing the work and they usually require a minimum number of hours....VERY costly. You need to protect yourself, however, so be prepared to have to borrow money probably. You MIGHT find an ent. lawyer willing to take you on for a percentage of earnings, provided the label that is interested is big enough.
It's not easy getting signed. It can be VERY discouraging. Get used to the word
>>> NO <<<
as you'll hear it a lot unless you are exceptionally talented. Perseverance is the key. The heart of a pitbull and the confidence of Saddam Hussein is what will pull you through....IF you have the talent and IF you write great songs.
That is what it all boils down to, essentially. You can be an extraordinairy musician, but if you can't write great songs, that people want to BUY...you won't get very far.
Hope this doesn't burst your bubble, but the truth is the truth... ;)
Good luck in your pursuit!
Keep on rockin' in the free world....
Doc
2006-07-05 16:57:59 · answer #1 · answered by DocRock 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well--there are several steps to take and many many people looking to get a record deal-trust me my dads my producer and owns a studio i know ive seen a whole lot of people-but im sure you know that!
You have to be persistant if your just going to send in a demo CD... or you could find someone like a manager or a producer to take in your demo that always looks better defanatly more professional--
GOOD LUCK! : )
2006-07-05 23:47:35 · answer #2 · answered by Deidre~&~Joshua 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to recording magazine-answer ads ...some music magazines have ads that they are looking for song writers etc...
2006-07-05 23:52:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep on burnin' and mailin' However if you feel that you have a hit you should copywrite it before mailing it to the record labels.
2006-07-05 23:44:08 · answer #4 · answered by Ricky J. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
read and understand everything before you sign it. Don't be afraid to negotiate. Never hurts to ask/demand something.
An attorney who in the industry might be a good idea.
2006-07-05 23:42:38 · answer #5 · answered by JimmyJ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best way is to get out and perform and ener contest. the word moves quickly about great talent. well at least it does in socal
2006-07-05 23:42:00 · answer #6 · answered by jaijay15 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋