how can i make it in the music buiseness without getting involve with a record deal..(im recording in my own s

Question

...without going in details...i won 3 major contesrs and i work for 2 years polishing my songs ...now we are in the studio to record ..but after that.....what will be the BEST THING TO DO ..???
thanx so much

Answer 1

Have you read any books on the subject?

There is a book by Donald S. Passman called "All you Need to Know About the Music Business". It is a must read so you know all the legalities of the business. It is also fun to read. Over the years I think this book has become somewhat of a gold standard.

My suggestion to you is not to rush into a recording deal. 99.9% of the time, if you are not an established act, then you will get a bad deal and you will not go anywhere. You need to do as much as you can by yourself first, and then let the labels come to you.

Remember that the label is only there to publish your music and market you, they are not your key to success. The more you do on your own before the record deal the better, because then you have more control over the contract. You will be put in the position to turn down bad offers instead of taking the first thing that comes to you.

Its like a job. You gain experience and then you have more ways to negotiate how much you will be paid.

So my suggestion, is play live as often as possible and try to get a fanbase before you get any type of deal. If you want, the record label can be bypassed fully, but only if you have enough income to take their place.

Read that book and be careful. The music business is an incredibly dirty world, just like any other type of entertainment. Remember, they want a profit. They dont neccesarily care about a good product . .. just a profit.

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Edit: In response to the person below me, mailing a copy to yourself does not hold up in a court of law. This is something I know through experience. You must have the official copyright. Unfortunately, that is some misinformation that has been spread around for years.

Answer 2

Copy right you music first of all either by mailing it to your self registered mail or with So Can. Create a name for yourself and put that on your CD. Meaning a label name and go independent, If you have no label you are your own independent label. Go on line line and check out Madam France, the largest music festival is there. It would be ideal if you could go and promote yourself, or you can go and promote yourself within your city like festivals or openings. Talk to HMV if you have one to sell your music, also look for sponsors for clothing and use the store name on your cover. There is a web page I put my daughter on called Hollywood music they played her music and put her on the web page she got amazing results also contact Country Music news in Scottland which I also did and her music hit the charts number 8 in Europe. The most important thing is do not sign anything If you want to stay indie then keep going do your own promoting and make sure your music is protected

Answer 3

Send your records to all local radio stations.

Or else, it will be by contacts. If you won all those contests, shouldn't be too hard. People should start talking about you... All you have to do is bring singles or demos at your show and sell them.

Answer 4

Go around performing at any venue that will pay you for it....and do it as often as possible.
Beyond that....DUMB LUCK. For every talented artist that makes it, there's probably 1000 just as talented artists that don't.

Answer 5

Hire an ESTABLISHED agent. This would be your best bet if you are serious.

Answer 6

first put it on myspace so we can see if its any good.