When
it comes to seeking a label deal, there are some important bases I'd
say about 80% of artists are lacking, so I'll go over the top 5 aspects
labels are looking for from you that you most likely don't have or think
you've got.
Now don't get offended
by that...If you can't handle some honesty or critique in general,
you're going to have a rough time reaching the top.
I won't even be
mentioning music here, that should be a given! If your music rocks then
you've got one part of the puzzle complete, just remember to quit
copycatting other artists and be UNIQUE, though familiarity is a GOOD
thing. Rap/hip-hop artists, quit using samples, especially if they
aren't cleared.
Truth be told: Uncleared
sampling is what's causing you not to earn money with your music. Stick
to original exclusives and no leases. Will it cost more? Definitely.
Will you benefit from it? Massively.
Now that that's off my chest, let's run down these 5 things record labels are looking for.
1. Branding/Marketing- Who
are you to the world? Branding establishes a a direct connection with
the world. Not everyone uses their real name, everyone mostly has some
sort of moniker they go by, this is a simple way to think about
branding. What's also included in branding is your image...Your haircut,
clothes you wear, what you represent basically.
If you have neither of
these why is a label going to be interested either? Proper marketing
plan is important as well since it's direct communication with your
audience. Social media should definitely be included in your marketing
plans. Feel free to contact me to schedule times for my music marketing classes, they'll do much for you.
2. Sales/Draw-This is why branding/marketing is number 1 because without
it, you surely can't
attempt this one. Labels want to know you can sell units (songs) on your
own, without their help. Numbers matter a ton, giving away 40k
downloads impresses nobody, earn money and stop cutting yourselves short
with the $5 albums.
Keep solid records of
ALL sales, both gross and net from singles, albums and merch because
it's going to do a ton for you in the future when seeking a label or
should one approach you.
Draw means fanbase, it's that simple. How many fans do you have? How many people are coming to your shows?
Make sure to get a head
count from ticket sales and if the door person isn't counting heads,
tell them they're not doing their job right. You should have a
relatively consistent number -- add up how many shows you've done that
month and take an average. You'll want that number to grow, yes
twitter/FB do count for draw.
3. Touring- How
often are you playing shows? Where are you playing them? Have you been
invited out of state? This all stems from draw, and I see aritsts taking
ANY show...for ANY pay...oftentimes none.
Play at the venues who
will treat you right monetarily, free beer and drinks aren't pay,
they're a way for venues to continue stifling musicians, put that foot
down.
This may mean you'll
have to get a booking agent but it will do wonders for you as they can
generally get you into the best spots for fair compensation. Be touring
as often as possible, if you can get 10 shows a month you do it.
4. Sonic Quality- How's
that album sound? Does that snare pop enough? Got depth? How about
powerful drums? More often than not your mixes aren't label quality,
they're probably more on the dull, cold, digital sounding side which
works for certain genres, but not for much involving actual instruments.
$75 mixes get you
nowhere, the cheapest deals get you nowhere, neither do the masking,
balance and phase issues that go along with them. Like it or not you
have to spend money to make it in this industry. A sub par mix/master is
obvious and you can be denied solely on this alone.
Invest in your
mixes/masters, the result wll beam a gigantic smile across your face and
ears as well as fans and A&Rs. If you want to impress people, feel
free to contact me for label quality mixing.
Truthful tidbit #2: Your
friends "learning" to mix via youtube don't know what they're doing and
neither do you. If you can't afford to record/mix/master an album,
release an EP or a single instead. It's about the QUALITY, not the
QUANTITY. Demos don't exist anymore.
5. Attitude- Believe
it or not, 'tude matters, you can be a rude person and watch it get you
nowhere or you can be a firm person, put your poker face on and do some
negotiations and talking. A good entertainment lawyer helps too, but
before you get to needing him/her put YOU/your group across first along
with your goals, what you seek and what you DON'T seek from a label.
Don't hop on the first deal that comes your way, if you're not a match,
another place WILL be.
Always keep these 5
aspects in mind when thinking about your goals. Never forget quality
first either. Keep pushing forward and you will find success in the
industry, stick with those who have the EXPERIENCE to help you in every
way to become a better musician or band, don't be the type that uses
others because it WILL come back to bite you.
Great information!
ReplyDeleteSmile Sherry...Thank you...
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