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The Formula: How To Get A Record Deal

The Formula: How To Get A Record Deal

by Matty G

Actually, anybody that tells you there is an exact formula you

can follow to get signed is lying. The truth is, there is no

exact formula that will land you a record deal, period. This may

be disappointing for some to hear: I know I was disappointed

when I first heard the truth.

Although a record deal can sometimes come about just by being in

the right place at the right time, there are several things you

can do to maximize the possibility of attracting a major label

or production company to get them interested in signing you.

First and foremost, be ready! Make sure your skills are

developed to the point that they can compete with the best the

industry has to offer. A&R, managers, and the like are subject

to hearing some pretty awful stuff. If you can offer something

that sounds amazing, it should greatly increase your chances of

getting signed. Remember if your stuff is not as good or better

than what's already out there, the only thing your demo will

have a good shot at is the office garbage can.

If you have to spend money somewhere, spend it on production and

mixing. This can't be stressed enough. It all boils down to

having good product. You can do everything in your power to

attract attention to your music, but If it sucks nobody is going

to care. Although some label A&R claim they can hear talent

through low budget production, in my experience it pays to have

the best sounding product you can. Because it is sometimes

extremely difficult to get heard at all, it makes sense not to

blow it when you finally do get a chance by delivering the

musical equivalent of nails on a chalk board.

Now that you've got the skills and a tight product, you should

be doing everything in your power to create a buzz for yourself.

In order to do this you're going to need a plan and a team to

help you carry it out. You should be doing shows, selling CD's,

trying to get some radio support (even if it's just college

radio), and doing anything and everything else you can to get

some kind of following.

It helps to have an established following, a good street team,

and some strong independent sales when seeking a record deal.

The more you do on your own, the less the label has to do, and

ultimately the happier they are. In fact, A&R will often seek

you out (eg. come to your show to hear what all the fuss is

about) if you've done a really good job of promoting yourself.

Next you are going to need a manager. Now you might be thinking

you want to manage yourself. Think again. Your buddy that

follows you around to all your shows, again, bad choice. At this

point, you should be seriously considering seeking out a

professional manager. The right manager will make all the

difference when it comes to getting signed. What I mean by the

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right manager is one who digs your music and will really hustle

to get you put on. This manager should also have some pretty

good industry connections; otherwise the help he can offer you

will be limited.

As well as a personal manager, you'll need a good entertainment

attorney to negotiate all your contracts (including the one with

your manager) so you don't get screwed. Also, a good

entertainment lawyer (one that actually has industry

connections) will be able to help get your music into the right

hands as well. Make sure the lawyer you retain is working for

you, not the label or your manager!

Ok, so let's recap. You've honed your skills, produced a tight

product, created a strong buzz, and got yourself a good personal

manager and lawyer. Now what? Well, from this point on your

manager will basically put a plan of action together for you and

together you will carry it out. You should now be well on your

way to your first record deal. This can be a long road, so it's

important to keep a positive mental attitude. Make sure everyone

around you (your team) also stays positive. The music business

isn't for the faint of heart! GoodLuck!

More advice on Record Deals and Selling Beats

About the author:

Matty G is the founder of The Record Deal Doctor, A new resource

website dedicated to helping up and coming Hip hop, rap, and R&B

artists further their careers.