How to Get Signed to a Record Label in 2024 – And Should You?
What Does It Mean to Get a Record Deal?
Getting signed to a record label is often seen as the golden ticket in the music industry—a gateway to greater resources, broader exposure, and the chance to take your career to the next level. But what exactly does a record deal entail? At its core, a record deal is a contract between an artist and a record label where the label agrees to finance, promote, and distribute the artist's music in exchange for a share of the revenue.
While signing a record deal can offer significant benefits, such as financial backing for recording, marketing support, and access to industry expertise, it also comes with responsibilities and potential limitations. These might include giving up a portion of your creative control, sharing revenue, and committing to long-term contractual obligations. Before diving into the journey of getting signed, it's crucial to understand not only what record labels are looking for but also whether this path aligns with your long-term goals as an artist. Please read What Do Record Labels Do? Understanding Their Role in an Artist’s Career to understand their value and make to make sure it’s something right for you.
1. What Record Labels Are Looking For
The first step in getting signed to a record label is understanding what they’re looking for in an artist. At the heart of it all is your music. Record labels want artists who have honed their craft and created a unique sound that sets them apart from the competition. Your music should be of the highest quality, showcasing your talent, creativity, and authenticity.
Labels are also interested in artists with a strong, consistent artistic identity. This includes your personal brand, image, and the story you tell through your music. A well-defined artistic persona can make you more relatable and memorable to both fans and industry professionals alike. This persona and charisma needs to extend across socials as well as your performances. Labels are looking for artists who are committed to their craft, have established their presence and are ready to collaborate effectively.
2. Building Momentum and a Fanbase
In today’s music industry, having a strong social media presence is just as important as producing great music. Record labels highly value artists who have already built momentum and a dedicated fanbase on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. This shows that you have the ability to connect with an audience and generate engagement—a crucial factor in your marketability.
To build momentum, focus on creating and sharing engaging content regularly. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes footage, live sessions, or personal stories, consistent content helps keep your audience engaged and growing. It’s also important to interact with your followers—respond to comments, host live streams, and ask for feedback. Building a community around your music not only increases your chances of being noticed by a label but also lays the foundation for a loyal fanbase.
3. Starting with a Publishing Deal
For songwriters and producers, focusing on securing a publishing deal before pursuing a record deal can be a strategic move. A publishing deal involves working with a music publisher who helps manage your compositions, ensuring they’re used commercially and collecting royalties on your behalf.
Securing a publishing deal can open up new opportunities and connections in the industry. It allows you to build your reputation as a songwriter or producer, which can attract attention from record labels later on. Additionally, having a few successful songwriting credits under your belt can make you more appealing to labels, as it demonstrates your versatility and industry credibility.
4. The Importance of Industry Connections
Networking is a critical aspect of building a successful music career, especially when it comes to getting signed. Building genuine relationships within the industry can help you gain access to valuable opportunities, whether it’s through introductions, collaborations, or feedback on your work.
For small artists, getting out of your comfort zone is essential. Attend industry events, workshops, and conferences where you can meet other artists, producers, and professionals. Engage with industry peers online and offline, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or feedback. These connections can provide you with insights to improve your music, introduce you to new opportunities, and help you get your foot in the door with record labels.
5. Performing Live: A Key to Recognition
Live performances are a powerful way to build your reputation and demonstrate your potential to record labels. Playing at local venues, open mics, and festivals not only helps you gain experience and refine your stage presence but also provides content to share on social media, showing that you’re actively building your career.
Live shows are also an excellent opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, perform in front of different audiences, and gain recognition. Make sure to capture footage from your performances and share it online. This not only engages your current followers but also attracts new fans and industry attention.
6. How to Get in Contact with Record Labels
Once you’ve built momentum, developed a fanbase, and established connections, it’s time to start reaching out to record labels. Start by researching labels that align with your genre and artistic vision. Each label has its own submission guidelines and preferences, so make sure you’re targeting the right ones.
Prepare a professional submission package that includes your best tracks, a compelling bio, and high-quality visuals. Highlight your achievements, fanbase statistics, and engagement metrics to demonstrate your marketability. When contacting labels, be concise, personalized, and respectful in your communication. Follow up if necessary, but always remain professional and persistent without being pushy.
Leveraging your industry contacts can also be an effective way to get noticed by labels. Ask for introductions or endorsements from people within your network, and consider participating in showcases and competitions that attract label scouts.
Is Signing with a Record Label Right for You?
Signing with a record label can offer many advantages, but it’s not the only path to success. While labels provide financial support, industry expertise, and broader exposure, they also come with contractual obligations and potential limitations on your creative control. Before making a decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider whether a record deal aligns with your long-term goals as an artist.
For those still deciding, exploring alternative paths such as independent releases and self-publishing can also lead to a successful music career. Please read Major vs. Independent Record Labels: Understanding the Key Differences to identify what type of label would be the best fit for you.
Key Takeaways:
Quality Music and Authenticity: Your music is the foundation of your success. Focus on creating high-quality, unique content that showcases your artistic identity.
Build Your Fanbase: A strong social media presence and engaged fanbase are crucial for attracting record labels. Consistency in your content and interactions is key.
Consider a Publishing Deal: For songwriters and producers, securing a publishing deal first can open up new opportunities and connections.
Network and Seek Feedback: Building industry connections can lead to valuable opportunities. Don’t hesitate to use your network for constructive feedback to grow.
Perform Live: Live shows are essential for gaining recognition and content for social media. Step out of your comfort zone and showcase your talent.
Finally, remember that persistence is key. The journey to getting signed can be challenging, but with consistent effort, you can make significant progress. Don’t give up!
Crate is here to support you through every step of your journey. We’d love to hear what challenges you’re facing and how we can help—whether it’s with social media strategies or other aspects of your music career.