Want to get a record deal? 10 tips to becoming a rock star!

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Music Live UK

Get A Record Deal

Want to get a record deal? Tired of playing local gigs and not getting the recognition you deserve? Fed up of playing in a cover band or function band and ready for some real action? Our handy guide will get you started and explain how to get a record deal.

1. Be unique – The music industry is highly competitive. To get a record deal your music needs to be unique and innovative so don’t try to copy what’s already available. Spend some time creating your own sound and your chances of getting noticed improve massively.
2. Be proactive – So many bands record a demo, upload it on social networking sites and expect the major record labels to come knocking on their door. It’s not that easy to get a record deal! That’s not going to happen! You need to be playing live as often as possible and trying to get into established venues. Research the industries main players (usually managers are your first port of call) and approach them. You can find contact details in the Music Week Directory.
3. Write great songs – The real money is in song writing. Crafting great songs that appeal to a wide audience is a tall order and a significant amount of talent is required. If you do write your own songs, in order to ‘make it’ you need to sell high volumes of records which means writing commercial songs. Selling out? Maybe – but if you want to be a rock star you need to sell a lot of records!
4. Create a great product – Don’t cut corners when recording your material. If you can afford it hire a great music producer and a great studio. If you’re songs are good enough and they’re well recorded you’re half way there.
5. Create an image – Record companies nowadays are looking for the full package so have an idea of who your audience is and build an image that appeals to them. How you look, dress and present yourselves is hugely important. Again try to be a little different to other bands on the scene.
6. Make contacts – The music industry is all about contacts. If you need to move to a city in order to be in the thick of it then do it! If you’re serious about making it in music you need to be seen at the right venues and events.  
7. Leverage social networking – Social networking can be great way to get your music heard and build a fan base. You should definitely create a facebook page and twitter account and keep your fans updated about your activities. Don’t be fooled though into thinking that because you have 10,000 friends or ‘likes’ that record companies are going to be impressed by it. They will be much more interested in actual sales of your recordings!
8. Sell your own music – If you want to get signed to a major label and get a record deal you need to prove to them that you have a following of fans that are prepared to pay for your music. It’s easy to release your own music through companies like ‘Tunecore’ and that way you can prove your music sells. If you sell enough you may not need a major record label but it’s rare for an unsigned act to sell large volumes of records. You really need the power and might of a major to give your music the exposure it needs.
9. Aim high – Don’t settle for playing small local venues if you really want to be a rock star. Of course you need to start somewhere and may need to slum it in the early days but as time goes on you should be contacting more established venues and festivals to try and get a support slot. Again this increases your chances of getting noticed. If you’re struggling to get on the bill then perhaps contact live music agents and promoters to see if they will represent you.
10. Don’t give up – You will inevitably face rejection over and over again on your rise to stardom. Lots of hugely successful bands were turned down countless times before they landed a major record deal. If you believe in your music and your abilities then keep knocking on doors and eventually if you really are good enough luck might be on your side!

 

About the author: Sam Chapman is managing director of entertainment agency Music Live UK. For a great wedding band, corporate entertainment or music industry advice visit Music Live.

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