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Labels: Make Them Come to YOU!
By Chris Standring -
A&R
Online
Back to The
Academy
Everyone knows how hard it is getting signed to a record label. It's almost a dull and worn out subject. It is
a frustrating and all consuming process. With the present state of the business, Internet piracy and lack of record
sales in the music industry, it has never been harder and seemingly impossible for artists to get signed. "Ooh what a depressing article opener"
I hear you say.
And you might ask;
"Is there any hope?"
"Should I even been looking to labels at all now?"
Well let me try to uplift one or two spirits if if I may...
There is hope. A great deal of hope. Personally I want to believe that opportunities are abounding in the present
musical economy. I think it is all a matter of perception, and changing the goal posts. Look, it has always been
near impossible to get signed. Nothing has changed there. And now, the record stores have never been more over-saturated
with mediocre music than ever before. Don't think the A&R guys know anymore about what "good" music
is now, than they ever have. Gone are the days of artist development. "Let's
have a huge hit with the next Avril Lavigne and who cares if she's around in two years, we can finance all the
other failed acts on our roster!" seems to be the record
label philosophy of the moment.
So what should indie artists do? Well here are one or two thoughts to ponder...
I read a wonderful article recently, I think it was in "Music Connection" I can't remember. A tenacious
unsigned indie band was interviewed as they seemed to be making waves doing one off shows, selling a ton of CD's
at gigs and building their fanbase. The lead singer mentioned that an A&R rep called him up and said, "Send me a demo CD, I'd love to hear it".
The singer said, "What for? What are you gonna do for me?
Do you know anything about the band? Why would I send you anything? Just so you can throw it in the trash with
the other thousand CD's you get this week? Show me you are interested in this band, come to a gig, find out about
us and then call us when you have something more to talk to us about. In the meantime, check out our tour schedule
on our website"....Click!
I fell in love with this band immediately. Talk about right on the money! He was absolutely right. Possibly a little
rude to the A&R guy, but he was right. Why SHOULD he send a demo?
The fact of the matter is this; A&R guys are too busy talking to bands who have:
- Huge followings,
- Are represented by heavyweight managers and lawyers,
- Are being produced by successful production teams.
They are just too busy to realistically give five minutes to an indie
band fighting for survival. The only way to attract label attention is either:
1) Have a heavyweight manager and/or attorney
2) Have a development deal with a hot production company
3) Have a growing fan base, playing well attended shows and selling lots of CD's independently.
Any of the above scenarios will enable you to take it easy dealing with labels. The trick is to get them to come
to you. Even the labels say this. They don't want to be bombarded by artists beating down their door pleading for
a record deal. They want to do all the discovering.
If you are a young singer ala Christina Aguleira, you will need to have situation #1 and #2 in place. If you are
a band doing live shows, you will need to have situation #3 in place.
Here's the reality. Labels WILL come scurrying out of the woodwork when there is something to jump up and down
about. Usually this is when all the work is done for them. A finished master CD with impeccable production or a
huge fanbase that labels can immediately sell product to will excite them. This, along with star quality will keep
them wide eyed, trust me. Finally, when this is all in place, people talk. When people talk, labels hear about
it. They are connected. Before you know it they are showing up to one of your gigs looking to speak to you about
a deal. Then of course you hold all the cards. A wonderful place to be.
For all those gigging rock bands out there, I would advise planning a strategy that does not involve approaching record companies.
Have them seek you
out. Build your street team and get working. If the band has what it takes, the A&R's will abound. Make them
come to you!
It is simply the only way it works.
You can read much more on the subject of attracting labels effectively in my e-book "So You Think You Want A Record Deal".
-----
Chris Standring is the CEO and founder of A&R Online.
He is also a contemporary jazz guitarist presently signed to Mesa/Bluemoon Records. The music is marketed at NAC
and Urban AC radio. For more info on Chris' recording career go to his personal website.
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