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How Do I Get Signed to a Record Label?

by John Zaremba

Overview

Signing a record deal isn't quite the ticket to the top it used to be. But while some acts launch themselves to fame on a do-it-yourself business model, there is no substitute for the marketing and distribution a good record deal can provide. There is no one way to persuade a label to sign you, but some common-sense business practices can improve your chances.
Be a Professional

Attracting label attention is all about selling yourself, and selling yourself requires a professional-quality promotional package. This includes having a proper press kit with compelling photos and a well-written biography. The biography should focus on the band's attitude and endeavors, and should frame its accomplishments in a flattering but honest way. (False hype is easy to detect.) The photos should say something about your music. This is why metal bands take tough-looking pictures and pop acts take colorful, lively promo shots.

Make Connections

Forget any notions you have about an A&R rep wandering into one of your shows and signing you on the spot; that's for the movies. For the labels to know who you are, you need to reach out to them. Try to find talent scouts in your local scene; many show promoters and club talent buyers are field agents for record labels. They might not get you signed, but they can put you in touch with the right people.
Get Shopped Around

"Shopping around" is the process of presenting your band and music to record labels. You can shop yourself around, but your project may have a bit more credibility if someone who backs your band does it on your behalf. This can be a manager, an entertainment lawyer, or even a member of a band that is in the label's good graces.
Go Online

Just about everyone in the music industry communicates through email. Many have their contact information, such as an email address or an instant-messaging name, posted somewhere on the Internet. It takes a good bit of sleuthing, but it is possible to find this information.
About Following Trends

If you're looking strictly to get signed, it makes sense to play types of music that are popular. But getting signed doesn't guarantee success, and having a sound that is too similar to popular acts may lead to your band getting "shelved" _ a limbo-like situation where the label signs you but is reluctant to invest its resources in your band.
Do Your Homework

Many bands have wasted time courting labels that don't market their type of music, or chasing down A&R reps who no longer work there. Targeting specific labels and having up-to-date contact information will help you use your time efficiently. The Musician's Atlas and Pollstar directories are excellent sources of this information, as are popular music blogs such as Absolutepunk.net. Attending music conferences (such as those at the South By Southwest and North By Northeast music festivals) can help get you face-to-face with the people who run the record industry.
Get a Lawyer

A recording contract is just that _ a contract, a legal document that requires each party to do certain things. Before signing any contract, it is always a good idea to have a lawyer review it and point out clauses that might raise difficulties for you. Many artists tell horror stories about signing contracts that caused them to lose the rights to their music, or required too little of the label.