Sponsored by:
Skyelab Music Group
How To Get A Record Deal

 

Home
THE SONG!
Making the DEMO
Choosing the Producer
No Record Deal
Links & Resources
Singing Lessons

 

We provide information to assist you in getting a Record Deal,  choosing a music producer and recording studio, and making your music demo.

How to Get a Record Deal.

For the singer, band or musician looking to have an illustrious career in the music industry, a record deal or record contract often seems like the best way to go. While there is no absolute guarantee of getting a record deal by following any set plan, there are things that one can do to increase their chances of landing that elusive record deal.

It must be understood that a record deal is only the first step, and many singers, bands and musicians find out that the real work begins only after landing that deal. Just getting a record deal is no guarantee of success in the music industry.

There are many record deals out there. Some are good and some are bad. Some good record deals can make the artist tens of millions of dollars and bring fortune and fame, while some bad record deals can tie the artist up for years, without ever getting a record or CD recorded or released.


The Music Demo
The first step towards landing a record deal is often the “music demo” or “demo tape”. This music demo is a representation of who you are and what you can do, what makes you special and why the record companies need to sign you to a record deal and invest millions of dollars.

The music demo is your product. When eventually approaching record companies, management companies, music producers and talent agencies, your music demo will be the first thing that they ask for. If it’s hot stuff, they will consider working with you in some capacity or at least keeping their door open for future consideration. If your music demo sounds like crap, you can bet that their door will close to you and remain closed to you.


Give them what they want
So what do record companies look for when evaluating a music demo? While the details may vary from person to person, one thing that they all have in common is that the music needs to move them emotionally. They have to “feel it”. But with hundreds of music demos coming across their desk, they don’t have the time to wait until the second chorus to see if they like it or not.

About 95% or more of the music demos received by management companies, music production companies, music producers and record companies, are of such poor quality that often the music demo will be rejected within the first 10 seconds simply on that basis.

It’s often the job of the assistant to weed through the piles of music demos and separate the quality ones from the poorly produced, poorly recorded ones.

You have to be heard within the right context
If the sonic quality of your music demo or demo tape is acceptable, then the person you’re trying to impress may now be willing to listen to at least a verse and chorus. But you must sound legit.

If you’re an R&B singer, but you’re singing against a music track that’s country, your singing won’t be heard against the proper backdrop and most likely will be rejected before they reach the chorus. Another example might be a female Pop/R&B singer trying to sing against a big, loud hard rock band, or a country artist trying to sing against a dance track. While the singers might be good in each case, they will sound “wrong” to whomever might be listening.

The music MUST complement the vocals. The subtleties of each style of singing must be enhanced by the appropriate musical arrangement and production. That is often the job of the music producer or record producer.

CONTINUE

Home | THE SONG! | Making the DEMO | Choosing the Producer | No Record Deal | Links & Resources | Singing Lessons

Sponsored by
SkyeLab Sound Studios
Hear What We Can Do For You!
Full service music production company