How to get a Record Deal
By Troy Vernon Sutton
To get a record deal with a major label you need to demonstrate that you have talent, drive, ambition, and an ability to make money with your music. Here are three suggested methods that will work:
Method 1:
- Audition for American Idol, X-Factor, or The Voice.
- Win American Idol, X-Factor, or The Voice.
- Consult with your attorney on the terms of the deal.
Method 2:
- Write a great song.
- Record a great demo of your song.
- Produce a great video for your song.
- Post your great video to YouTube.com.
- Promote your great video to everybody you know.
- Make sure your video goes viral and creates an international “buzz”.
- Sign with a successful management company.
- Have your attorney send your demo to interested record companies and negotiate the deal.
Method 3:
- Write a few dozen great songs.
- Record a well produced demo of 3 to 4 songs.
- Develop a great 45 to 50 minute live show.
- Play live shows as often as possible to develop local success and good stage presence.
- Sell copies of your demo at your shows.
- Assemble a promotional package that showcases your talents.
- Set up a band website.
- Get t-shirts, posters, stickers, etc. made with your band logo or other band art and sell them at your shows and on your website.
- Invite local press and bloggers to your show.
- Add positive reviews of your shows and demo to your promo package and website.
- Build up an e-mail list of everybody you know and everyone that comes to your shows.
- Keep everyone on your e-mail list up-to-date on your live show schedule.
- Use social networks to expand your fan base (record companies sign bands that draw large enthusiastic crowds to their shows).
- Create an industry "buzz" about your music.
- Sign with a successful management company.
- Have your attorney send your demo to interested record companies and negotiate the deal.
If you have questions about How to get a Record Deal, or any other general legal questions, please contact the Law Offices of Troy Sutton.
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