The secret isn’t only knowing which record labels are looking for new artists. Anybody can find that information through various online sources — some more reliable than others. Google, “Companies looking for new music,” and see what you find.
The real secret to getting your music heard by major and independent record labels is to know what they’re looking for in new artists. “For” is small word, to be sure. Just three letters! But it’s a very important word for you in the context of getting a record deal.
Record Companies Are Businesses!
Like all other companies, both major and independent record labels are in business to make money. If you owned a company, wouldn’t you want to make money from your investment and hard work? And how would you do that?
By understanding who your customers are, and knowing what they want to buy! So why should record companies be any different? They want to sign artists who appeal to a large, commercial audience. They’re looking for:
- Artists who have a broad appeal to a large music buying demographic
- Artists who fit within a radio format like Country, Pop, Urban
- Artists who already have a fan base
- Artists who have already proved they understand the value of marketing their talent and have shown they can do it.
- And most of all, record labels are looking for new artists who have hit songs!
Yes, American Idol and The Voice would lead you to believe that all you need is a great look, some charisma, and a great voice, but that’s not reality! Reality is that record labels are looking for artists who’ve already done much of the work for them. All the record company needs to do is find an artist that’s already got some “smoke” happening, then throw some gas on the embers to turn it into a full-blown fire.
If you were the president of a major record company, would you invest a million dollars and three years developing an act, or would you sign an artist who had already done much of the work in advance? See? It’s a business.
And like it or not, you and your music are the product! Your job is to prove that you’re a desirable product that buyers in the music market place want. That’s the general rule.
The Exception to The Rule
If there’s such a thing as a shortcut or an exception to that rule, it’s this: If you write undeniable hit songs, record labels will be interested in signing you. There is no shortage of great singers. There are thousands of artists who have a large social media footprint. But there are very few artists who can write exceptional songs. Do that, and record labels who are looking for new artists will beat a path to your door!
Want to see what Record Labels are currently looking for? Check out these opportunities.
Want to see a video that talks about the value of a great song from the perspective of a record label A&R person? Watch this old, but short and still relevant video!