How Can I Get a Record Deal?

The perennial question that every artist asks: how do I get a record deal ? Though some people charm us with success stories of getting discovered in a mall, the truth is that getting a record contract requires more hard work than luck. But all the hard work in the world won't do you much good unless you have the knowledge and the tools to realize your dreams.

A record deal is not something that will fall into your lap—you have to go out and chase it. First, before anything else, you need to find your vision as an artist or band and define what makes you unique—your voice and your niche. Having a well-defined sense of purpose is your first step toward getting signed by a record company .

If you know who you are as a band, the next step is to promote yourself. Set up a band website and connect with social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and last.fm. Look into playing at local venues to build up a fan base. Establishing yourself as an artist is important if you want to get discovered .

Now all these things are important, but contacting record companies is the truly vital step. To do this, you will need to know how to make a demo CD. Your recording equipment does not need to be top of the line, but your song needs to be heard clearly for its potential. Record your best songs for the CD, and make sure they are attention-catching from the start. You should also have a demo package, which should consist of a band bio, a band photo, and press clippings. Make your package professional and attractive, and place it in a box or padded envelope. Now, you are ready to submit your demo to record companies.

But of course, you need to know where to send your demo ! Of course, if you can make any contacts as you are promoting yourself, be sure to follow up with them—this may lead to a place to send your materials. But lacking this, you'll have to find record label addresses on your own. Though you can look through labels' websites, often the best way to find where to send your demo is through a music contacts database. These are often paid websites that allow you access to the addresses and contacts that you need to get noticed by a record label . Once you send off your materials, you can politely follow up as per the guidelines set by the label. Wait for several weeks—if the representative likes your demo, you will receive a call or email to begin negotiations. And if nothing happens, don't let it keep you down. Continue to promote yourself and build your following, and you're on your way to getting a record deal.