How To Find Good Record Labels

Of course you want to get a record contract . But you want to get it from a reputable record label that will respect you as an artist, give you the right promotion, and pay you fairly. So how do you know if you've got a good record label? There are a few signs you should look for in shopping for record labels that will fit your goals and needs.

First of all, how established is the label? Of course, the top major record labels are established in the field, but what about the smaller indie record labels? You should check for the level of professionalism on the label's web site, of course, to tip you off. You can also look on the label's roster and see how many artists the label has, and research these artists to determine the label's level of success in promoting its acts.

When you research a label, you can use the internet, make phone calls, or try to ask your questions through email. This will be easier if the label has expressed interest in you. You need a label with a healthy roster—several successful acts and several developing acts, but so many artists that the label has trouble devoting attention to them equally. You should also look into what kind of distribution the label does. Your record should get out on as many platforms and in as many stores as possible, and if a label doesn't have the power to distribute your record across the country, then you don't want to be working with them. In the same vein, find out the promotion strategy of the label. Does the label work with promoters that will get your album heard? What kind of advertising does the label use?

The record contract is a big factor in finding the right record label. Look for a few things: how many records does the label want to sign you for? What percentage of profits per record will you receive? What royalties will you receive for performances and licensing of your music? How much creative control will the label grant you? Will the label provide any funding or assistance for your tours and merchandise? All of these are things to consider when asking yourself, “ What is a good record deal ?”

If you thoroughly investigate your options when it comes to record labels, you are sure to develop a vision of the label that you would like to work with. Good record labels will provide the promotion, percentages, distribution, and control that you reasonably request. Just make sure you know what kind of record deal you want, and you're sure to get a record deal on a good label that will serve you well.