#1 Guide To Getting a Record Deal
- By: Premium
- Jan 16, 2017
- 8 min read
What Is a Demo?
I'm sure everyone has a general idea but just to recap, a "demo" is the most important part of your submission package. They are meant to give industry professionals a way to hear all of the elements of your song as clearly as possible to decide if your music has commercial potential.
What Should I Send If I'm Seeking Management?
Some Companies Want a video of an act performing their songs and honestly, even if it's not something that's requested or specified by the record publisher your contacting, it will increase your chances of consideration dramatically in most cases. Happens of course that you only provide them with top quality material. No home video style stuff shot by amateurs, invest the money and hire a professional to shoot your music video, it will pay off. If you don't have the funds then my advice would be to start a crowdfunding campaign and save your extra dimes and nickels until you can afford one. There is a lot of competition out there that you're up against and you get only one shot to make an impression and show the decision makers you're a valuable asset. Approach the opportunity wisely.
How Many Songs Should I Send and In What Order?
Most Industry people agree that 3 is enough. Most industry professionals are short on time, and if you can't catch their attention in 3 songs, you probably don't have hit potential in their eyes. Also, note that they should be complete songs. Not just snippets.
Put your best, most commercial song first. An up-tempo number is usually best.
Using a Professional Demo Service.
If you don't have the time or resources it will take to put together your own demo, there are services available out
there that will do it for you. For a set fee, a demo service will produce your songs in their studio using in house musicians and singers. There are a number of pro's and con's to this option but my advice would be to do your research on the company and listen to some of their sample work if you do decide to follow through with this one. If you're confident enough that you have the necessary production, mixing, and recording equipment as well as the skills that go along with producing a worthwhile recording mix then by all means go crazy! However, if you're not knowledgeable in all fields of the production process, (as is the case with most musicians) then a demo service maybe the better option. Make sure to send in a rough tape of your song or the sheet music, and they are able to produce a demo within a month or two. Be sure to find a service that will let you have some control over how the demo is produced.
Should I Buy The Equipment And Record The Demos Myself?
If you have the focus and drive that it takes to learn good recording technique then, yes. If not, it might be better to hire help for the areas you lack experience with. At least for this project. It's vital that your production mix come out sounding crisp as opposed to amateur. Music industry professionals want to hear experience in your songs.
What Kind Of Production Do I Need?
If you are looking for a record deal, you will need a demo that is fully produced as possible. Many singer/songwriters record their demos as if they were producing an album. That way if they don't get the deal, they can still release it on their own as an independent. Professional pressed CD's are also now within reach of performing songwriters and many companies offer graphic design services for a professional product. This is more important than you think as it helps to establish and demonstrate a sense of brand to record label professionals.
How Do I Submit My Demo?
You have 3 basic options for submitting your songs:
1) By Mail
2) Over The Internet
3) In Person
Submitting By Mail:
Many companies ask that you connect with them first and ask for permission or submission requirements. If you call, be polite, brief, and specific. If you send a letter, make sure it is typed and to the point. Include a SASE they can use to reply. If you send an E-mail, again be professional and to the point. Proofread your message before you send it and then be patient. Give them some time to reply. DO NOT send out mass emails or otherwise spam their e-mail account.
What Do I Send With My Demo?
Most companies have specific requirements, but here are some general pointers:
Read the listing carefully and submit EXACTLY what they ask for, in the exact way they describe. It's also a
good idea to call first, just in case they've changed submission policies.
Listen to each demo to make sure they sound right and are in the right order.
Enclose a breif typed cover letter to introduce yourself. Tell them what songs you are sending and why you are sending them. If you are an artist looking for a record deal, say so in the letter. Be specific about your intentions.
Include typed lyric sheets, or lead sheets. Make sure your address and phone number are on each sheet.
Neatly label each tape or CD with your name, address, e-mail, and phone number, along with the names of the songs in the order they appear in the recording.
Pack everything neatly. Neatly type or write the company's address and your return address so they are clearly visible. Your package is the first impression a company has of you and your songs , so neatness counts.
Do not use registered or certified mail unless requested! Most companies will not accept or open demos sent by certified or registered mail for fear of lawsuits.
Keep records of dates, songs, and companies you submit too.
Mail first class. Stamp or write "First Class Mail" on the package and the SASE you enclose.
Here's an Example:
Is It Okay To Send Demos To More Than One Person Or Company?
It is usually acceptable to make simultaneous submissions. One exception is when a publisher, artist, or other industry professional asks to put your song on hold. Meaning they intent to record the song at some point and don't want you to give the song to anyone else. This is not a guarantee though. Your song may eventually be returned to you even if it's been on hold for months. To prevent having your song on hold indefinitely, you should establish a deadline for the person who asks for the hold.
Submitting In Person:
Making the journey to one of the major music hubs can actually be a valuable choice if you plan and organize your trip in a way as to make the most out of it. You should have specific goals and set up appointments before you go. Some industry professionals may not feel meeting out of town writers / performers is a high-priority, others actually encourage face-to-face interactions. By taking the time to organize and schedule meetings you can appear more professional than songwriters / performers who submit blindly through the mail.
Where Should I Network While Visiting?
Coordinate your plans with a music conference or make plans to visit BMI, ASCAP, or SEASAC offices while you are there. For example, the south by Southwest Music conference in Austin and the NSAI Spring Symposium often feature demo listening seminars which sometimes allow aspiring songwriters to make appointments with counselors who can give them solid advice.
Dealing With Rejection:
Many good songs have gotten rejected simply because they were not what the record publisher was looking for. Don't take it personally if few people like your songs, it doesn't mean they are not good. However, if you hear the criticisms of your songs over and over- for instance the feel of the melody isn't right or the lyrics need- give the advice serious thought. Listen carefully and use what the reviewers say constructively to improve your songs.
Submitting Over The Internet:
Is it Okay To Submit Over The Internet?
It can be done, but it's not yet widely accepted. There can still be problems with audio file formats. Although email is more common now not all companies are necessarily equipped with computers or internet access sufficient enough to make the job easy.
However, if you do decide to send your demo by through web based means here's what you should do:
First, send an email to confirm whether a music company is equipped to stream or download audio files properly (whether mp3 or real audio, ect...)
Then, when you do have permission, send an email with links to that website or two particular songs. All they have to do is click on the link and it launches their web browser to the appropriate page. Do not try to send MP3's or other files as attachments. They are often too large for the free online email accounts people commonly used, and they may be mistakenly erased his potential viruses.
Submission Strategies:
Finding a Record Deal
This is oft Austin the primary goal for performing songwriters to get a record deal and release an album. Here are some possible ways to approach it:
Approach a record producer for a development deal. Some producers sign artist, produced their album and develop them like a record company, and then approached major labels for distribution deals. It says advantages and drawbacks. For example, the producer give you guidance and connections, but it can also be harder to get paid because you are signed to the producer and not the label.
Get a manager with connections. The right manager with the right connections can make all the difference in getting a record deal.
Ask a music publisher. Publishers are taking on more and more of a role of developing performing songwriters artists. Many major Publishers are sister companies to record labels and for you a deal when they think you're ready. They do this in hopes of participating in the mechanical royalties from an album release, and these monies can be substantial and it's a major label release.
Approaching entertainment attorney. Entertainment attorneys are a must when it comes to negotiating record contracts, and some Moonlight by helping artists make connections for record deals they will get their cut of course however.
Approach Pros. ASCAP and BMI can counsel you on your career and possibly make a referral. They also commonly put on performance showcases where A&R people from record labels to check out new artists.
Check Out My Other Articles, “Finding The Best Producer For Your Music” and “Finding The Right Manager: What To Look For and Who To Contact.” to get a sense of how to approach putting your team together.
(p.s.- Managers and producers who ask for money upfront are not your friends and you should move on, these people should bear the same risk as you do, and get paid out of the money the album makes.
Royalties:
Where does your money come from?
How Do Performing Artists Earn Royalties?
The quick answer is that performers make money through rights available to them through the copyright law.
What Specific Rights Rights Make Money For Artists?
There are three primary ways performing songwriters collect money on their songs:
Performance Royalties: When you hear a song on the radio, television, in a restaurant, elevator, ect…, the musicians receive royalties called “Performance Royalties.” Performing rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the U.S.A.) collect payment from radio stations, television, etc. and distribute those payments to songwriters.
Mechanical Royalties: When a record company puts a song onto CD, cassette, etc. and distributes copies for sale, they owe a royalty payment to the performing songwriter for each copy they press of the album.
Who Collects The Money For Performance RIghts Organizations?
Performance Rights Organizations Collect Performance Royalties. There are three organizations that collect performance royalties: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. These organizations arose many years ago when songwriters and music publishers gathered together to press for their rights and improve their ability to collect fees for use of their songs. Here’s how it works:
Check out BMI's article about how royalties are collected and distributed to their songwriters and artists at the link below:
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