Songwriter Advisor Blog

Record deals through major labels or independent record companies are definitely within reach if that’s what you’re after. When chasing record deals, there are several ways you can prepare yourself to gain a competitive edge over other artists before you begin shopping your demos.

In today’s music industry market, you can’t just be talented or simply have great songs; there are too many people like you with comparable talent.  Recording excellent, CD release-quality material is now possible at a fraction of the cost compared to just a few short years ago, and the result is; more people recording=more competition!

For each music genre, there are also certain unspoken requirements artists must fill.  E.g., in mainstream music, whether it’s pop, r&b, or latin music, the majority of Major record label executives won’t even consider signing an individual recording artist over the age of 24! Oh, they’re not going to come out and publicize this, but it’s the sad reality, folks!  Their reasoning is it takes a couple of years to get a new act going and they want to appeal to their biggest customers; the young record buyers!  In doing so, the music industry (which includes radio stations) prevents itself from being able to offer us (the consumers) the best music out there.  Haven’t you wondered why most pop music these days is so devoid of any feeling whatsoever?  There’s your answer.

That’s not to say if you’re a recording artist over 24 you absolutely don’t have a chance to make it in the music industry, or that record deals are out of reach; there are always exceptions to the rule.  But to be one of those exceptions you have to already have some type of local, regional, or national following, or simply have unbelievable talent so record labels can see dollar signs in front of their eyes with very little investment.

For many musicians, record deals are not everything to them.  Some are perfectly content making a good living locally and indeed, many make a better living than you think!  On the other hand, record deals are the goals of many musicians, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and I can understand that.  If you choose to pursue a record deal, here’s the single most important secret in today’s music market;

YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO BE ABLE TO PERFORM EXCELLENT, ORIGINAL MATERIAL LIVE WITH NO NOTICEABLE MISTAKES WHEN A MUSIC INDUSTRY REP IS WATCHING, AND YOU MUST PROVE TO THEM YOU HAVE A CERTAIN, UNIQUE, SPECIAL QUALITY THAT WILL SELL CD’S.  Remember, these music industry professionals make it their business to watch other musicians, so generally, they can spot special talent from a mile away. 

Of course the trick is also to get music industry insiders to come out and watch your show or to give you a chance to perform in front of them (even if it’s in their office), but that’s a whole different story, so we’ll leave that part for a future article. 

The biggest mistake you can make is to rush into an audition if you’re not ready to blow people away.  You will usually only get one chance; most first impressions last a lifetime!

So what can you do to prepare yourself?  Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, but in the meantime, practice, practice, practice until you can play your songs, one by one, perfectly and with feeling!

If you’re a performing artist, group, or band member with dreams of making it in the music industry, your success starts with songwriting!  Without great songs to showcase your talent you’ll be “dead in the water.”  This is a fact; all success in the music industry starts with a song.  Furthermore, industry execs prefer solo acts and bands who are self-contained songwriters because it translates into more money for their companies (they usually tie an artist into their own music publishing company).

These days the music industry is much more competitive than ever and one of the most effective ways to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack and get noticed is to write great, original songs.  Music industry reps are always looking for “the next big thing” and this could be you if you prepare yourself!  If you prefer to be a self-contained local or regional act and sell your own CD’s through your own independent record label you’ll find it much easier to develop a loyal following if your songs are strong enough.   

If you’re not yet a songwriter, or if you don’t have a songwriter in your band, your second choice would be to find a local songwriter willing to offer you exclusive rights to performing and/or recording their songs through a contract.  Don’t just settle for second best.  Really go out there and find yourself a great songwriter or songwriters who match your style of music.  It won’t be an easy task, but it can be done-there are many excellent undiscovered songwriters out there!

While we’re on the subject; for you undiscovered songwriters out there with big dreams-you’re time is now! Put the word out that you’re a songwriter with much to offer however you can. Take out ads in your local entertainment publication and be specific about your style of music and what your goals are! Launch a website and feature your songs on it! Visit local concerts and shows, whether at clubs or larger venues, and put the word out by networking. Go prepared and look professional by offering business cards. You get the idea!

Finally, songwriters can help non-songwriting musicians by being supportive and helping them achieve their goals by writing songs that eventually fit their style, even if it takes a few songs and much trial and error. By the same token, non-songwriting musicians usually end up influencing songwriters by exposing them to a new dimension in their compositions. Helping and supporting each other is a win- win situation!