if they are not listened too…then what is your best shot at getting your music out there?
it depends on the label. i know a lot of labels that are refusing to take demos because they get more than they can listen to. because money is being less and less spread out through the industry, labels are having to downsize. this results in people having to do multiple things at a label rather than just listneing to the demos.
many labels are finding their talent via social networking sites. start posting music on youtube and myspace music. they are free exposure, so exploit it. do research on labels before you blindly send out demos. if they don’t accept them, save your money, and don’t ship it. some labels are accepting music through emails, so you may send in a demo that way.
honestly, i think outside of social networking sites, i’d have everyone in the band pitch in and buy a shitload of cd’s, and print a lot of demos, and start handing them out. go to shows of a similar genre in your area, and give them to people as they leave. out of the hundreds you give out, a few will like your music and want more (unless you suck) and possibly someone is or has a family member that is in the business that can help get you hooked up. start playing shows, and throwing the discs out to the crowd. i still remember shows that gave out free stuff, and i’m usually more likely to purchase something from them later.
you have to get your name out there. so whenever someone thinks of your genre of music, they think of you. obviously now, people probably don’t know of you. post a few videos and songs up and you’ll gain a few fans, play shows, and gain more local attention. if you are selling out shows, or gaining a lot of fans via websites then record labels will take notice. when a label can see you perform (like in a youtube video) they see how you can be marketed. labels have to make money, so you need to be able to make them money. some people find success with a gimmick (icp, gwar) so that might help you.
just be original, and write good music. if its meant to be, it will be.
They are listened to but they get so many that they only listen to like 15 seconds of it. so how you get your music out there is you make a good hook (the begging of a song) one that will make them want to listen to more. its hard that’s why it takes years for some people to get signed.
References :
i know a guy who worked for a record company
They listen to them, but as the first guy said, only the first couple seconds.
So your best bet is to make the first 15 seconds of the album your best song or the hook/chorus of the song.
Some record labels only accept links to myspace profiles as ‘demos’ so check the record labels site.
The best way to get your music out there to play local shows (you never know when there could be an A&R or that-guy-who-knows-that-producer in the crowd) and to make your music avalible.
Make youtube page, a face book page, myspace, reverberation etc, offer free downloads to your music, make your music easy to get, easy to listen to!
You could also try to get some sort of " street team " together. Basically a street team is a group of people who get together and hit the streets to promote your music. Handing out flyers, stickers about your music, it’ll build a fan base, get more people listening to your music. Record labels love people who already have fan bases and who can get things done.
Goodluck.
If you ever need an honest opinion on any of your music/lyrics, feel free to message me.
References :
it depends on the label. i know a lot of labels that are refusing to take demos because they get more than they can listen to. because money is being less and less spread out through the industry, labels are having to downsize. this results in people having to do multiple things at a label rather than just listneing to the demos.
many labels are finding their talent via social networking sites. start posting music on youtube and myspace music. they are free exposure, so exploit it. do research on labels before you blindly send out demos. if they don’t accept them, save your money, and don’t ship it. some labels are accepting music through emails, so you may send in a demo that way.
honestly, i think outside of social networking sites, i’d have everyone in the band pitch in and buy a shitload of cd’s, and print a lot of demos, and start handing them out. go to shows of a similar genre in your area, and give them to people as they leave. out of the hundreds you give out, a few will like your music and want more (unless you suck) and possibly someone is or has a family member that is in the business that can help get you hooked up. start playing shows, and throwing the discs out to the crowd. i still remember shows that gave out free stuff, and i’m usually more likely to purchase something from them later.
you have to get your name out there. so whenever someone thinks of your genre of music, they think of you. obviously now, people probably don’t know of you. post a few videos and songs up and you’ll gain a few fans, play shows, and gain more local attention. if you are selling out shows, or gaining a lot of fans via websites then record labels will take notice. when a label can see you perform (like in a youtube video) they see how you can be marketed. labels have to make money, so you need to be able to make them money. some people find success with a gimmick (icp, gwar) so that might help you.
just be original, and write good music. if its meant to be, it will be.
References :
studio engineer/producer/label head/recording artist