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Write great songs, polish your live show and play for Entertainment Executives that can take you to the next level. This day and age "The Next Level" is different for everyone. We sign some artists to Major labels because that is where they belong, and a label is where they will make the most of their career. Others we may sign to an investment group that is simply looking for a write off. Furthermore we help look for management, booking, distribution, radio promotions, etc. It's not always the proverbial "label" that can help you. It has more to do with which company can give you the best exposure. We are on a constant search for great singers, songwriters, and bands.
(www.BWAM.com) Here are some great tips that will prepare you in your search for the right company to work with...
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Make good music that is well written and can be marketed.
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If you need to replace a member do it before you cut the demo. It will save you legal hassles later.
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Practice regularly. It isn't just about sending out packages, you also need to be well rehearsed.
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Save your money. There are hard costs associated with making demos and getting noticed.
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Start booking shows locally.
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Market your shows on Twitter, Facebook, Reverbnation, Songkick, Myspace, local music stores, with other bands and have everyone bring all their friends. It's more than just playing a gig. You have to develop a following.
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Start looking around for an experienced manager to help you get started. An experienced manager will probably not be your best friend, your dad, your guitar teacher but someone who understands the ins and outs of the industry. This person may also be able to help you secure an entertainment attorney when the time comes.
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Develop a local following and then branch out into more regional shows. Market these shows in the same way.
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Develop the songs on stage and use the audience to gauge what works and what doesn't. It will be a good representation of how others perceive your sound. Your favorite song may flop with the crowd.
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Record an amazing sounding demo with a great producer and pay to have a professional label made with your contact information. Don't send covers but send your best sounding original music.
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Print multiple copies and set some aside for selling at shows.
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Go to the gym. Image is everything especially if you want to be noticed by the majors. You want as many things to work in your favor and this includes having an interesting look for the band.
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Avoid drugs. Word travels and artists with drug problems usually cost more money than artists without issues. Labels want a good return on their investment these days, not headaches.
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Coordinate the style of everyone in the group.
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Arrange a wardrobe for shows that make your group look like a marketable group.
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Get professional photos made and video if you can
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Make a press pack which consists of a photo, your demo (printed) a biography of the group and interesting info about the members, press clippings, photos of live shows.
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Find the address of any record label your music would feel home with and send them a press pack (make sure they accept unsolicited demos).
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Playing shows isn't a guarantee but exposure is never a bad thing. You could possibly be signed without ever playing a show but chances are slim. Additionally, having some popularity will help you negotiate a better deal with a label when you are signed.
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Sign up for websites like lp33.tv, unsigned.com and unsignedbandweb.com. These websites will give you access to fans as well as talent scouts.
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Always keep your hopes up. Don't let anyone put you down; if you hear a negative comment it should encourage you to do better and keep on going. Don't give up - if you know that you've got it, then go get it. Make it happen.
It takes talent, marketability and a good bit of luck to get signed. Even then, you are not guaranteed fame and success. Here are a few tips to getting your band or just you noticed, and get signed, by a record label.