Secure a Record Deal: Tips for Independent Music Artists Today

In the music industry, aspiring musicians often look to land a record deal with a major label or an independent music label as a crucial step in building their musical career. For independent artists, having the right resources and putting in the required effort can help them navigate the highly competitive market and make it through the murky waters of contract negotiations. Understanding the record label system and being prepared as an artist are essential steps to securing a record deal. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how independent musicians can get a record deal, examining the rights and contracts involved and outlining prevalent strategies for obtaining one.

Understanding The Record Label System

In today’s environment, there are two types of labels: major labels and independent labels. Major labels such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music, BMG Rights Management GmbH and Warner Music Group are typically larger operations with corporate backing and extensive experience in signing artists and managing national/international releases of music. While it can be difficult to get signed by major labels due to the large volume of submissions they receive, they provide superior support when it comes to marketing campaigns and promotional tours. Independent music labels, commonly referred to as “indie” labels, feature smaller operations with fewer financial means compared to major labels.

They largely focus on signing up-and-coming artists who are still establishing their careers. Indie labels tend to focus on regional or genre-specific acts, although some have expanded into larger markets in recent years. In any case of signing with either type of label, there are certain rights that need to be discussed.

Every contract should include clauses that discuss royalties/payments (how much money will an artist receive against each unit sold), copyright/publishing rights (who owns the copyright) and promotion/distribution (how will the music be made available). It should also consider further details like who owns album artwork rights and potential touring commitments. It is important for any up-and-coming artist to understand these clauses before signing any document as they will determine how their works can be used and how much compensation they will get from their projects.

Prepare Yourself as an Artist Before Seeking Out Deals

Before even reaching out to possible partners or starting talks about a potential deal, there are many factors that need to be taken care of by a musician if they want their offer to be taken seriously by any label executive. First of all, it's important that artists have at least one song or album recorded in order to showcase their musical capabilities and individual talent. Music aside from just recordings must also have something that allows it to stand out from other similar acts; this can come in form of visuals (such as having creative album artwork or offering eye-catching music videos) or unique styles/themes within songs across different releases that help leave lasting impressions upon listeners. Additionally, having a strong online presence on social media websites such as Instagram, Facebook or Twitter can display an act's professionalism while introducing followers to new music developments — thus creating anticipation among diehard fans before every single release.

Reach Out To Potential Partners & Secure The Deal

Once an artist is properly prepared with what they want their project(s) to bring forth musically speaking, the actual process of acquiring a record deal begins. The most common way for doing so is by researching various labels that fit the sound/style of one’s own material — whether those are well-known majors or lesser known indies — then taking time to find contact information for them (usually found on official websites) and sending out emails with press kits attached. It is also possible to use professional resources such as online platforms or artist management agencies to make the process easier and faster. Networking with influential people in the industry, such as producers or even other musicians, can also come in handy as sometimes music professionals can help connect artists with various record labels.

Conclusion

Obtaining a record deal as an independent artist is no easy feat — it requires an immense amount of dedication from the hopefuls and a great deal of effort from the label executives. Having a good ear for music, marketing oneself properly, having creative access points and understanding contract clauses are all necessary knowledge points to have when dealing with record companies. Nevertheless, with enough hard work and ambition, independent artists are well capable of achieving their goals and using this newfound opportunity to make impactful statements with their music while climbing the ladder of success. In our next article, we will discuss optimal strategies for negotiating contracts before signing a record deal. We hope that this piece provided you with a window into the current state of the industry, so stay tuned for further updates!