Finding a Record Label for Your Band
OK, by now you should have read and taken the appropriate steps for How to Get Signed. Your band is prepped and ready to go. Now you just need to connect your unsigned band with the label and A&R Rep ready to sign you. How do you find this mysterious A&R Rep and perfect label?
1. Send a Press Kit
Search the web for appropriate labels and use contact directories such as CMJ Directory, The Musician's Atlas, or the Musicians' Guide To Touring and Promoting The directories contain lists of record labels, clubs, radio stations, and press outlets for you to send your band's press kit. But before you start sending your demo package (press kit) to every contact you see, you have to answer 2 big questions first:
Does my band's music fit with this label's style of bands?
Assuming that you like your band's music, if you like the bands on the label then chances are the music is similar enough. Yes, labels are looking for bands that are different than what they already have, but not radically different. If you've never heard of the label, make sure you listen to some songs of the bands on the label first. You don't have to take too much time on this, but enough to know if you're a good fit or not.
Is this label accepting unsolicited demo packages and press kits?
If the answer is yes, then call to confirm. Simply tell them you're sending a press kit and ask who you should put it attention to. (You don't want half your press kits trashed because the directory or website you got your initial information from is now outdated.) If the answer is no, then try another label. Or try and make a face-to-face connection with a rep on the label. Even if your band isn't playing, festivals (and other music industry events) are still a good place to make some contacts. Ideally you'll find one or two reps that you can get the go ahead to send a kit directly to their attention.
2. Play Showcases
The big music festivals such as South By Southwest (SXSW), North By Northeast (NXNE), CMJ, etc.are a great way to show off your band and talk to a lot of people. And you need to do quite a bit of meeting and greeting. You want to try and get as many people as possible interested in your band before you play. That way you aren't just hoping they happen to see you when you're on stage. Of course, don't go overboard. Don't be obnoxious. Be professional, but market your band before, during, and after your set. Know ahead of time what results you want, and then do everything you can to make that happen. Your chances of success will be substantially greater.
3. Follow up
If you haven't heard anything yet, call back the people and labels you sent press kits to and ask if they had a chance to review your material (wait 4-8 weeks after you send your kit before calling). If they say 'Yes, we want to sign you' then start celebrating. If they say 'No, we haven't reviewed it yet' then ask when would be a good time to call back. And if they say 'Yes we reviewed it, we're not interested' then ask them the hard question. Ask if they can give a little more specific feedback. You can't get better results if you don't know what to improve upon. If several people are telling you the same thing, then you'll know what you need to fix, change, or approach differently.
