It is unlikely you are going to be able to get a record deal without a manager. This is mainly because managers know the record companies and they like to deal with managers.
If you don't have a manager and are considering looking for a record deal, think long and hard if this is the right thing to do. You need to be sure that you have something a company is going to back and have a product that people will hand over hard-earned cash to buy. Yes it is about music but it is also a business and in order for everyone to eat and pay the rent you also need to sell the music.
Record companies won't consider you if you only have a handful of songs. They need to know you can write songs and that you are fairly prolific - they are looking to the future and will be want to know you have material for more than one album.
Have you already done some recording and did you sell those cds? Perhaps you have set up you own label and released your own CD - this will show commitment and that you know what is involved in selling your music.
Are you able to perform confidently and could you do a good gig at short notice? Do you get large crowds at your gigs?
It helps if you can get on with people. When you're famous you can do what you like.
If you don't have a following, if you don't have the songs or the performing experience you are probably wasting your time and theirs and approaching them when you aren't ready could damage future attempts.
If you do feel you are at the stage to look for a recording deal then do some research. Find out which record label will be interested in your kind of music. Find out what their latest signings are and research their artists' roster. If they have already got people under contract who have a similar sound to yours would they want someone else or are they looking for something different?
Don't ignore the smaller independent labels. They won't be offering huge fat advances but they will have fewer artists on their books and could have more time to spend on helping you develop your career.
Sue Verran, songwriter Don't turn up in your old jeans. "You want to represent yourself as someone who is serious about what you do."
Also find out where the scouts go to gigs and get a slot there. Every town has venues that A&R local and out of town scouts see as worth checking out regularly.
If you are going to invite and A&R try and find out what they look like. There's nothing worse than coming off stage and then walking up to someone asking if they are from hot stuff label and they are just collecting glasses.
Have a demo ready of your songs and make sure you have your name address and contact number on the actual cd label.
When meeting anyone from a record company remember to be polite, well presented and enthusiastic. This person is also looking at you as someone they could possibly be working with for a number of years - it helps if you can get on with people. When you're famous you can do what you like.
Send us your comments on: Approaching record companies
Aj - London Hey, can you give me some advice on how to get into the music industry, i've written a number songs, and number albums, but i i've only written the lyrics. How would i go about getting a manager, and possible vocal trainer to help to tune up my voice?
peter pan neverland keep your songs to yourselves people
i have been writing and recording my
songs for 25 yrs now i used to send them
to the record people but you cant expect
them to come running even though you know
and others tell you you are talented.
the rot set in during the 1980s when the record people gave contracts to people on t.v. because they realised it is much
easier to sell a known face than genuine talent.
BIRMINGHAM My name is Christopher Elliott and I am blind. As a blind singer song writer how can I get my foot in the door?
matthew goldingay I'm ready to get signed on but just can't find anyone to approach me I have an album ready but can anyone put me in the writer direction.
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