What are Record Labels looking for in New Artists? 

If you are an upcoming artist who wants a record deal with a label, then you’ve stumbled on the right article. With so many emerging artists trying to make it in the music industry, it could seem intimidating to try and land a record deal. Although it definitely isn’t easy, it is not impossible.

Here are the questions we will be answering in this article:

1. What do Record Labels look for in artists?
   
   
2. How do you introduce yourself to a Record Label?
   
   
3. How do I get my music heard by Record Labels?
   
   
4. What should an artist expect from a Record Label?
    
5. Is it worth signing up for a record label?
   
   

What do Record Labels look for in artists?

You must realize that the record labels that you’re probably aiming at have got at least 100 email pitches unread in their inbox and more waiting at their reception desk. So the representatives of record labels, known as record label A&Rs (artist & repertoire), are usually out there hunting new talent, in local gigs, shows, music festivals, and so on. Your best bet is to network with those representatives and impress them first, apart from writing the perfect cover letter (we’ll get to that later). What do these A&Rs look for?

Unique Sound

Record labels look for music artists having a distinct sound that distinguishes them from the crowd. For example, Billie Eilish drew Interscope Records’ notice with her unique voice and inventive approach to pop music. Her strange tone and style made her an ideal fit for the label. Of course, you’d like to believe that every artist is different and hence, their music, is unique in a certain way, but for record labels, it is very easy to categorize a whole wave of new music, so essentially, yours should not be easily boxed.

Marketability 

An artist’s reputation and capacity to communicate with the public are extremely important. Labels search for musicians who are not only great but also have a solid following on social media and a dedicated fan audience. For example, Justin Bieber was found through his YouTube videos, which demonstrated not just his singing prowess but also his knack for resonating with viewers.

Pssst…come here: We definitely advise taking TikTok seriously. If your track grows there and has the potential to go viral, it will definitely look a lot more appealing for record labels to be interested in you and follow it up as well. 

Record labels need artists who are passionate, diligent, and professional. This not only means artistic discipline but also the ability to abide by the contractual terms, be hard-working, and be very sincere. It helps in making sure that you are, in fact, capable of handling multiple responsibilities that naturally come with being a professional music artist. Consistency in your high-quality work is one of the major criteria that record labels look out for. 

Reliability 

Meeting deadlines is critical in the fast-paced music industry. Record labels frequently have tight deadlines for recording, releasing music, and touring. An artist who routinely achieves these deadlines demonstrates that they can be trusted to keep their half of the bargain. Well, sure, this may look like working in a corporate atmosphere, and it can actually get exhausting once you are in. But if you enjoy what you do - making music, then you’ll learn to juggle as well. 

Resilience

By resilience, we mean your power to withstand feedback, criticism, trolls, rejection, and so on. In any field of entertainment, we suppose, it is rather obvious that the artists stand on the end to receive any comment on their performance, positive and negative. The music profession may be difficult, and musicians who can accept constructive criticism, learn from their mistakes, and recover from setbacks are highly prized. Lady Gaga, for example, endured multiple rejections and failures early in her career, but her tenacity and perseverance finally led to her Interscope Records. 

Live performance skills

Another important consideration is the capacity to perform successfully in live settings. Labels frequently look for artists that can fascinate audiences during live performances. This is why we mentioned that you should do as many local gigs, shows, open mics, and performances because A&Rs would be on the lookout. Ed Sheeran, for example, developed an image for entertaining live performances, which helped him land a deal with Atlantic Records.

How do you introduce yourself to a Record Label?

Nope, small talk is not the answer. Pitching yourself to a record label can be intimidating, but with the appropriate technique, you can leave a lasting impression. The goal is to present yourself properly and demonstrate that you have done your research on the label you are targeting. You cannot expect to make a good impression by not making sure that they know you know well about them in the first place. So researching and tailoring every pitch to all the record labels you want to try your hand at, is a crucial pre-requisite at this point. 

Professional EPK

If you haven’t done this already, well, DO IT! An EPK is your electronic press kit. An EPK is your digital CV and should include all of your most important information as a musician. Think of it as a personalized resume, but instead of adding your details in a boring Word doc, you design it like a portfolio.  When Billie Eilish first started performing out, her team made sure her EPK had her viral hit Ocean Eyes, as well as quality photos and a captivating bio, which helped Interscope Records get interested.

Personalized Cover Letter

Yeah, you have to write a cover letter for every record label and make sure it is tailored for each of them. How to do a cover letter to a record label?

Overall, this letter should showcase your distinguishing characteristics, illustrate your understanding of the label, and make a convincing case for why they should consider you. But you should start off by addressing the right person (yeah, a lot of musicians get this wrong). 

Begin by addressing the letter to a specific person at the identify, like an A&R rep or an executive. To find the correct name and title, please research on the internet or contact industry professionals. Avoid generic salutations such as ‘To Whomever It May Concern.’

In the first paragraph, simply introduce yourself and your music. Mention your musical genre, style, and any noteworthy accomplishments or highlights from your career. This should be brief yet entertaining. Then go on to talk about the record label for a bit, show that you did your research by stating specific reasons why you like the label. This could include their artist lineup, their marketing strategy, or their industry experience. Be authentic and specific. Next, establish a connection. Show them how you fit right in and why you guys make a good team. Before you complete it, ensure that your letter has links to your EPK as well as your music. Conclude with a call to action like ‘I am open to further discussions, please let me know if you’re interested.’

Pssst…come here: If you don't hear back right away, it is totally okay to follow up after a few weeks. Demonstrate persistence without being pushy. A polite follow-up can sometimes be the difference.

How do I get my music heard by Record Labels?

As we mentioned before, social media like TikTok has made it easier for artists to get the global stage they desire. Technology and the internet have made it very easy for anyone to be accessible, hence your music - heard. But how do you ensure that it reaches those reps?

Submit to Music Blogs and Playlists

Getting featured on popular music blogs and playlists might help you gain recognition. These sites frequently have enormous audiences and can help you get your music in front of industry experts, including record labels. You could search for blogs accepting music submissions for reviews and get your digital footprint because let’s be honest - that’s what matters - an online presence. 

Use Music Distribution Platforms

A&R reps frequently use platforms such as SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Spotify to discover new music and new artists. Make sure your profiles on these sites are up latest and professionally presented. Frequently update them, link them all up to an official artist website, and ensure that there’s a consistent brand identity in all your artist profiles across these streaming services. 

What should an artist expect from a Record Label?

Before you pitch your music to any record label, you should know what you would be entitled to as a signed artist. A record label is supposed to help you in your musical journey, by providing you with the financial resources, high-quality recording equipment as well as any other professional assistance you’d need. 

Professional Network

Labels have developed ties with producers, songwriters, public relations agencies, booking agents, and other industry experts. This network can lead to partnerships, high-profile performances, and media attention. You should be given access to these networks to make your acquaintance. 

Marketing and promotion 

One of the most significant benefits of signing with a record label is their marketing and promotional experience. They have the tools and skills to design and implement complete marketing initiatives that will boost your visibility and reach. This includes your music PR, press coverages, campaigns, and so on. 

Tour Support 

Labels can help touring artists with logistics and monetary assistance, such as booking venues, managing schedules, and covering travel expenses. This assistance can greatly decrease the stress and expense involved with travel.

Is it worth signing up for a record label?

We will be honest, there is no guarantee that once you become a signed artist with a record label, you will get all the fame you’d want and be successful. So to decide if it will be worth it or not depends on how well you intend to make use of all the resources the label would give to you. Of course, you could also navigate the music industry on your own, using internet platforms, social media, and DIY marketing tactics. Staying independent provides complete creative control and the chance to keep all money. But that’s a long and hard route as well. 

Remember to weigh your options and if you really want a record label deal, you will make it all worth the struggle eventually. 

We at GreaseRelease, have a bunch of curators on our network who are looking for new & exciting music to push on their massive playlists. If you make music and want to reach a wider audience, check out our submission platform and get a chance to reach millions of listeners! Submit your tracks now! 

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