Want to know how to get signed to a record label? I know it feels tough – you’re making music, but getting heard by record labels seems impossible. Maybe you’re thinking about staying independent like Chance the Rapper, or maybe you’re dreaming of that deal with a major label.
The truth is, success in the music industry looks different now. Major record labels like Universal and Sony want to see that you’re already making moves. They’re looking for aspiring musicians who bring more than just good songs – they want to see real fans and growing numbers on Spotify, Apple Music, and social media.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what record labels look for:
- Getting your music ready for labels
- Building a fanbase that gets attention
- Sending demos that get responses
- Understanding record deals
No fancy talk – just real steps that work. But first, let’s make sure your music sounds professional. Check out my collection of industry-quality beats to help you stand out to record labels.
How Do You Get Signed to a Record Label?
Getting a record deal isn’t just about making good music anymore. You need a solid game plan and you need to know exactly what labels are looking for. Both indie artists and signed musicians often follow certain patterns to secure record deals.
Here’s what record labels want to see:
Real numbers on streaming platforms
- Active listeners who grow month after month
- Steady growth in your daily streams
- More than just plays – they want to see saves and playlist adds
A fanbase that actually supports you
- People who buy your merch
- Fans who show up to your shows
- Real engagement on your social media
Professional-quality music
- Clean, well-mixed recordings
- A consistent sound that stands out
- Several release-ready tracks, not just one hit
The thing most people won’t tell you? Labels care about business more than art. I’ve seen amazing artists get passed over because they didn’t have their business side together.
Let’s break down what you really need to do. Remember – this isn’t something that happens overnight. Even Ed Sheeran got told “no” by lots of labels before Atlantic Records saw what he could do.
Some quick facts about different types of record deals:
- Major Labels (Universal, Sony, Warner): They offer the biggest budgets but want more control
- Independent Labels: You’ll keep more creative freedom but get less money upfront
- Distribution Deals: You stay in charge but get less label support
In this guide, I’ll show you:
- How to make your music catch an A&R’s ear
- What actually happens when you’re getting signed
- How to meet the right people in the industry
- Ways to protect yourself when dealing with contracts
- Strategies that work in today’s digital world
Want to know exactly what it takes to get a label’s attention? Let’s look at what record labels really do and how they can help your career grow.
What Happens When You Get a Record Deal?
So you’ve caught a label’s attention – what’s next? Let me break down what really happens when you get a record deal. Lots of artists rush into signing without knowing what they’re getting into.
What Record Labels Actually Do for Artists
Record labels often help with everything from money to marketing. Here’s what they usually bring to the table:
Money Matters
- Give you an advance to record and promote your music
- Pay for studio time and music videos
- Cover your marketing costs
- Help with touring expenses
Marketing and Promotion
- Get your music on big playlists
- Book radio interviews for you
- Set up meetings with media outlets
- Handle your PR campaigns
Industry Connections
- Connect you with better producers
- Find good songwriters to work with
- Get you better show opportunities
- Help you meet other artists
Some labels even spend about $50,000 to $300,000 on a new artist in their first year. But remember – you’ll need to pay this money back from your earnings before you see any profits.
Big vs Small Record Labels: Which is Right for You?
Artists signed to both major and indie labels experience their own unique pros and cons.
Major Labels (Universal, Sony, Warner):
- More money to spend on your career
- Bigger marketing campaigns
- Strong connections with radio and streaming platforms
- Better distribution deals
- Access to top producers and studios
But there’s a catch – major labels sign very few artists. Universal Music told their investors they only sign about 250 new artists per year worldwide, out of more than 1 million submissions they get.
Independent Labels:
- More creative freedom
- Closer relationship with the label team
- Faster decision making
- Better profit splits
- More attention to your project
The catch with indie labels? They have smaller budgets and fewer connections. But sometimes that’s better than getting lost in the shuffle at a major label.
Start with your goals. Want worldwide fame and radio play? You might need a major label. Want to build a solid career while keeping creative control? An indie label might be perfect.
Remember – no deal is better than a bad deal. I’ve seen artists turn down major labels because the terms weren’t right, and they ended up better off for it. Billie Eilish started on a tiny indie label (Darkroom) before partnering with Interscope. Her team made sure she kept creative control even after signing with the major.
Real talk: your first offer probably won’t be your best offer. Labels often test new artists with tough deals to see if they understand the business. That’s why you need to know what you’re worth before you start talking deals.
The good news? You’ve got options. These days, you can build a strong career without a traditional record deal. Let’s look at whether you really need a label to make it in today’s music world.
Read this in-depth guide to learn more about the differences between major and indie record labels.
Do You Need to Get Signed by a Record Label to Make It?
Let’s be real – you don’t need a record deal to build a successful music career anymore. The internet changed everything. I’ve seen artists blow up on their own terms, making good money without ever signing to a label.
Artists Who Made It Without a Record Deal
Check out these success stories from independent artists:
Chance the Rapper
- Built a massive fanbase through mixtapes
- Won 3 Grammys without a label
- Made millions from touring and merch
Think about that – he turned down multiple record deals because he was doing fine on his own.
The music industry has changed a lot. These days, having a strong online presence and loyal fans can get you further than a record deal. Just look at how some indie artists are winning:
- They keep 100% of their streaming money
- They own all their music
- They choose when to release new songs
- They control their image and brand
Signs You’re Ready to Get Signed
But maybe you still want that record deal. That’s cool – just make sure you’re really ready. Here are the signs that tell you it’s time:
Your Numbers Look Good
- Getting at least 10,000 monthly streams on Spotify
- Have 5,000+ real followers on social media
- Getting regular playlist adds
- Making money from your music already
Getting these numbers isn’t easy, but they show labels you’re worth investing in.
Your Business is Solid
- Have a professional email for music stuff
- Know how to talk about your music career
- Keep track of your streaming and social stats
- Already making some money from shows or merch
Your Music is Really Ready
- Have at least 5-10 release-ready songs
- Your sound is consistent and unique
- Got good feedback from industry people
- Your recordings sound professional
The biggest mistake? Artists rushing to get signed before their music is truly ready. Take your time to develop your sound. Record labels want artists who know exactly who they are and what they bring to the table.
What about your team? Before you look for a record deal, you might want to have:
- A manager who believes in you (how to get a music manager)
- Some press coverage or blog write-ups
- A lawyer who knows music contracts
- A small but dedicated street team
Don’t have all these things yet? No problem. Let’s talk about how to get your music ready for labels to hear it.
Making Your Music Ready for Labels
Getting your songs to sound professional doesn’t mean spending a ton of money. I’ve helped artists create label-worthy music on tight budgets. The key? Smart planning and knowing where to focus your energy.
Recording Your Best Demo Yet
First things first – your demo needs to sound clean and professional. Here’s what you need:
Basic Recording Setup
- A decent microphone ($200-300 range is fine)
- Audio interface to connect your mic
- Computer with recording software
- Good headphones for recording
You don’t need expensive gear to make good music. I’ve heard amazing demos recorded in bedrooms with basic equipment.
Focus on these recording basics:
- Find a quiet room with minimal echo
- Record when background noise is lowest
- Test different mic positions until you find the sweet spot
- Do several takes of each part
The most important thing? Practice your songs before you hit record. The best gear won’t fix a shaky performance.
Finding Your Special Sound
Labels get thousands of demos every week. Your sound needs to stand out. This is what I’ve found to be effective:
- Mix familiar styles in new ways
- Add something unique to current trends
- Keep your sound consistent across songs
- Build on what’s already working for you
Finding your sound takes time. Try recording different styles and see what feels natural. Ask your fans what they like best about your music.
Getting More Songs in Your Collection
One song isn’t enough anymore. Labels want to see that you can make hits consistently. Here’s what you should aim for:
Your Music Collection
- 3-5 fully finished, release-ready tracks
- 5-10 solid demos of other songs
- A few different styles to show range
- At least one potential radio hit
Why so many songs? Because labels want to know you’re not a one-hit wonder. Plus, if they like your music, they’ll want to hear more right away.
Smart ways to build your collection:
- Set aside regular time to write
- Record rough versions on your phone when ideas hit
- Finish one song before starting another
- Get feedback from people you trust
Remember that thing about quality over quantity? It’s real. Five great songs will get you further than twenty okay ones.
Here’s a tip most people miss: organize your music properly. Keep your best songs ready to send out. When a label asks for more music, you want to reply quickly.
Before you start sending your music out, make sure:
- All your songs are properly mixed
- You’ve fixed any obvious problems
- Your best track is ready to play first
- You have both high-quality files and streaming links ready
Getting your music right is just the first step. Next, we’ll talk about how to get those songs in front of the right people at record labels.
How to Get Record Labels to Notice You
Getting noticed isn’t about luck – it’s about smart moves and consistency. Let me show you what really catches a label’s eye.
Getting Big on Spotify and Apple Music
Streaming numbers talk. Here’s how to get more people to hear your music:
Build Your Streaming Presence
- Release music regularly – at least every 2-3 months
- Get your songs on good playlists
- Ask fans to follow you, not just play your songs
- Share your Spotify links everywhere
Building streaming numbers takes time. Start small with playlist pitching – reach out to smaller playlists that match your style of music.
A lot of artists make this mistake: they focus only on Spotify. Don’t forget about Apple Music and other platforms. Some tips for each platform:
Spotify Strategy:
- Create artist playlists with your music
- Use Spotify for Artists to track your stats
- Submit songs to Spotify editors before release
- Engage with your monthly listeners report
Getting on playlists isn’t just about luck. The key is making music that fits the playlist’s style while still standing out.
Making Your Music Blow Up on Social Media
Social media can get you noticed faster than anything else. Here’s what’s working right now:
Smart Social Media Moves
- Post consistently but not too much
- Share real moments from your music life
- Talk to your fans in the comments
- Show your personality
I’ve seen musicians go from unknown to signed just because one video went viral. But don’t count on going viral – build steady growth instead.
What to post about:
- Behind-the-scenes of making music
- Short clips of new songs
- Fun moments from studio sessions
- Questions for your fans
Remember to keep it real. Labels can spot fake engagement from a mile away. Better to have 1,000 real fans than 100,000 bought followers.
Creating a Killer Press Kit
Your press kit needs to tell your story quickly and professionally. Here’s what to include:
Press Kit Must-Haves
- Short bio that grabs attention
- Professional photos
- Links to your best music
- Your streaming and social numbers
Keep it simple and clean. No fancy designs needed – just clear information that’s easy to read.
What labels really want to see:
- Growth in your numbers
- Press coverage or blog write-ups
- Proof that fans care about your music
- Signs that you’re serious about your career
Here’s something most people don’t know: labels often check your old social media posts. Keep your online presence clean and professional.
Quick tips for standing out:
- Send personalized emails to labels
- Follow up once, then move on
- Keep making new music while you wait
- Build relationships with other artists
Labels sign artists who are already making moves on their own. They want to help you grow bigger, not build you from scratch.
Next up, let’s talk about how to build a real fan base that will make labels want to work with you.
Growing Your Fan Base to Attract Labels
Labels love artists who already have loyal fans. Let’s talk about how to build a real following that will stick with you.
Building Your Social Media Army
Growing on social media isn’t about posting all day. It’s about connecting with people who really love your music. Here’s how to do it right:
Connect With Your People
- Reply to comments from fans
- Share parts of your daily music life
- Ask fans what they think about your new songs
- Thank people who support you
Start conversations with your followers. Ask them questions. Show them you care about what they think.
The best times to post:
- When you’re in the studio
- Before you drop new music
- After your shows
- When you hit new milestones
Don’t be everywhere at once. Pick two social media platforms and do them well. Usually Instagram and TikTok work best for music.
Rocking Your Live Shows
Nothing beats performing live. Even small shows can help you grow. Here’s how to make them count:
Make Your Shows Special
- Practice until you know your songs perfectly
- Bring good energy to every show
- Record clips for social media
- Get people’s contact info at shows
Start small and build up. House shows, small bars, local events – they all help you get better at performing.
What to do at every show:
- Talk to people after you perform
- Sell some merch if you have it
- Take photos with fans
- Get videos of the crowd’s reaction
The best thing about live shows? They turn casual listeners into real fans. People who see you live are more likely to stream your music later.
Connecting With Your Fans
Want loyal fans? Make them feel special. Here’s how:
❤️ Show Your Fans Love
- Remember their names when you can
- Share their posts about your music
- Make them part of your journey
- Give them early access to new songs
One super-fan is worth more than 100 casual listeners. Take care of the people who really support you.
Ways to keep fans excited:
- Send them snippets of new songs
- Let them help pick your next single
- Share the stories behind your music
- Have special meetups with top fans
Here’s a tip most people miss: your first 100 true fans matter more than your next 10,000 followers. These early supporters will help spread the word about your music.
Building a fanbase takes time. Focus on making real connections instead of chasing quick numbers. Many successful independent artists started this way. Labels can tell the difference between bought followers and real fans.
Next up, we’ll look at how to make connections in the music business that can help you get signed.
Want to make sure your music sounds professional before you send it to labels? Check out my industry-quality beats – they’re made to help artists like you stand out.
Breaking Into the Music Business
Getting the right people to notice you isn’t just about having good music. You need to know how to move in the industry. Let me share what I’ve learned about making real connections that can help your career.
Meeting the Right People
The music business runs on relationships. But you don’t need to live in LA or New York to make good connections anymore. Start by building relationships in your local scene.
Start Local Networking
- Go to shows in your area
- Meet other artists at open mics
- Talk to local promoters
- Connect with studio owners
These connections matter more than you might think. Every big artist started somewhere local. Even Drake built his base in Toronto before going worldwide.
Your city probably has more going on than you realize. Look for music events like beat battles, songwriting workshops, or industry meetups. These are great places to meet people who can help your career.
Building real relationships takes time. Don’t just run around handing out business cards. Get to know people and find ways to help them too. Maybe you can open for another artist’s show, or help promote their new release.
Here’s what works when meeting industry people:
- Be professional but real
- Listen more than you talk
- Follow up after meeting them
- Offer value before asking for favors
Remember – the music industry is smaller than you think. Word gets around about who’s good to work with and who isn’t.
Finding a Manager and Lawyer Who Get You
Having the right team makes a huge difference. But be careful who you trust with your career. Take your time finding the right people.
What to Look For in a Manager:
- They believe in your music
- They have real industry connections
- They’re working with other artists
- They communicate clearly
A good manager can change your whole career. But a bad one can hold you back. I’ve seen artists lose opportunities because their manager didn’t know what they were doing.
When it comes to music lawyers, look for someone who:
- Works mainly with musicians
- Can explain contracts clearly
- Has a good reputation
- Charges fair rates
Don’t sign anything without a lawyer checking it first. Even a one-hour consultation can save you from bad deals.
Going to Events That Matter
Industry events can open doors for you. But you need to pick the right ones and know how to make them count.
The Best Events for Networking:
- Music conferences
- Songwriter workshops
- Industry showcases
- Beat battles
Just showing up isn’t enough though. You need a plan. Think about who you want to meet and what you want to learn.
Before any event, make sure you:
- Research who’s going to be there
- Have your music ready to share
- Bring business cards
- Practice talking about your music
When you’re at events, focus on making real connections. Don’t just try to get something from everyone you meet. Sometimes just listening and learning is the best move.
Making it in music takes more than talent. You need to understand how the business works. Next, let’s talk about something super important – understanding record contracts and protecting yourself legally.
Smart artists also look into getting their music in commercials and video games.
Understanding Today’s Record Label Contracts
Record deals can be confusing, and too many artists sign agreements they don’t fully understand. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Reading the Fine Print
Record deals can be tricky. Labels use fancy words to say simple things. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
Basic Deal Terms
- How much money you’ll get upfront
- How many songs you need to make
- Who pays for recording and videos
- When you need to deliver your music
The money part seems exciting, but remember – you’ll need to pay back everything the label spends on you. This includes studio time, marketing, and even your advance. It’s important to understand how you’ll make money from your music (music royalties).
Think about this: if a label gives you $50,000, you might need to make $150,000 in sales before you see any more money. That’s because they take their money back first, plus extra for their work.
Here are some things labels might ask for:
- Control of your music
- Part of your show money
- A cut of your merch sales
- Rights to approve your posts
Every deal is different. Some artists get better deals than others. It usually depends on how much buzz you have before signing.
Who Owns Your Music?
This is super important. Labels usually want to own the songs you make with them (before signing anything, make sure you’ve protected your music rights). Let’s break down what that means.
What Labels Might Own:
- The actual recordings you make
- Rights to sell your music
- Power to choose when songs come out
- Control over your music videos
Before you sign anything, ask yourself:
- Can you still perform these songs live?
- Can you use them in social media posts?
- What happens if you want to leave the label?
- How long does the label own your music?
Take your time understanding this part. It’s better to wait than to sign away your rights without knowing it.
Protecting Yourself Legally
You need to be smart about legal stuff. But don’t worry – it’s not as hard as it sounds.
Protect Your Music
- Register your songs with ASCAP or BMI
- Copyright your recordings
- Keep copies of everything you sign
- Save emails about business deals
Getting a music lawyer might seem expensive, but it’s worth it. They can spot problems in contracts that you might miss.
What a good lawyer helps with:
- Making sense of contract terms
- Negotiating better deals
- Keeping your rights protected
- Avoiding common mistakes
Think you can’t afford a lawyer? Many offer free first meetings. Some even work with payment plans for new artists.
Remember these red flags in any contract:
- Lifetime agreements
- Giving up ownership of all your music
- Deals that seem too good to be true
- Pressure to sign right away
Never sign a contract just because you’re excited. Take at least a day to think about it. Show it to someone who knows the business.
Next up, I’ll show you the right way to send your music to labels – and actually get them to listen.
How to Submit Music to Record Labels
Let’s talk about getting your music to the right people. I want to show you how to do this in a way that actually works. Sending your music to labels is like applying for a job – there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.
Finding Labels That Get Your Style
First up, you need to find labels that match your music. Don’t waste time sending your rap songs to a country music label.
Look for These Signs
- The label works with artists like you
- They’re signing new artists right now
- They have a good track record
- Their artists are growing
Take some time to research labels. Look at their Instagram, check out their artists, and get a feel for how they work.
You might be surprised at how many good labels are out there. Besides the big three (Universal, Sony, and Warner), there are tons of smaller labels doing great things for artists.
Think about what kind of deal you want. Some labels do everything – recording, marketing, the whole deal. Others just help with putting out your music. Both can be good, depending on what you need.
Here’s how to make a list of labels to contact:
- Search for labels that work in your genre
- Look at who’s releasing music you like
- Ask other artists about their labels
- Check music blogs for label news
Remember – it’s better to send your music to five labels that fit your style than fifty random ones.
Writing Emails That Get Responses
Now for the important part – how to write an email that someone will actually read. I see hundreds of bad pitches every month. Let me show you how to stand out.
The basics of a good email:
- Keep it short and clear
- Say why you picked their label
- Include your best streaming numbers
- Add links to your best song
Your email needs to be professional but real. Don’t try to sound fancy – just be yourself.
Let me share something most people don’t know: Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are often the best times to send emails to labels. That’s when A&Rs are usually checking their inbox.
What to include in your first email:
- A friendly opening
- Your artist name
- Where you’re from
- Your biggest achievement so far
Between each of these parts, write a sentence or two that connects them together. Make your email flow like a conversation.
Never send the same exact email to different labels. They can tell when you’re copy-pasting. Take time to customize each message.
Following Up Without Being Annoying
Following up is tricky. You want to stay on their radar without becoming a pain. Here’s how to do it right.
Smart Follow-Up Tips
- Wait at least two weeks before following up
- Keep your follow-up email short
- Add any new achievements
- Be polite and professional
Following up once or twice is okay. After that, move on to other labels. There are plenty of opportunities out there.
I’ve seen artists get deals months after their first email. Sometimes labels keep an eye on you to see how you grow. That’s why you should:
- Keep releasing new music
- Build your following
- Improve your live shows
- Stay active in your local scene
Between each follow-up, focus on getting better. Work on your music. Grow your fanbase. The stronger you get, the more labels will want to work with you.
Remember why you started making music in the first place. A record deal isn’t the end goal – it’s just one way to reach more people with your art. Keep making music you believe in, and the right opportunities will come.
Ready to Get Started?
Getting signed takes work, but it’s totally possible when you take the right steps. Focus on your music, grow your fanbase, and learn the business. Labels will notice when you’re making waves on your own.
The best way to show a label you’re serious is to invest in your own sound. You can start by exploring a catalog of label-ready instrumentals that are already mixed and mastered to help you stand out.
