Every musician dreams of getting that big break and being discovered by a record label.

But the truth is, it takes more than just talent to get noticed in the music industry.

Keep reading, and you’ll get some honest advice on how to increase your chances of getting signed to a record label.

How hard is it to get signed to a record label?

Signing with a record label can seem like an insurmountable, uphill battle.

Because, truth be told, it can be.

The good thing is you’re reading this post, and the expectations of the music industry are about to get a little clearer.

And even though being an up-and-coming artist appears to be a daunting task, Label808 is here to help you make all your creative dreams come true.

Why should I sign with a music label?

If you’re an aspiring musician, you may be wondering why you should even bother with record labels.

It might seem easier than ever to promote your music (and build a fanbase) on your own with the rise of the internet and social media, but signing with a record label has a stadium full of perks.

Before you go down the independent artist route, consider the following ⤵️

Record labels come with perks

Being signed to a record label comes with a certain level of fame, like:

💽 Networking with other industry professionals

💽 Attending fancy events

💽 Getting a glimpse of the coveted red carpet

Plus, having a record label behind you can make you feel like you’ve “made it” in the music world.

Record labels come with experience

Aside from the glitz and glamour, there are practical reasons to sign with a record label, such as:

💽 You’ll reach a wider audience with their resources and connections.

💽 You’ll have the financial support you need to produce and promote your music.

💽 You’ll get valuable guidance and advice from their years of experience in the industry.

Of course, there are downsides to signing with a record label as well.

You may have to give up some creative control, and you’ll likely have to share a percentage of your earnings with the label.

But if you’re serious about making a career out of your music, it’s worth considering all your options —including signing with a record label.

So let’s find out how you can sign with your dream record label.

Sign Me Up: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Signed by a Record Label

1. IDENTIFY YOUR UNIQUE SOUND

Nobody wants to listen to the same overplayed music over and over again.

Good news for you — you know you have a unique, authentic sound that sets you apart from the rest.

Here are a few tips to help you identify your personal sound ⤵️

💥 Experiment with different genres: Don’t be afraid to try out different genres. You might discover that you like a different style or have a natural talent for something you never thought you’d be good at.

💥 Think outside the box: If you’re a lyricist, put together catchy and meaningful lyrics rich with analogies and symbolism. If you’re a music producer, create sounds out of everyday day objects (like tapping on an orange juice carton).

💥 Collaborate with others: Working with other musicians can help you identify your own sound. They might have ideas that you’ve never thought of before, or they might be able to help you refine your sound.

💥 Listen to yourself: Record yourself singing or playing your instrument and listen to it. What stands out? What do you like? What could you get rid of? Use this information to help shape your sound.

💥 Be true to yourself: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. If you’re not comfortable with a certain style or genre, don’t force it. Your sound should come from your heart.

Remember, your unique sound is what will make you stand out from the crowd.

So, take the time to identify it and embrace it.

2. CREATE A KILLER DEMO

Grabbing the attention of your dream record label requires you to have a jaw-dropping demo that showcases your talent and potential.

If you’re looking to blow the socks off an aspiring label, then keep these hacks in mind ⤵️

Make Magic in the Studio

Because you need to make sure your demo stands out from the rest, you should put in the time and effort to produce high-quality tracks that highlight your strengths as an artist.

Following the advice below will give you a leg up on your competition:

💥 Invest in good equipment: You don’t need the most expensive gear, but you do need equipment that can produce professional-quality recordings. Make sure you have a good microphone, headphones, and recording software.

💥 Practice incessantly: Before you hit the studio, make sure you’ve rehearsed your tracks until you can play them flawlessly. This will save you time and money in the studio and ensure you get the best possible recordings.

💥 Work with a producer: If you’re not confident in your production skills, consider working with a producer who can help you create the sound you’re looking for. A good producer can also provide valuable feedback and help you refine your tracks.

💥 Get feedback: Get opinions from your peers and other musicians. You can do this in Facebook groups or even pay to get peer reviews.

Choose Your Best Tracks

Once you have your recordings, it’s time to choose the best tracks for your demo.

Here are some things to consider:

💥 Keep it short and sweet: Your demo should be no more than 3-4 tracks (with each song being around two to three minutes long). Keep it short and sweet, and make sure each track is a standout.

💥 Showcase your range: Choose tracks that showcase your range as an artist. If you’re a rapper, include a mix of fast and slow tracks, and show off your ability to switch up your flow. If you’re a singer, include tracks that highlight your vocal range and versatility.

💥 Choose your strongest tracks: Don’t include any tracks that you’re not 100% confident in. Your demo should only include your best work — especially songs that have a unique flare.

With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating a killer demo that will get you noticed by record labels.

Check out the ultimate Chicago song playlist:

👉 54 Best Songs About Chicago

3. BUILD A SOLID FANBASE

To get signed by a record label, it’s good to have a loyal fanbase.

A solid fanbase shows that people are interested in your music and are willing to support you.

Here are two ways to build a solid fanbase ⤵️

Get On Social Media

In today’s digital age, you need to be active on social media to engage with and connect with your followers and fans.

Social media is a powerful tool when you:

💥 Post regularly: You need to keep your fans updated on what you’re doing. Post about your upcoming shows, new music releases, and behind-the-scenes photos and videos.

💥 Use hashtags: Hashtags are a great way to reach new fans. Use relevant hashtags every time you post.

💥 Respond to comments: When your fans comment on your posts, make sure you respond to them. This shows that you care about your fans and appreciate their support.

TikTok is one of the best apps to reach potential new fans.

Perform Live

Live performances are a fantastic way to connect with your fans and build a loyal following.

Here are some tips to make your live performances memorable:

💥 Rehearse your show: You need to be well-rehearsed for your live performances. Practice your songs until you can play them in your sleep.

💥 Engage with your audience: Talk to your fans in between songs. Tell them a random fact about yourself and thank them for coming out to see you.

💥 Sell merch: Selling merchandise at your live shows is an excellent way to make some extra money and promote your brand. Make sure you have t-shirts, albums, stickers, and other items available for purchase.

By being social media savvy and putting on unforgettable live performances, you can build a solid fanbase that will catch the attention of record labels.

4. NETWORK LIKE A PRO

When it comes to getting signed to a record label, remember it’s not just about your music.

You also need to learn how to network like a pro, even if that sounds completely out of your comfort zone!

Here are some tips on how to do it: ⤵️

Be Charismatic

Sometimes networking can seem pretty sleazy, but it is a vital aspect of growing your presence.

Networking involves making small talk and building relationships with people who can help you achieve your goals.

During conversations, remember to:

💥 Listen: When you’re talking to someone, listen to what they have to say. Ask questions and show that you’re interested in the conversation.

💥 Be memorable: You want people to remember you, so try to make a lasting impression. Maybe tell a funny joke or random fact about you.

💥 Be genuine: People can tell when you’re not being authentic, so be yourself and don’t try to be someone you’re not.

You never know when an opportunity will come your way, so be sure to keep business cards on you at all times.

Find Your Music Family

Another important part of networking is finding your music family.

Your music family is a group of like-minded people who share your passion for music and can help you advance your career.

The best ways to find like-minded friends is to:

💥 Attend music events: Whether it’s a concert, festival, or open mic night, attending music events is an incredible way to meet new people and connect with others in the industry.

💥 Enter a music contest: Entering a competition, such as a songwriting competition or indie film music contest, will allow you to connect with other artists with a similar goal.

💥 Join online communities: There are a ton of online communities for musicians, such as Facebook groups and Reddit forums. Joining these communities can help you connect with other musicians and industry professionals.

💥 Collaborate with other musicians: Collaborating with other musicians is a powerful way to build relationships and expand your network. Plus, it can lead to some amazing music!

Remember, even though networking can be tedious (and can even be quite nerve-wracking), it can pay off big time in the long run.

So start putting yourself out there!

5. SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC

When it comes to getting signed by a record label, your approach is everything.

You want to make sure your unique talents shine bright against other aspiring artists.

Here are some tips to help you approach record labels like a pro ⤵️

Research Record Labels

Not every label is going to be the right fit for you, so spend some time researching different record labels.

Find these answers:

💭 Are they strictly location-based, or do they offer the freedoms of online?

💭 Do they specialize in a certain genre of music?

💭 What other artists are signed with them?

💭 What perks do they offer?

You can also quickly send an email to the label if you have any specific questions you can’t find answers to on the web.

Choosing an independent label might be the smart approach when you’re first looking to get signed.

Why choose an independent label:

1️⃣ Less competition among artists.

2️⃣ Fewer emails in their inbox, so you’re more likely to be seen.

3️⃣ You’re not just another number to them.

An even bigger plus is finding an online label, so you’re not limited to location.

Are you an artist looking to record in Chicagoland?

Schedule your session below 👇

Create a Standout EPK

An EPK, or Electronic Press Kit, is a professional press kit that showcases your unique artistic skills, creative talents, and special story.

What to include in an EPK:

✅ Your music

✅ Any awards or certificates

✅ Photos and album art

✅ Music videos

✅ Social media links

✅ Your biography

An EPK is transmitted and shared electronically by musicians, and it’s often hosted on a website.

Send the Label an Email

As said before, approaching a smaller, independent label might be the smart approach when you’re first looking to get signed.

But no matter what route you take, make sure you follow all the label’s submission guidelines carefully and include your EPK that highlights your achievements and experience.

Tips for sending an email:

💥 Be personable: Make sure you speak in a friendly and respectful way.

💥 Choose the best times: Avoid holidays and weekends, as well as Mondays and Fridays, because your emails have a greater chance of not being seen.

💥 Say thank you: Saying “thank you for your time” and “I look forward to hearing from you” goes a long way.

It also pays to be patient, and if you don’t hear anything right away, that’s normal.

If you still haven’t heard anything in a few weeks, you can send a short follow-up email.

When they do respond, be prepared to answer any questions they may have.

This shows them that you’re serious and committed to your music career.

Attend in Person

You might be asking, “Can I just walk into a record label?”

Possibly. But it’s not the most professional approach.

If you think you can spark the attention of your dream label better in person, be sure to make an appointment first.

You can do this by sending an email or calling ahead of time.

LABEL808 CAN HELP

Approaching record labels can be nerve-wracking, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting signed.

Label808 is currently accepting new artists, so feel free to reach out and send us your EPK to hello@label808.com.

6. SIGN THE CONTRACT

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the tough part of getting noticed by a record label.

Now it’s time to sign on the dotted line and make your dreams come true.

But before you do, there are a few things you need to know ⤵️

Understand the Fine Print

The contract you sign with a record label is a legally binding agreement that outlines the terms of your partnership.

It’s vital to read and understand every detail before you sign.

Here are a few things to look out for:

✅ Length of Contract: How long will you be signed to the label? Make sure you’re comfortable with the length of time and that you have an option to renew if things are going well.

✅ Marketing and Promotion: How will the label promote your music? You deserve the highest level of promotion that aligns with your goals and vision.

✅ Royalties: This is the percentage of sales you’ll receive from your music. Determine if you’re happy with the percentage offered and that it’s fair for both you and the label.

✅ Creative Control: Will you have control over the music you create? Make sure you’re happy with the level of creative control you’ll have and that you’re able to make the music you want to make.

If this sounds complicated to you, you can always go over the contract with the help of a lawyer to clear up any confusion.

Celebrate Your Success

Once you’ve signed the contract, it’s time to celebrate your success!

This is a huge milestone in your music career and you should be proud of yourself.

Here are a few ways to celebrate:

🎉 Throw a Party: Gather your friends, family, and supporters and throw a bustling party to celebrate your success.

🎉 Social Media Announcement: Share the news on your social media platforms and thank your fans for their endless support.

🎉 Take a Break: Take some time for some much-needed relaxation and recharge before diving into the next phase of your music career.

Remember, signing a music label contract is just the beginning.

It’s up to you to work hard, create great music, and build your fanbase.

Just think, with dedication and perseverance, you can be the next Tupac or Taylor Swift.

DEALING WITH REJECTION

Let’s face it, rejection blows.

But it’s a part of life — especially in the music industry.

Keep Your Chin Up

Allow yourself to feel disappointed, but don’t sit in that sadness.

Keep a positive mind and keep pushing forward.

Remember, just because one label said no doesn’t mean another (even better!) label won’t say yes.

Learn From the Nos

Instead of dwelling on the rejection, use it as a learning opportunity.

Ask the label why they passed on you and take their feedback in stride.

Use it to improve your craft and make yourself a better artist.

Possible reasons a record label rejected you:

❌ Your vocals need work.

❌ Your lyrics could use fine-tuning.

❌ Your music lacks uniqueness.

Whatever it is, take their criticism constructively and use it to fuel your creativity.

Tips for Handling Rejection

💥 Don’t take it personally: Remember, rejection is not a reflection of your worth as an artist.

💥 Stay positive: Keep a good attitude and don’t let rejection bring you down.

💥 Network: Use rejection as an opportunity to meet new people and make new connections in the industry.

💥 Keep improving: Use the feedback you receive to make yourself a better artist.

💥 Keep pushing forward: Don’t give up on your dreams just because one door closed.

Getting signed to a record label is all about persistence and hard work.

Keep pushing, keep improving, and eventually, you’ll find the right label for you.

HOW DO I SIGN WITH A MUSIC LABEL?

Remember, getting signed to a record label takes time and effort.

Having a solid understanding of the music industry gives you a leg up on your competition.

This means doing your research and knowing what record labels are looking for — because it’s not just about having a great voice or being a skilled musician.

What record labels look for:

💽 Your image

💽 Your confidence

💽 Your social media presence

💽 Your potential for commercial success