How to Get Signed to a Record Label: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Signed to a Record Label: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey friend, so you wanna be a rockstar, huh? Or maybe just someone who gets their music played on more than just your mom’s playlist? Well buckle up because I’m about to guide you through the wild jungle of trying to get signed by a record label. Spoiler alert: It ain’t easy but hey it can be fun if you do it right.

Step 1: Write Some Catchy Jams

Alright first things first, grab your guitar or whatever instrument you’re pretending to play. You gotta write songs that people remember. You know like jingles that stick in your head like chewing gum in your hair. Don’t worry if they’re about how your cat stole your sandwich or how you lost your favorite socks. Just make it catchy and repeat it five million times till it gets annoying.

Step 2: Make Yourself Look Good

You can’t just roll up looking like a potato if ya wanna impress the big shots. No way! Put on something that screams ‘I’m fabulous’! Sparkly jackets are always a hit. And don’t forget those sunglasses… even if its night-time I mean they help with the whole ‘mysterious artist’ vibe right?

Step 3: Record Your Masterpiece (Sorta)

So you’ve got some tunes and a killer outfit, great! Now it’s time to record them. Find a studio or maybe use that app everyone has on their phone (totally legit). But don’t let them make ya sound too perfect cause you need some of that charming “I recorded this in my basement” quality too.

Step 4: Make Your Social Media Pop

Okay so now you’ve got songs that people may or may not want to hear. You gotta promote those bad boys! Create social media accounts and post everything from behind-the-scenes looks at you practicing to pictures of food inspo for lyrics (you know, like pizza). Try going viral with crazy dance moves or lip-sync battles too – people love that stuff!

Step 5: Network Like Crazy

And no I don’t mean connecting cables for an internet connection kinda network. Go meet other musicians, go to shows, join bands… basically awkwardly insert yourself into conversations wherever there’s music involved. Everyone loves a fan who might also have potential!

Step 6: Pitch To Labels

This is where the magic happens, well sorta. Research labels where artists kinda sound like you or are at least in the same universe as what you’re doing… even if aliens live there! Then send them an email with links to your music and make sure it’s not all jumbled up like an old fridge magnet letter set.

Step 7: Don’t Cry If They Say No

But if they say no (which they probably will) don’t fall apart like last year’s piñata. Keep creating stuff you love and try again later. Remember every breathtaking superstar faced rejection before acing it more than once on stage…

Fun FAQ Section:

Question: Do I need tons of money to get signed?
Answer: Nah man! Just enough money for snacks and maybe some recording gear from the clearance section if possible!

Question: How long does this take?
Answer: Like forever! Or just until everyone’s tired of hearing those cat sandwich songs.

Question: Can I wear pajamas while writing music?
Answer: Totally yes! If they help inspire your genius then why not go for it!

Question: What if my voice sounds bad?
Answer: Embrace the weirdness dude! It could be your thing… plus autotune is magic.

Question: Should I ask my mom for feedback?
Answer: Yes but expect her opinion might be biased towards anything that makes her proud.

Question: Will cats help me get signed?
Answer: Only if they start singing backup vocals cause then you’ll definitely get famous.

Question: Can I quit my day job after getting one song out?
Answer: Haha good luck with that buddy… unless the song becomes an overnight sensation then bye-bye boring job!

So there ya go friend, a fun way to leap into chasing those dreamy record label dreams. Just remember keep trying, stay goofy and never lose sight of what made you wanna do this in the first place—besides fame, fortune and free concert tickets obviously! Happy jamming!