Making Your Mark - How to Stand Out & Get Noticed by Record Labels
Learn easy to use tips to make your mark and stand out in the music industry.

Are you an aspiring musician looking to make it big in the industry? One of the most important steps in becoming a successful musician is getting on the radar of a record label. However, this can be a daunting task, especially when countless other artists are vying for the same opportunity.

In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to get a record label's attention and take your music career to the next level. From building a strong online presence to networking and showcasing your talents, we will cover all the essential steps you need to take to stand out and catch the eye of a record label.

How To Get a Record Label's Attention

When seeking the attention of a record label, you may be looking for success or at least significant growth. Therefore, it is important to know that there are a lot of companies out there, but not all of them will be beneficial to your musical career.

Therefore, you must intend to attract the attention of the big fish in the industry. Although this can be a tough and tedious task, let me tell you that it is not impossible at all.

By doing so, you will profit from a record deal, but you need to set your demands. And as mentioned before, it is not that easy, as an artist, you have to go through a certain number of stages and meet the requirements intended by the record labels.

Although it may sound obvious, the following are essential requirements and will be discussed throughout this article. To get the attention of a record label, you must:

• Have a significant number of songs
• Create social networks to generate links and engagement
• Record a high-quality audio demo
• Get in touch with record labels

How To Remain On The Charts

Contrary to what happened some decades before, nowadays record companies don’t look for artists with one hit. During the past years, it was common for bands or singers to build a career around a single song that achieved success.

It was commonplace to find groups that stayed at the top of the charts for several months (some for a whole year) only because of a hit song that made them known and catapulted them to fame. Such artists were able to maintain a career and tour the world because of that one track.

Today, the strategy in the music industry has changed and it is very difficult to achieve those statistics. Songs called hits can last at most a few weeks or even days at topping the charts.

Therefore, artists now have to be constantly on the move, creating songs, giving interviews, performing shows, and posting on social media.

Build a strong brand identity and online presence to make yourself and your music known.

Make a Difference

The challenge for any artist seeking success is to stand out from the crowd. With so many similar bands and artists, it's easy to fall into the simplicity of the familiar, but that's the worst thing you can do.

Your main goal should be to create a recognizable product that stands out from the rest. One of the things you can do is take an idea from a similar artist or one you admire and rework it.

For example, use cover art or a similar style and enhance it. This will help generate interest in the public since you are targeting a similar audience.

It is also essential that you bring something new to the table in some way, you need to innovate. This is one of the most useful (and hard) ways to make yourself visible.

Indie bands tend to create completely new, unexpected, and interesting products that attract new listeners. Try to come up with unique sounds, sing with special and unusual phrases, and pay attention to your appearance, as it can attract a lot of attention.

In addition, and although it is a strategy mostly used by musicians of the past, delivering a message that is either controversial or encouraging is something that can increase your reach as an artist. You can even start a new trend or even raise the tension of political and social issues that will touch your audience.

Originality In Artistic Styles

As an artist, it's crucial to remember the importance of originality and personal style in all aspects of your career, from your social media presence to your performances and wardrobe. Developing a unique style will not only increase your chances of getting signed to a record label, but it can also save you money in the long run.

Remember, imitating or copying existing styles in the industry won't get you anywhere, because it's only through a unique and creative approach that you'll truly stand out and get noticed. Bear in mind that no amount of advertising can replace a genuine and original style that has already gained popularity.

It may be obvious but you should be using social media and online platforms to promote yourself and your music. Get active!

Knowing When To Act

Now that you have a better understanding of how the wild world of the music industry works, you may be wondering when is the right time to contact record labels. While some musicians may suggest doing so as early as possible, it's important to first establish certain key aspects of your career.

When you can ensure that you bring something fresh and original to the industry and have identified a specific target audience, it's the right time to consider pitching your project to record labels. To increase your chances of success, it's crucial to be confident in your ability to consistently produce high-quality content and have successfully established a unique style and image.

By having a professional and well-organized project presentation ready at all times, you can take advantage of any opportunity that arises to showcase your work and bring it to the world. Remember, being prepared and ready to present your project is essential for getting it out there and securing a profitable deal with record labels.

Making Your Music Heard

Once you've established yourself as an artist with a unique style and image, and have a professional and well-organized project presentation, it's time to get your music heard by record labels. However, it's important to remember that finding ways to get your music heard also requires creativity and a willingness to put yourself out there.

To contact a record label, it's essential to build connections and get to know people working in the industry, particularly those in A&R positions (Artist and Repertoire: a representative responsible for finding upcoming new talented artists for a record label or publishing house).

Use social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to find and connect with record label representatives. Attend concerts and events and actively seek out opportunities to network and introduce yourself to industry professionals.

Besides, don't miss the chance to also create a LinkedIn account. Although it is a platform focused on job postings, there are groups for musicians and you may be able to find interesting opportunities there.

It's also important to remember that being persistent, consistent, and patient is key. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and reach out to new people. Keep in mind that the chances of getting a response to an email are minimal, so it's pivotal to use every creative method available to connect with A&Rs.

Don't just make songs, stand out by having a unique and distinguishable sound and image to go along with it.

Quality Of Your Product

Last but not least, you have to consider the quality of the product you are going to show. The quality of the sound is always the first impression to the listener and the audience, so you have to do it in the best way.

If your demo sounds amateurish, you will not attract anyone's attention and it will be impossible to compete in the market. On the other hand, if your product has a decent sound quality, listeners might be interested even before they hear the voice of the lead singer.

Therefore, everything you do, including your wardrobe, your video clips, and your shows, should look professional and of high quality. However, the most important thing is still the sound of your music.

If you intend to be visible and competitive in the business, your sound must meet the standards required by the industry.