| If you've got a band then you know how hard it is to | | | | Before you'll ever get signed, you'll need to get to |
| get signed to a minor record label, more less a major | | | | know the agents in your genre of music. Deliver your |
| recording label. If you want to get signed to a record | | | | press kit multiple times in multiple packages, (Fed-Ex, |
| label, you'll need to know some basics of band | | | | USPS, UPS and so on). Be persistent and consistent |
| promotion. This article will give you 5 steps you can | | | | and the agent will notice. |
| take to get your band signed. Enjoy. | | | | Step Four |
| Step One | | | | Keep on recording and putting together your press kits. |
| Make your own CD. This may sound silly, but so many | | | | Major record labels look for experience, a fan base |
| bands just do cover tunes and then expect to get | | | | (following) and yes, they look for talent. Remember, the |
| signed with Columbia Records. Not gonna happen. | | | | 90's are long gone and major record labels are no |
| You'll need your own CD with your own music, no | | | | longer looking for garage bands. Nirvana did that and |
| covers. | | | | it's no longer the in thing. If you want to get signed, you'll |
| Step Two | | | | have to put in the hard work involved. Getting signed |
| Put together a press kit that shows all your past gigs | | | | will become your full time job, so put your heart into it. |
| and previous gigs you've done. Make sure to include all | | | | Make sure you have some slick and professional |
| the bands you've played with and any recordings you | | | | looking marketing materials. Ask the agent(s) you've |
| may have done with other labels. You can even | | | | been talking to for some recommendations of |
| include an Indie label here. This is pretty much like a | | | | designers for your materials. Trust me; they'll be |
| resume. It should include the following: the places | | | | flattered by this. |
| you've played at, how long you've been playing, the | | | | Step Five |
| USP for your band, the kind of music you play and | | | | Be consistent and persistent and continue to check |
| some recent recordings. But remember, the press kit is | | | | back with the record label you are trying to get signed |
| only to spark interest in you, not get you signed. | | | | with. Don't expect them to just call you; they are a lot |
| Step Three | | | | busier than you are. Check back in with them a couple |
| Once your press kit is put together, send it to all the | | | | times a week. You can use direct mail, voice mail, |
| major agents in the type of music you play. | | | | email, fax, Facebook, Twitter and all the other ways |
| (alternative, R&B, grunge). Again, this sounds simple, but | | | | we stay connected. Let the label know you are still |
| so many bands forget about doing this, yet they | | | | interested and you are ready to get signed. |
| expect to somehow get signed. Keep in mind the | | | | Remember, not every rock star is there because of |
| agent is kind of a go between for record labels. Get to | | | | his talent. A lot of them became rock stars because |
| know this person and you'll have your foot in the door. | | | | they worked harder than the other guys. |