Q&A for How to Get Signed by a Record Label

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I'm a 14-year-old girl, and I've been writing music for a year. I don't have social media yet. What would be the best way to get started on social media, and how can I get noticed without YouTube?

Community Answer

Participate in a community talent show, or at school or church. Wherever you find singing, be there to show off your talent.

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How could I become known around the community for music?

Community Answer

Promote yourself! Use social media and regularly post updates on your music. Tell your friends and family about your music and ask them to spread the word. Also, if any local cafes or restaurants have live music, see if you can get a spot to play.

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Can I become famous if I am a kid?

Community Answer

Yes! Many artists started out young because they took the time to dedicate themselves to their craft.

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Question

How can I show people that I can make it as a musician as a young person?

Community Answer

Plenty of famous singers/musicians were discovered at a young age. Show them by having confidence and the faith in yourself to put in the time and effort it's going to take to get noticed.

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Question

If I write my own music by myself with a guitar and I don't have a band, how can I still get a record deal?

Community Answer

Not all musicians are part of a band. You can be signed as a singer-songwriter. Work on your guitar skills, such as learning new chords and pick patterns and perform your music as often as possible.

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Question

I am Indian, but most people here do not like my style of music. What should I do?

Community Answer

You should just be yourself. Maybe your music will appeal to another country. Maybe your country will grow on it. Just be unique.

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Question

How long should this take?

Community Answer

There is no particular time frame. Becoming famous doesn't happen overnight. Don't give up.

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Question

I have great passion for music and I have written some lyrics but I don't have a demo of my own. Will any label sign me?

Community Answer

To get signed by a record label, it's best to be as prepared as possible and have all your lyrics organized and demos created. It is possible that a record label will sign you without a demo if they think you have enough potential, but it is smarter to have recordings of your songs already for them to hear. Also, when trying to appeal to a record label, make sure you make yourself as unique as possible.

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Question

Can I become an English singer if I am Indian?

Community Answer

If you mean English-language, yes, you can sing in any language that you know. If you mean 'a singer from England', you'd have to live in England for a while before that would make sense.

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Question

I am a 13 year old from a small town in Virginia. Would any record labels be willing to sign me?

Community Answer

If you can do any gigs that are in Virginia and your music appeals to a broad audience, then you have the capability. But try to book gigs where many people would go, so you can reach out to everyone.

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Question

How do I get signed to an American international label if I'm a boy in RSA writing and singing pop, R&B, soul, etc.?

Community Answer

Upload on YouTube and SoundCloud. YouTube is most important, because that's how many people are currently being discovered in the industry.

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Question

How do I produce music?

Community Answer

All you need is a DAW, such as FL Studio or Sony Acid Pro, and some sample packs from websites like primeloops.com -- then you are basically good to go. Of course, you'll have to know how to use the DAW. There are helpful videos for that on the DAW's website and on YouTube.

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Question

Where can I find a manager?

Community Answer

Google managers in your area or research your favorite artists to find out who represents them.

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Question

How can I get a record deal in America if I can no longer return there?

Community Answer

You'll have to work hard for this one. Get multiple gigs at places where a lot of people go. Try to do as many things as possible outside of the U.S. in order to get noticed. That's how Jessica Glynne started -- you an start that way too.

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Question

How can I start to promote my music, etc. when I'm in college?

Community Answer

Send your music to a label. Play around campus. Join a club for musicians.

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Question

I live in the UK, and I'm 13. Will I be able to get signed?

Community Answer

There are labels in your area. You'll have to be interviewed by agent and produce a demo the agency likes to be signed.

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Question

I am 13 years old and I can sing. I put a video up of myself singing and I live in Winnsboro. How can I book a gig?

Community Answer

Call around to local cafes, coffee shops, and all-ages clubs, they often have open mic nights. Keep in mind you probably will not get paid, but you will get exposure.

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Question

I'm 15, and my dream is to be a singer. I don't know what to do or how to start; what can I do?

Community Answer

Get some equipment that you can afford and record yourself singing a song you like or one that you wrote and put it on social media.

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Question

What can I do if I have a lot of original songs, but little experience? I am middle-aged, and people seem to like my music.

Community Answer

Make a YouTube channel and post videos of you performing your original songs, and start promoting the channel on social media.

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Question

Are there any record labels in America willing to sign contracts for Mandarin music?

Community Answer

Yes. While it may not be as common to find, there are certainly some labels out there willing to sign for Mandarin music.

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Question

How would record labels prefer demos be sent to them? CD or by a drive?

Community Answer

Record labels still accept CDs and digital copies of songs, so either is fine. Try sending both.

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Question

Can I submit a demo to a label without being a followed artist?

Community Answer

Absolutely! It doesn't matter how popular you are. If your music is good enough for the label, they might sign you!

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Question

Can I get signed if I'm not as good as others?

Community Answer

You can, but it will be much more difficult, and you'll have to rely on a lot of luck. I would focus your energy on improving your singing or playing instead.

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Question

How can I get signed up to interscope records?

Community Answer

The usual way to get signed to any label is to send in a demo. However, you shouldn't target a specific label. This is because, especially with big labels, they won't want to take on a beginner. Establish yourself as a product, get yourself an image and give your demos to as many labels as possible.

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Question

My parents won't accept my passion for music. I don't want hurt them by doing what they don't want me to do. What should I do?

Community Answer

Follow what your heart desires. In the end, they should be happy if you're happy.

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Question

Does it matter what country I am from?

Community Answer

No. If you have good music people will appreciate that. I'm from Brazil and live in England so I would know.

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Question

Will I have to pay to get a manager?

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Community Answer

Yes! Unless you get signed and your record label is willing to pay for your manager, then like many things in life, you will have to pay for them. If your band makes money, usually the manager just gets a percentage of the profits.

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Question

I am a 13-year-old in a group with my four friends. We don't sing, we rap. Can we still have a future career in music even if our parents may not support our genre of music/career?

Community Answer

Of course. Although your parents support is important when you are young (mainly because they are the ones to drive you places and let you do things), you are allowed to follow your dreams, and if you want to you can find your own way. Once you become an adult, your parents can't really restrict your life decisions, even if they don't approve.

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Question

I'm 13 and I live in Australia. If I get signed to an Australian record label, do I have a good chance to be wildly known in America?

Community Answer

Sure, if you're really good, and you play a style of music that's popular in America, you have a chance of being widely known.

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Question

What share of the net revenue does a recording studio share with the artist?

Community Answer

This is decided in the contract between the recording studio and the artist. The exact amount will vary.

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