table, such as songwriting, arranging or even graphic design and other creative services.
The more valuable you can make yourself and the more dough you can save the label, the
better your chances of striking a deal and signing a contract.
Here are a few tips and “must-haves” to ensure you’re ready when the A&R folks and
the label find you.
[
- You’re very motivated to succeed, professional, appear to be easy to work with and are
likeable to the label and music industry folks and active and potential fans. - You can demonstrate that you and your band mates have a “we’ll do anything,” atti-
tude. This may sound like hopping into bed with the Devil. We are talking about the mu-
sic industry, now aren’t we? Labels want to know the people they sign are committed to
the process and aren’t going to be prima donna pains in the hindquarter.
- Also, there aren’t any substance abuse issues. This is important. An act with substance
abuse issues typically cost the label more money in the not-too-long run. They may find
you’re not worth the risk.
- You have a loyal fan base of several hundred. Ideally these are the “evangelist” type
who buy whatever you sell, attend your live shows and generally think your act is the
next best thing to sliced bread. If you have an email list that is even broader, so much the
better. The label will recognize that these types of fans can be replicated and grown into a
much larger group by giving your act more exposure. - You play a good number of live shows on a regular basis to new audiences.