This course assumes you do not have an agent, and that you are attempting to secure a record deal on your own. Some of the record companies will not speak with you directly, and will require that you have representation for them to entertain any possibility of working with you. Those record companies we will filter out of our list of contacts. One of the key phrases to look for are “We accept unsolicited material”.
The next step to obtaining a record deal is to identify those record companies who are currently signing artists with music genres similar or the same as yours. A simple search on the Internet will yield far more record companies than you could ever hope to approach in a lifetime. So whittle down the list. Research the companies to find out what artists they have signed, and what type of music they specialize in. If you are a Rap artist, contacting a company that pretty much carries only country artists would be wasting both yours and their time. Be selective at this point. If a record company is vague about what they do, move them to the bottom of your list.
Bill Lamb, a respected music journalist has compiled a list of these top 4 record companies and the top10 independent record labels in the arena of Pop and Dance music.
Top four Record Companies
1) Universal Music Group The Universal Music Group sells more music than any other major label. They accounted for 25.5% of the market in 2005, according to the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry www.ifpi.org) The group’s well-known label imprints include Geffen, Interscope, Island, Motown, and Universal. Key artists are: • Black Eyed Peas • Mariah Carey • 50 Cent • Gwen Stefani • Kanye West
2) Sony BMG Music Entertainment Sony BMG Music Entertainment is the second biggest major record label in music sales. They accounted for 21.5% of the market in 2005. The company’s well-known label imprints include Astralwerks, Capitol, EMI, Mute, and Virgin. Key artists are: • Kelly Clarkson • Alicia Keys • Outkast • Shakira • Britney Spears
3) EMI Group The EMI Group is the third biggest major record label in music sales. They accounted for 13.4% of the market in 2005. The group’s well-known label imprints include Arista, Columbia, Epic, J, Jive, and RCA. Key artists are: • The Beatles • Coldplay • Gorillaz • Rolling Stones • Robbie Williams 4) Warner Music Group The Warner Music Group is the fourth major record label in music sales. They accounted for 11.3% of the market in 2005. The group’s well-known label imprints include Asylum, Atlantic, Lava, Reprise, Rhino, and Warner Bros. Key artists are: • Green Day • Madonna • Alanis Morissette • My Chemical Romance • Rob Thomas
This Information is Brought to You By “EZ Record Deal”, the ultimate guide to getting a record deal. Visit EZ Record Deal now by going to http://www.EZRecordDeal.com
Critical Note
Let’s reiterate what Andy Cahan said about your contact info. On the CD, and on the CD jacket you should always put your name and contact info. It is quite easy for your demo cd and the press kit to become separated from each other, and you want your demo to be clearly marked with your name and the way to contact you. This way if someone sees a lone CD sitting on the desk, plays it and loves it, they do not have to go far to know who they need to contact.
Do you have a Press Kit or a Promotional Pack?
Do you have a Press Kit or a Promotional Pack? Just like an actor or a model, you need to assemble a marketing package specifically tailored for you and your music. This is like a product brochure where you are the widget to be sold. And make no mistake, this package must “SELL” you because in this arena of the music world, you are a product. Your Press Kit must present you in a most favorable light and must instill in the reader or viewer, enough interest to take the next step.
Press Clippings and Reviews
If you don’t have any of these, get some. Every local paper pretty much has an Arts and Entertainment section. Find out who the reporters are and call them. Find out exactly what they are looking for, and try and get them to come out to one of your performances. Being printed in the newspaper or in a magazine gives you another level of credibility and is just another thing that sets you apart from the other gazillions of garage bands out there try to get attention.
