Artist and Repertoire, goes all the way back to the good old days of
vinyl records. Back then we had singles (called 45’s) and LP’s, Albums
( or 33’s). Go back further and we had 78’s, but we don’t need to go
back that far. Nowadays you will be happy with CD’s and downloadable
music. Be happy you missed the cassette and 8-track days. But 8 tracks
were really cool.
The A&R folks are the talent scouts, the first step on your road to
discovery. They are in high demand; always being sought out, and
generally will not even peek in your direction unless somehow you have
aroused their interest. So how do you attract the interest of an
A&R Rep? Well let’s assume first that you have done your exhaustive
homework, and truly isolated the record companies that would be a fit
for your type of music. Frankly speaking, trying to interest a record
company who specializes in heavy metal brain splitting rock in your
bluegrass opera would be a waste of time for everyone. Research the
companies that fit your brand of music and you will have a better
chance of getting in the door and maybe even getting a cup of coffee.
Ok you have done your homework, you know the company you are targeting,
and you even know the name of the person to whom you wish to meet with.
How did you find the actual name? You looked on the Internet, spoke
with other bands, visited the company’s website or even got on the
phone and schmoozed the receptionist. Remember, the receptionist knows
everyone in the building, and being her new best friend can not only
help you get to the right person quicker, but gives you a friendly ally
inside. And once you find all the people within the company that you
need to know, ask another question.
Do they accept unsolicited material?
If the answer is no, then you should probably move on at this point
unless you really have some heavy credentials in your press kit. If you
played a White House birthday party that might be enough to get in to
see someone without an agent. But odds are, the A&R people want to
deal with talent that has representation, and unless you are also a
bonafide agent, you will fall into the unsolicited material category.
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
Linda Lane
is a 5 star writer for The Music Business Center, read more of her
music business success articles and subscribe to the Music Biz Center
blog free of charge at http://www.MusicBizCenter.com/blog
