How to Get Your Music Heard by Record Labels
Making music is more complicated than it seems. Creating a record album takes blood, sweat, and tears, plenty of natural talent, some learned skills, and reliable connections. It becomes even more complicated when you factor in the millions of songs already available on streaming platforms. Spotify alone has more than 80 million tracks. Even if you have a near-perfect record, it is unlikely to get the visibility and reach it deserves.
That’s why emerging artists prefer working with bona fide record labels that have the means to deliver music to a large audience. They act as music marketing services for your records.
However, sending albums to record labels is an intimidating experience for artists. There’s plenty of competition, and record label executives aren’t exactly known for their benevolence.
This article can help you approach recording labels and get them to listen to your music. Let’s get started.
6 Ways to Promote Your Music With Record Labels
1. Create an Identity for Yourself
Creating a brand identity for yourself has become as important as making music. It is unlikely that a label will sign artists who don’t already have a prominent identity and recognition among the masses. And this means you should focus on building a brand and a persona that people can easily recognize.
But before that, you must discover who you want to be as an artist.
A successful example of DIY branding done right is Abel Tesfaye. He built a persona and brand called The Weeknd. He used the power of streaming platforms to get people to listen to his early mixtapes, and a few years later, he went mainstream and became one of the most promising musical talents in the world.
So while you work on your music, decide what persona you want to portray to the world. Is it all bright and sunny, dark and mysterious, colorful and peppy? Figure out your stage or band name, logo, merchandise, CD covers, social media profiles, website, etc.
These branding elements may seem inconsequential to a musician’s success, but the fact is that they can propel you to fame and fortune when done right.
Creating an identity for yourself shows labels that they don’t have to start from scratch and have something to work on. It is better to start working on branding first and then approach labels to get fruitful results. You can also get help from a music marketing agency for effective branding.
2. Compile all Your Work in One Place
It sounds like common sense, but many up-and-coming artists don’t have a catalog of work to show prospective producers. And when they finally get an opportunity to present their work, they don’t have a singular point of focus where they can direct their interest.
Instead of having your music dispersed across SoundCloud, YouTube, mixtapes, random CDs, etc., create a home for your music online. And that means building a website of your own. It should have merchandise, tour dates, contact information, and other important links.
Your digital presence can persuade record labels to give you a chance with your music. Some artists think social media will be enough, but building credibility on these platforms can take forever. In contrast, a website offers instant trustworthiness for your status as a serious musician.
3. Focus on Networking
Try to meet as many people as possible by visiting industry events, festivals, concerts, and conferences. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people and learn who they are and what type of music interests them.
Tell them who you are and introduce them to your music, passion, and work. This way, you can create a community or be part of one. It will give you an ideal chance of promoting your music and reaching a large audience that can get the label’s attention.
In-person networking becomes more effective when combined with social media networking. You can ask for people’s Instagram and Twitter accounts and ask them to follow you. You never know; a new connection may lead to a potential record-label contract.
4. Work on Your Social Media
On average, a person spends 2 hours and 29 minutes on social media. Why not leverage it to promote your music and build your brand?
Create a Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter page where you can update your fans and followers with the latest about your musical conquests. Also, build a presence on TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat—put up song snippets, indulge in a few trends, and offer sneak peeks into your creative processes.
It all starts with creating compelling and attractive content. Musicians are well known for posting unique and entertaining posts, reels, and stories on their profiles. Follow your brand theme and create engaging posts for your social platforms.
Once you have built a steady following and a fan base, use them to impress record labels. The best way to build a strong bond with your fan base is by engaging with them. Reply to their comments and messages. Engagements improve your visibility and fan base, so get started.
5. Target Decision Makers
Once you have created the social channels, optimized your website, and built a fan base. Now is the time to start researching the decision-makers who can get you a record deal. They can be publicists, managers, DJs, programmers, or anyone who can forward your music for the test.
Make a list of these people and find out where you can meet them. Keep it as natural as possible, don’t jump directly into their dm. Instead, find the best time and place to meet them.
6. Work With a Music Marketing Manager
Research a music marketing agency that can work on the marketing aspect and find opportunities where they can send your music, and you can get paid.
One such reliable source is GUIÓN PARTNERS. We can provide you with the necessary resources and expertise, leading you to record labels and more significant opportunities. Unlock your true potential with GUIÓN PARTNERS and get the recognition your music deserves.