Get a Record Deal by Impressing A&Rs

By: Ty Cohen

So, you want to know how to get a record deal, right? Well, there are two options that you have. Option number one is sit back and wait for it to happen, not recommended. Option two is the one I hope you choose—get out there and get noticed. In the music industry, there are people referred to as A&R and those are the people who you want to grab the attention of.

First, let me give you a little background into A&R. Artist and Repertoire is the part of the record company that is involved in scouting for talent. They are basically the middle man between you and the record label, your first step to getting a record deal. A&R also handles the task of negotiating contracts, scheduling your recording sessions and find people such as songwriters record producers.

Now you know who these guys are and how crucial it is that you meet them in order to get a record deal! The next step is to start promoting yourself and/or your band. You need to try to set up gigs at reputable places or events. Do some research or call around and find out where these guys are known to make an appearance. Some good places to find a list of these reps are The Musicians Atlas, Pollstar Record Company Roster and the A&R Registry. They do charge a fee but it is worth the money.

Another way to grab the attention of these guys is to play them your demo. Your demo has to be great because sometimes they will only listen to the first 15 to 20 seconds of it to see if they are interested. Put your best stuff on there and make sure it is a clean cut recording with immaculate sound quality.

Besides stalking A&R guys, you can simply invite them to your gig. Make sure the performance you invite them to is at a pretty happening place. Don’t invite them to some hole in the wall dump that nobody attends. The whole idea is that you are trying to impress them so you will have a fighting chance at impressing the record company.

I know you want to know how to get a record deal so remember, A&R guys are notoriously tough so make sure you have a specific idea in mind of what you want out of this. Have your “stuff” together before you even think about contacting these guys. Be professional and courteous at all times, even if you are turned down. Do this because you never know when your music may end up in the hands of the same guys at a later date. Also, your music may not work for one record company but you may be referred to another. You just never know what may happen so make sure you have a respectable and professional reputation that precedes you.


About the author:
Ty Cohen, the online music industry's most recognizable voice is the former owner of a successful independent record label, current owner of Platinum Millennium publishing and nation-wide music industry seminar speaker and panelist. He is also the author and creator of over 40 best-selling music business books, reports, courses, audio products and other music industry "How to" resources, that have helped tens of thousands of individuals like you to successfully find their way in the music business. Visit EZRecordDeal.com for more on How to Get a Record Deal.