getting signed - question

Mr. Friend · 6th August 2006, 12:45 AM

I make music that's not THAT difficult, but not top 40 or anything. I'm wondering...how is it that people who make "difficult" music get signed, get their music in record stores nationwide, etc? Do you have to have your foot in the door already, or do they just shop their demos around?

I'm talking people like John Frusciante, Captain Beefheart, etc. How does it usually work for people whose music isn't going to sell 2 million copies? I'm wondering and looking for advice to hold onto, I guess. If anyone could offer insight, that'd be cool.

roxxon · 6th August 2006, 05:12 AM

Phone some real, A & R people.
What they look for is...
A a musical...commodity!
It depends on what the public is buying at the time...
Often A & R people sign to counter-act-similar other bands that a similar in sound... Who are vying for a, of a certain market.

Bob Olhsson · 6th August 2006, 09:45 PM

You aren't selling music, you are selling access to your audience.

Different audiences like different kinds of music. Record labels only sign artists whose records they think they can sell to the artist's audience.

The first step is always getting yourself an audience.

roxxon · 6th August 2006, 10:21 PM

Get a good management team and get booked.
Be seen.
Hopefully you will attract a loyal following...

You are so very right Bob O.!

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6th August 2006, 12:45 AM	#1
Mr. Friend Gear Head Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 60	getting signed - question I make music that's not THAT difficult, but not top 40 or anything. I'm wondering...how is it that people who make "difficult" music get signed, get their music in record stores nationwide, etc? Do you have to have your foot in the door already, or do they just shop their demos around? I'm talking people like John Frusciante, Captain Beefheart, etc. How does it usually work for people whose music isn't going to sell 2 million copies? I'm wondering and looking for advice to hold onto, I guess. If anyone could offer insight, that'd be cool. __________________ TOMMY TWO TOES

6th August 2006, 09:45 PM	#3
Bob Olhsson Motown legend Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Songwriter Gulch, Nashville TN Posts: 5,233	You aren't selling music, you are selling access to your audience. Different audiences like different kinds of music. Record labels only sign artists whose records they think they can sell to the artist's audience. The first step is always getting yourself an audience. __________________ Georgetown Masters 615 254-3233 Bob's room 615 385-8051 Music Industry 2.0

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6th August 2006, 05:12 AM	#2
roxxon Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: burnaby, b.c. canaduh Posts: 810	Phone some real, A & R people. What they look for is... A a musical...commodity! It depends on what the public is buying at the time... Often A & R people sign to counter-act-similar other bands that a similar in sound... Who are vying for a, of a certain market.

6th August 2006, 10:21 PM	#4
roxxon Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: burnaby, b.c. canaduh Posts: 810	Get a good management team and get booked. Be seen. Hopefully you will attract a loyal following... You are so very right Bob O.!