Independent Artist Don't Send Demos, Build Relationships

By Author: Jay Uno
Total Articles: 3
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Technology has really skewed the perspective of musicians. Almost everyone today has the ability to record, mix and master their own record as well as distributing the final product on CDs. Many independent artists think that since they have the equipment to produce a professional sounding product technically they also have the ability to produce an album on a professional level of talent. This misconception has musicians putting more stress on their finished product instead of on the creative process necessary to write memorable songs; they are thinking about the fame instead of the music. The UK avant artist Bansky best sums up what an artist's priorities should be: Any fame is a by-product of making something that means something. You don't go to a restaurant and order a meal because you want to have a shit.

While it is true that having a hard copy of your body of work is important it is not going to do much good sitting in the garbage bin of a record label or radio station. Instead of remaining anonymous behind mass mailings and impersonal one sheet start small ...
... and start local. Call the college radio station's music director. You may want to email first, but be sure to call after a couple of days, if there is no response in after a few more days call back. Invite the director out to a show. Personally hand him or her CD and ask them to add it onto their rotation. Be sure to link a face to the CD. If you become a friend, acquaintance and peer the likelihood of airtime increases.

Creating a personal connection is the same with labels as it is with radio stations. Contact someone from a label or labels that you wish to work with. Do not try and push your record on them, instead ask them advice on how to book shows or if they know any affordable producers. Make small talk about the industry. Of course these label employees are busy so they will not all respond to you, but the smaller the label the greater the odds are of getting a response. Once again the plan is to email first and then to call. Link your voice and name together in their mind. You will be more memorable. Perhaps after some interaction the opportunity will arise for you to give your demo. Remember; do not push yourself on anyone. Even if a label won't listen to your CD at very least you will get some valuable advice and experience in Get a Record Deal with the record industry.

These relationships are important, but without compelling music they will do little good. Your goal should not be to make it big but to focus on your art first and on making friends in the industry second; getting signed (or at least heard) will then take care of itself. The time spent getting to personally know radio and label personnel will pay off. Do not push too hard, be confident and keep it honest.

Author Bio:
JAYUNO -We provide marketing and promotional services to clients seeking exposure in the music business. We provide artists and labels with the means to service their records to industry insiders and potential new fans.