How To Get Signed To A Label In 2024 (Remember: It’s You Vs. AI now!👀)

I will be the first to say you do not need a record label to become a successful and worldwide know music artist these days.

In fact, it has never been a better time to be an indie artist!

BUT

That doesn't change the fact that despite not needing a record label, it is still the wildest dream of many artists. And if you are reading this, chances are, you are one of those artists who wants nothing more than to belong to a major label.

So, I'm going to share with you the fool proof guide (providing you already possess that wow factor, make music people want to hear, and are resilient enough to keep going after receiving the hundreds of “HELL NAH!”‘s you will receive) to make it big in this day and age!

Keep reading…

How to Get Signed by a Record Label in 2024

Breaking into the music scene and getting a record deal requires more than just talent. It demands strategy, distinctiveness, and a lot of hard work.

This no-frills guide will show you how to make waves in the music industry and snag that coveted record deal in 2024.

1. Develop Your Unique Sound

Find your niche: Experiment with different styles and genres to create a sound that truly represents you. Stand out from the crowd with your unique musical identity.

2. Build a Strong Online Presence

Showcase your art: Utilize platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share your music and the stories behind it. It's not just about posting regularly, but posting content that resonates with your growing fanbase, showing your personality and what you stand for.

3. Network Within the Industry

Make connections that count: Attend music conferences, open mics, and industry meetups. Collaborate with other musicians and industry figures. Remember, the music industry is tight-knit, and often, opportunities come from who you know.

4. Create a Killer Artist Press Kit

Sell your story: Your press kit should include a compelling bio, a professional photo, track samples, and any press coverage you've received. This kit serves as your musical resume; make it as engaging and complete as possible.

5. Utilize Music Submission Platforms

Get in front of the right ears: Platforms like ReverbNation, Music Gateway, and Sonicbids are designed to connect artists with music industry professionals, including record label A&Rs. Ensure your submissions are polished and professional.

6. Engage on Social Media

Master the art of hashtags and trends: Use social media not just for posting, but for engaging actively with your audience and other artists. Use well-thought-out hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts.

7. Consider Professional Promotion

Boost your reach: Sometimes, a little help from professional music promoters can go a long way. These experts can enhance your music’s exposure and increase your chances of being noticed by industry leaders.

8. Direct Contact with Record Labels

Do your homework: Research labels that would vibe well with your style and submit your music according to their submission guidelines. Personalize each submission to show that you're serious and respectful of their directions.

9. Stay Persistent and Patient

Keep grinding: The music industry is bustling and competitive. Record labels get tons of submissions. Stay patient, seek continuous feedback, and refine your approach where necessary. Persistence does pay off, just keep at it smartly and creatively.

How To Use Social Media To Get Signed to a Record Label

Social media is the ultimate hack to get into the music game. Be grateful you exist in a time when it does and is still fairly new.

Your Personal Showcase

Bring your music to life: Use Instagram for eye-catching visuals, TikTok for catchy snippets, and BandLab to peel back the curtain on your production process.

It's about making your mark with every post, story, and tweet. Show your followers the real, unfiltered journey of your music career. Create a vibe they can’t find anywhere else and watch as your fanbase grows from the roots up.

Make Meaningful Connections

Network smarter, not harder: Tap into the virtual world of music moguls and budding artists at online events and through collaborative projects.

Social media is your bridge to these opportunities. It’s about mingling in those digital rooms, sharing ideas, and sparking conversations that could lead to your next big collaboration or even a gig.

Promote with Purpose

Turn posts into reach: Promotion isn’t just about throwing content out there; it’s about throwing the right content out there. Get creative with hashtags that resonate with your style, engage with your fans like you’re texting a friend, and keep the content flowing consistently.

The more you connect with your audience on a personal level, the more they’ll want to hear from you.

Boost Your Visibility

Think exposure: Sometimes, a little nudge from the pros can go a long way. Music promotion services are like your backstage crew; they make sure your tunes get the spotlight they deserve, putting your tracks on the radar of industry bigwigs who are always on the hunt for the next big hit.

Direct Line to the Top

Reach out with confidence: Sure, sending demos the traditional way is fine, but why not also go direct? Slide into the DMs of potential record labels, interact with their posts, and show them what you’ve got. Keep it professional and to the point. Make every interaction count, showing them exactly why your music deserves a spot on their roster.

Why This All Matters

Let's get real—your music’s got potential, but without a solid social media presence, you might not get very far. These platforms are more than just promotional tools; they are catalysts for opportunity.

Labels are watching. They want artists who know how to handle their biz, attract fans, and create buzz. A slick online presence shows you’ve got your act together and you’re ready to take the music scene by storm.

Notable Artists Who Used Social Media To Climb To Fame

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish used platforms like Instagram and TikTok to develop a distinct sound and visual brand, captivating record labels and building a massive, engaged fanbase.

TikTok Viral Artists

Artists like Loren Gray became sensations overnight through TikTok, using viral success to land record deals and amplify their music careers.

Independent Artists on Social Media

Undiscovered musicians have utilized platforms like BandLab to bypass traditional industry pathways, directly connecting with record labels and showcasing their talent to A&R teams.

Collaborating Through Social Media

Social media has also fostered unexpected collaborations between artists from different musical backgrounds, helping to generate buzz, widen their reach, and open doors to label opportunities.