Top 10 Record Labels In Illinois for Aspiring Musicians (2022)

For any unsigned musician out there, getting signed to a record label can be the key to achieving mainstream success. However, it's not easy to break into the music industry, and finding the right record label can be daunting.

That's why we've put together this list of the top 10 record labels in Illinois! These labels are always on the lookout for new talent, so don't hesitate to reach out to them if you're an aspiring musician looking for a chance to make it big.

Keep in mind that each of these labels has its own set of requirements and expectations, so be sure to do your research before submitting your music.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Bloodshot Records

Bloodshot Records
Independent record company Bloodshot Records is situated in Chicago, Illinois, and specializes on punk rock, alternative country, and indie rock with roots influences. Nan Warshaw, Rob Miller, and Eric Babcock started it in 1993. They feature and support the following artists: Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, William Elliott Whitmore, Jason Hawk Harris, Laura Jane Grace & the Devouring Moth...

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Website:

http://www.bloodshotrecords.com/

Email:

[email protected]

Phone Number:

+1 773-604-5300

Location:

egress records & comics

Egress Record
egress records & comics is a Record Label in, Metropolis, IL. If you are hoping to submit your demo to egress records & comics, you will need to visit their website and inquire about their submission guidelines. Most labels do not accept unsolicited demos, so it is always best to check with them first!

Website:

https://sites.google.com/corp/view/egressrecords/home?authuser=0

Email:

[email protected]

Phone Number:

Location:

Sooper Records

Sooper
Sooper Records is a Record Label in, Chicago, IL. If you plan to submit your music to Sooper Records, we advise you to visit their website and inquire about their submission process. It could be that they do not accept unsolicited demos, or have a special process, so it is always best to check with them first!

Website:

https://www.sooperrecords.com/

Email:

[email protected]

Phone Number:

Location:

Large Music

Large
Large Music is a Record Label located in, Chicago, IL. If you plan to submit your music to Large Music, we advise you to visit their website and inquire about their submission process. It could be that they do not accept unsolicited demos, or have a special process, so it is always best to check with them first!

Website:

http://www.largemusic.net/

Email:

[email protected]

Phone Number:

+1 773-862-0073

Location:

Polyvinyl Record Co

Poly Vinyl Records
Polyvinyl Record Co is a Record Label located in, Champaign, IL. Check with Polyvinyl Record Co, before you send an unsolicited demo, They may not be looking for new talent at the moment.

Website:

https://www.polyvinylrecords.com/

Email:

[email protected]

Phone Number:

+1 217-403-1752

Location:

Big Finger Records

Big Finger Records
Big Finger Records is a Record Label in, Belleville, IL. If you are hoping to submit your demo to Big Finger Records, you will need to visit their website and inquire about their submission guidelines. Most labels do not accept unsolicited demos, so it is always best to check with them first!

Website:

http://www.bigfingerrecords.com/

Email:

[email protected]

Phone Number:

+1 618-477-7417

Location:

Novelist Music Group

novelist
Novelist Music Group is a Record Label in, Chicago, IL. If you plan to submit your music to Novelist Music Group, we advise you to visit their website and inquire about their submission process. It could be that they do not accept unsolicited demos, or have a special process, so it is always best to check with them first!

Website:

http://www.novelistmusicgroup.com/

Email:

[email protected]

Phone Number:

+1 312-319-1999

Location:

MBG Records LLC

MBG
MBG Records LLC is a Record Label located in, Rockford, IL. If you plan to submit your music to MBG Records LLC, we advise you to visit their website and inquire about their submission process. It could be that they do not accept unsolicited demos, or have a special process, so it is always best to check with them first!

Website:

https://www.facebook.com/MinerBoyGang/

Email:

[email protected]

Phone Number:

+1 779-777-9829

Location:

Delmark Records

Delmark Records
Delmark Records is a Record Label located in, Chicago, IL. Check with Delmark Records, before you send an unsolicited demo, They may not be looking for new talent at the moment.

Website:

https://www.delmark.com/

Email:

[email protected]

Phone Number:

+1 773-539-5001

Location:

Thrill Jockey Records

Thrill Jockey
Thrill Jockey Records is a Record Label in, Chicago, IL. If you are hoping to submit your demo to Thrill Jockey Records, you will need to visit their website and inquire about their submission guidelines. Most labels do not accept unsolicited demos, so it is always best to check with them first!

Website:

http://thrilljockey.com/index

Email:

[email protected]

Phone Number:

+1 312-492-9634

Location:

What It Takes To Get Signed By One Of The Best Record Labels In Illinois

You've done the groundwork, you've recorded your demo at one of our top recommended music studios in Illinois, and you've finally decided which record label you want to submit it to.

Now what?

Getting signed by a record label is no easy feat, but if you're armed with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be totally doable.

Some key things to keep in mind if you want to be recognized by one of these labels is:

- Make sure your music is ready for public consumption. This means that it's mixed and mastered and sounds polished and professional.

- Read up on the record label you're submitting to, and make sure that your music is a good fit for their roster.

- Follow all submission instructions to the letter. There is nothing worst than a record label rejecting your music because you didn't format it correctly or include all the required materials.

- Have patience! The process of getting signed can sometimes take months or even years. Don't get discouraged if you don't hear back right away, and keep working hard on your craft.

If you keep these things in mind, you'll be well on your way to getting signed by one of the best record labels in Illinois.

You Will Get More No's Than Yes's - Here's How To Deal With Rejection

Rejection is a normal part of the music industry. You will get more no’s than yes’s, so don’t take it personally. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences rejection at some point in their career.

The key is to not let it get you down and to keep pushing forward. Here are some tips for dealing with rejection:

  1. - Don’t take it personally. Like we said, everyone experiences rejection at some point in their career. - Use it as motivation to work harder. If you get rejected, use it as fuel to fire you up and make you work even harder to achieve your goals. - Learn from your mistakes.
  2. If you keep getting rejected, take a step back and analyze your music. See if there’s anything you can change or improve. - Keep trying. Don’t give up just because you’ve been rejected a few times. The more you try, the more likely you are to eventually achieve success.
  3. Dealing with rejection is never easy, but it’s important to remember that it’s all part of the process. If you keep these things in mind, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.
  4. Their rejection might be the best thing that ever happens to your music career! Who knows, you may end up going the independent route and completely blowing up all off of your own efforts and strategy.

If you want to go the DIY route, here are some tips on how to get started:

Believe in Yourself and Your Music.

If you don’t believe in your music, no one else will. A positive mental attitude is what is required to get up and keep going after hearing the word “No.” If music is your passion, then follow your dreams and never give up.


Get Organized and Make a Plan.

You need to have a clear idea of your goals and what you want to achieve. Once you have that, you can start putting together a game plan on how to make it happen.


Start Promoting Your Music.

You can’t just sit around and wait for people to come to you. You need to go out there and get your music heard by as many people as possible. We have an entire section on social media and marketing for musicians, so be sure to check that out for more tips.


Build a team of supporters.

Easier said than done, but once you find your tribe, things will start falling into place. These are the people who will believe in you and your music and will help you to achieve your goals. Ensure that your real supporters are taken care of and made to feel special at every opportunity!

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