How to Get a Record Deal With a Good Song

In preparing for your record deal search, it's important to have the advice of trusted, musically inclined friends. Finding your best material--songs that can draw a large audience--is your best chance for getting a recording contract. The you just need to record those songs and submit them to plenty of record labels.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Find out which of your original songs are memorable and catchy. To do this objectively, play a variety of songs for your friends and fans and ask for feedback. Weigh the feedback, giving more credence to people you've known longer and who are musically inclined. Pay particular attention when they offer advice and praise. Usually, one or two songs will stick out to others. These are the ones you should focus your energy on in looking for a record deal.
2. Note constructive criticism and take measures to improve your best songs, making them ready for recording and marketing. Tweak words, notes and the way you sing certain phrases and notes to really sell the emotion of the songs.
3. Record an EP of your best songs, about five or six of them. Find a good independent producer to help you record a demo so you do it right the first time.
4. Use all the contacts you have to get your EP/demo tape into the hands of the decision makers at as many recording companies as possible. By now you've learned that this business is all about who you know. Give away your music and with luck, it will get into the hands of those who believe in you as well.
5. Mail your EP/demo tape to targeted record labels. Make sure you have a contact name on the package and include a personal, hand-written note even if you've never met them. This shows your investment in your trade and that you want a relationship, not just money to record.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the song with the strongest opening as the first one on your EP or demo tape. You may only get a few seconds of a listen once they open the CD. Make it count.
• Make the material you submit to the record labels as professional as possible. Take the time and spend the money to do it right and improve your chances. Make sure you choose a look for yourself, create an album cover and look professional. You need to look like you already have a following.