Record Deal!!

[Niki]

Hey guys,

Among all the things I do I'm also a producer/songwriter.

Just made a new instrumental and I'm planning to write some lyrics for it. It reminds me of Alicia Keys. Anybody got some good advice for a Songwriter to get signed with a major record label?

Ow, and I also want to know if you like it:-D THANKS!!!!

SoundClick artist: Bakatraxx - page with MP3 music downloads

[JimOfferman]

Originally Posted by Niki

Anybody got some good advice for a Songwriter to get signed with a major record label?

Be very, very persistent.

Not to dissuade you, but going from a nobody (no offense) to having a song on a major label release is no easy feat. You probably have a better chance of winning the jackpot in lottery with a ticket you found in the street...

Of course, there's always people who do the impossible!

A few resources:
Just Plain Folks Music Organization Message Boards: Viewing list of forums
http://sivers.org/blog
New Music Strategies
Music Think Tank - Music Think Tank

[cardano]

I'm not a big fan of this song. No real melody (not sure if there was supposed to be one), and if not, the song doesn't evoke much emotion (peace, serenity) if looped. Don't be too discouraged, keep trying!

[Niki]

Wel this isn't exactly a song, it's a loop/instrumental/beat.

The song comes together when vocals and more music are added.

[cardano]

Right, that's why I didn't mention anything about vocal. I design games and all the music I work with are instrumental sequence with (or without) various beats and melody. That was my perspective when I heard your sample.

[Niki]

Originally Posted by cardano

Right, that's why I didn't mention anything about vocal. I design games and all the music I work with are instrumental sequence with (or without) various beats and melody. That was my perspective when I heard your sample.

Thanks for your perspective. Keep in mind that this isn't meant to be without vocals or extra instruments, it's a basis to build a track on. But I can understand your advice.

[Orange]

Get yourself famous on myspace. use your web skills to draw traffic to it and create lots of fans.
If you have a myspace with a huge fan base the lables see you as a garenteed winner for them so they will take you on.

[ns123]

I don't think you have enough for a record label or any release based on this sampling. There seems to be "something" that is missing. Like, there should be "more."

That said, it's a very pretty tune. But I would not buy it. It does not move me.

I hope that doesn't sound to harsh.

[stellasky]

I'm a singer and have worked with producers and produced some electronic motif's myself, I don't call them songs because I'm not interested in adhering strictly to forms...

Okay my opinion about your track, it's a pretty idea, doesn't sound finished
Electronic beats sound predictable, lacking in groove, unless you program it in places so it doesn't sound so 4/4, get a little random, edgy..

There's a part where the music stops, what about allowing more space there for a dramatic effect, then beef up the start afterwards..

It doesn't have any big changes or new musical ideas, experiment with contrasting sounds leaving space for the vocals, or just record yourself, and work around that, I'd have to listen to it more for more specifics, hope this helps, when its done, publish it on the web, or when you have an album ready, publish it on CD Baby...

[sgregory]

Perform. Build a fan base. Make a demo you sell at shows and develop that fan base. Then think about getting on an independent label first. Keep building that fanbase through shows, festival concerts, and myspace ect. Then, after a few indie record you might start getting calls from majors. If not, start sending then out to majors to see if you get any response. You might, you might not.

Word of advice, it's very hard for anybody to get a major record deal these days because of people stealing music and now I can see because of the economy. Start with an indie label because majors are more likely to sign someone with established fans because they know the product already has buyers. Don't think this will happen overnight. Give it a few years to get better and develop a fan base. Also, the majors might impose too many rules and make you loose some of what makes you you in your music. At least if you already have an indie label you can be less willing to settle on a contract that gives away some of your creative license and wait for a contract that you like better or negotiate. You might also find later that majors give you too many restrictions and you'd rather be on an indie label. I know of several performers (not personally) who have had majors contact them and yet refuse to sign because they would loose too much creative freedom.

Whatever you do, good luck.

[Niki]

Originally Posted by ns123

I don't think you have enough for a record label or any release based on this sampling. There seems to be "something" that is missing. Like, there should be "more."

That said, it's a very pretty tune. But I would not buy it. It does not move me.

I hope that doesn't sound to harsh.

Hey thanks for your comment. It doesn't sound harsh at all. I wouldn't buy it myself, because as I stated before. It is not finished. It's only the ground work. And as you noticed there is missing something. Like Vocals, base, more violins, effects etc... but that is work for the future.

[Niki]

Originally Posted by stellasky

It doesn't have any big changes or new musical ideas, experiment with contrasting sounds leaving space for the vocals, or just record yourself, and work around that, I'd have to listen to it more for more specifics, hope this helps, when its done, publish it on the web, or when you have an album ready, publish it on CD Baby...

Hey, thanks for the comment.

I'm going to record some flute or something in place of the vocals, so I can see where I can make room, and where I can thicken the song. Thanks for the idea!

And I don't try to make something different, nor do I try to bring on some new musical ideas. When I play the piano I just play what touches me on the moment, regardless of the outcome. I don't like thinking about doing something different or special, because that limit's my creativity. I just put my hands on the keys, and translate what's happening inside me.