How to Get Signed to an Independent Record Label [UPDATED FOR 2019]

You CAN sign to a record label, but you need to know what the modern music industry is looking for. We tell you exactly what they want to see in this video.

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In this week's video I discuss four ways how to get signed to a record label - GUARANTEED. They work every time. With every developing artist Outerloop Management and Outerloop Records signs, the goal is to accomplish ALL of these. The challenge is actually DOING them. But there's no magic. You can do them too. You just need to know what these are, set your sights, and execute. So, watch the video to find out what they are!

What does getting signed to a record label mean?

A record label has one function - releasing music to the public to sell or stream. If your response is "well, I can do that myself!" you are absolutely right. The value of a record label's offer to you as an artist is what they will do beyond this function.

The independent record label team
Some independent record labels are one-person ventures. Others can have a robust staff of full-time employees. All record labels have a team, internal or contracted, who need to work selling your album or EP. Beware any solo project independent labels who won't or can't tell you who the team of people will be working your release. Sometimes "starting a record label" sounds like a cool way to introduce oneself at a party. But a record label is expensive and time-consuming in the trenches. If a record label can't do more than you can do for yourself, they aren't worth signing to unless under extremely particular and rare circumstances.

The record label team will include talented people who may share many responsibilities between them. A record label should:

organize and produce the release assets (with artist input)
release your digital album to all streaming sites
manufacture physical copies of your album
release your physical album to distributors / stores
seek opportunities for visibility on streaming / in physical outlets
organize your release rollout schedule for maximum sales and streams / momentum
promote your album to media
promote your album to radio
seek opportunities to monetize your album recordings (ie sync opportunities in tv/film/video games)
seek opportunities for touring (but this is generally NOT their responsibility)
Much more!

The music industry validation
There is a value to being a "signed recording artist". But this value is both fleeting and varying. It is fleeting because, while you will be able to leverage your newly-minted status to get booking agents, managers, media, and other industry to return emails and consider you for opportunities, the opportunities will degrade over time. Being signed for a few years having little to nothing to show for it will soon be as much, or bigger, a turn-off as an artist without a record deal.

The value also varies. Strong streaming and social media numbers can be stand-ins for record deal validation. And not every record label is the same. Some will open nearly every door you knock on. Others are unknown to the industry and will be looked upon skeptically.

The leveraging of pre-existing relationships
Every record label has pre-existing relationships with other members of the music industry they can leverage to your advantage. Media, booking and touring, streaming sites, merchandising - there is an infinite number of possibilities a record label can bring you and your band. Make sure to ask about some of these relationships while still in the consideration phase. Being connected positively with a single person who can provide your band the right opportunity can be enough to make your entire career. Of course, you could also make those connections yourself.

Conversely, some independent record labels have pre-existing relationships that are toxic and will taint you and your band by association. Be sure you research every record label you consider signing with to find out any instances of political or social ideas you don't wish to be associated with. And ask around people in the industry you know to find out if there are significant rivalries or hostilities that could negatively impact your career. Most long-lasting record labels have few to none of these toxic issues. But it's also hard to be in any business for a long time without upsetting someone along the way. Do your research.

See you next week!