At a showcase in Nashville's Bluebird Cafe in 2005, Swift caught the attention of Scott Borchetta, a record executive who was preparing to form an independent record label, Big Machine Records. She became one of Big Machine's first signings, with her father purchasing a three percent share of the company.
How to get a record deal in 2024: 7 crucial steps Identify your sound. Compile a great demo or album. Focus on quality. Forge music industry connections. Establish your fanbase. Perform live as much as possible. Get feedback from the people who matter.
The best way to catch a labels attention is to successfully do the work that a label would do themselves. Build a social media presence. Get your Twitter followers up, Facebook, SoundCloud and YouTube etc. It shows you're able to communicate well, and able to understand some of the business side of things.
GETTING SIGNED TO A MAJOR LABEL We're talking between 20-100k followers. Many artists end up hiring social media management to get this done so they can stay focused on the music.
How to get signed by a record label Define your sound. Build your online presence. Release high-quality music. Develop your industry network. Submit your music. Music managers and music lawyers.
Your Music Recording Contract should cover details like: Compensation and royalties. Where and when the album will be recorded. The album's release date. Who has creative control over specific elements of the album. The termination clause. The exclusive agreement clause. Dispute resolution. Promotional appearances.
Negotiate An Exit It may involve a buyback and, of course, serious legal fees. You may find yourself paying back a portion of the advance and lose your recording ability for a while. The good news is that you'll be released from the recording contract.
Breaching your contract can entitle the company to revoke all future royalties in some cases, so if you just off and don't fulfill your end of the deal, they can sell your work without paying you.
Negotiate An Exit This will be less torturous but a bit expensive. It may involve a buyback and, of course, serious legal fees. You may find yourself paying back a portion of the advance and lose your recording ability for a while. The good news is that you'll be released from the recording contract.