Opinions.

Why is it so hard for artists to get a record deal these days.

(USA /UK)

I talent Scout for. Universal Music, Sony Music, Epic Records, RCA, Atlantic Records, Universal Publishing, X Factor & BGT (Syco Music) A & R for ex head of Sony BMG (Publishing)

Meeting I had with Universal Music (London)

Check Out Universal Music Records

I went to the offices of "Caroline Distribution" which is an arm of "Universal Music Records" a little while back and had a very interesting meeting. My meeting was to go and meet one of the execs there who is one of the people who looks after people who have labels for "Universal Music," under various parts of UMG, but mainly "Caroline." (Global)

I asked this person why is it so hard for artists to get a deal these days, and this is what he said to me, which makes perfect sense when you think about it. I will also tell you how I feel you stand a better chance of coming closer to getting signed.

So one of the biggest problems for artists getting deals is the need to be in the media, and unfortunately this is one of the key things for major labels, and something they live their life's by.  You have to think about the people in charge of A & R and signings here. It's got to a scary point where people can lose their jobs for a bad signing! So if you think about climbing the ladder for 8 years and finally reaching  A & R, which is most people's goals in major record labels, then you make one bad choice and get fired, it paints a logical picture.

It's very common for A & R  to be careful with what music they take a risk on, and what people should have the budgets spent on them. It's a kick in the face if you do not meet the label quota to so being sure you are an act that's, One got a fan base and Two a hit record as well as performing live is the first thing A & R / major labels look at. (Single deals are rare for new artists, to RISKY!)

So continuing  my meeting at "Universal Music London" I was told sales don't really count for a great deal these days regarding  getting signed. (Down to Piracy) Of course they do matter as they put things into the charts and make money and  bring awareness to the artists. But the real secret to getting a major labels to take you on is knowing how many tickets you can sell as a brand and artists.

Look at what "Ed Sheeran" just did at Wembley for "Warner Music / Asylum" He sold 240,000 tickets  and that's one man and his "Guitar!" Now put that into a perspective from a labels point of view!  Would you choose a 99p download or a ticket worth £120 pounds per head, if you was looking to sign a  new artists?

So when I was speaking to this very sound and knowledgeable gentleman from "UMG" he also told me that "BBC Radio One" also matters. The reason I think this does count is because the "Official Charts" are licensed to them and obviously the charts are as important as filling up seats for record labels.

That's why they have "BBC Introducing" to help new artists get heard, and just think so many people have gone on to be mega stars via "BBC Introducing" So it does work, maybe just hard to get them to hear who you are as the artists?

My meeting was only a short one, as you never get a lot of time with people at major labels, they are just crazy busy, but in general the words of wisdom I got from this executive taught me a lot about what you need to be doing to get a major labels attention. I am very grateful to MR? for the time he gave me and it's good to know he is there if there are any questions to answer.

Most of the above was also echoed via "Sony Music" to at another meeting so pretty much how labels do think regarding what they look for? 

I have heard its easier in the UK for artists to be signed to USA labels and USA artists to be signed to UK labels. Still don't get this but I think I heard to many stories not to trust that judgement.

I hope this helps a few people?

  

11 Steps To Help You Get Closer To A Major Deal.

1: Image.

2: Gigs / Events.

3: Investment.

4: (Non Exclusive) Publishing.

5: Social Followers.

6: Brand.

7: Media Attention

8: Radio Support.

9: Great Music.

10: Attitude.
11: Talent Shows.