To get signed by the record label of your choice, you need to have what it takes. Check this list, and see how you stand:
Originality
Hundreds of artists get signed each year. Thousands of artists release CDs. In order to stand out from the rest of the releases, you need to be different. Do you write killer songs? Do you, or your lead singer, have unique vocals? Is your style or image different from what's out in the market now? Take some time to think about your act and how it compares to others currently on The Billboard chart.
Sometimes it helps to write down a description of your act and its music. Ask a few friends and fans to do the same, even asking for comparisons to popular bands. Compare the notes, and see where you agree (or not). The results will be interesting. Pay close attention to the descriptions given by those who come to see you play. They may see things that you might never notice from the stage.
Vocals
In pop music, vocals are crucial. The voice is the main thing that listeners hear when they play music. A phenomenal guitarist is great, an amazing drummer is wonderful, but the success of a song literally hangs on the vocals.
It helps if the voice itself is distinctive, but it's more important that the vocals be clear, in tune, and capable of conveying an emotion, whether it's anger, joy, or love. The voice, along with the song, should inspire others to sing along and replay often.
Live Appearances
For a performer, live appearances are your where it's at. Live shows bring you closer to your fans, and they also help attract new ones. There's nothing like seeing musicians playing their hearts out on stage, and giving a great show. When done right, these performances inspire the audience. There is a direct correlation of successful shows to CD sales.
Another part of live appearances is being in as many places as possible to promote your record. Perform as much as you can in your hometown, and be sure to network at music industry events. You never know where you'll meet your next collaborator.
The Right Image
If you noticed, I wrote the right image. As in, the right image for you. We live in a media driven society, which creates a demand for artists and bands to have some kind of "look": grunge, bad girl, glam rocker, etc. However, it's important to note that your image is an extension of who you are, and should be believable. If you're an earthy singer/songwriter, bright makeup, cleavage, and stiletto heels will only make you uncomfortable. If you're not used to wearing those items, it will be noticed in photos and in person.
A "Hit" Song
Even if you don't want to get signed, having a song that has hit quality will take you far. Hit songs, for the most part, are those that hook the listener, and are easy to sing along. Can you picture a group of girls (or guys) in a car singing along full voice to your song on the radio? That's a good test.
To improve your songwriting ability, write often. Classes and workshops are another option, and are also offered by music industry organizations and performing rights societies. These are good places to meet potential collaborators.
The Right Teams
Your "team" is the group of professionals whose job is to help you on your way to success. The members include an entertainment attorney, a business manager/accountant, and a manager. Your team may also include a publicist. Effective teams are made up of people you can trust, who fully believe in your talent.
Identification
Identification comes into the picture when your audience decides, usually pretty quickly, if they feel the way you do. When Mariah Carey sings a love song about loving someone always, there are many people who identify with her. Not only do they know what it's like to feel that way about someone, they also believe that she has as well. Fans identify with the artists whose image that they believe. When you decide on your image, choose one that feels authentic, not artificial. This is a great way to attract loyal fans.
Carla Lynne Hall is a musician and music marketing consultant based in New York City. Her mission is to make music and share her knowledge with other musicians. As a musician, she has released three CDs on her own label, and has toured the world as a singer/songwriter, and professional vocalist. In addition, she also has spent a number of years behind the scenes in the music industry, in publishing, management, publicity, and radio promotion.
Carla has given indie music lectures at many venues, including ASCAP, Songwriter's Hall of Fame, The Indie Music Forum, and Philadelphia Music Conference. As well as being the former music business columnist for Vibe Magazine, Carla has written articles for http://www.musicdish.com/ and other publications around the world, and is the author of The DIY Guide to the Music Biz and Twitter for Musicians. Carla blogs about the life of the indie musician at http://rockstarlifelessons.com/
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