To many emerging singers and musicians, signing a contract with a music label might mean a watershed moment in their career. Record labels assist artists in achieving growth by providing them with financial backing, professional marketing support, distribution channels, and industry connections. However, not all artists acquire a deal. Record labels focus on assessing various parameters before they can invest in an artist.
At Maa Records, we work to find and nurture talented artists in their quest to navigate the music industry. In this blog, we will detail the ideals music labels look for in a new artist before sealing a deal.
Unique Sound and Musical Identity
Music labels prefer artists who boast a unique sound and a definitive musical identity. They want an artist who will burst out in a crowding-industry. An artist who is too similar to others often does not appear worth the investment to most labels.
Key Aspects of a Unique Sound:
- a recognizable voice
- a distinct style or genre
- a strong artistic personality
Example: The likes of Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, or Ed Sheeran have marked their territory because of their respective unmatchable styles of music.
Maa Records Insight:
At Maa Records, we fine-tune an artist’s unique sounds to ensure that they will even come up with a signature that others can judge their music against.
2. Strong Fan Base and Engagement
These days, music is being produced by an artist whose fan base is already established or large by labels. A big fan base bolsters an artist’s recognition of interest; hence, music becomes lower-risk investments.
- Some Strong Signs Of A Fan Base
- Strong fan following across social media channels with engagements.
- Active subscribership and video views on YouTube.
- Constant streaming numbers on Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
Example:
Record labels would often sign viral artists that gained notoriety via TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube. When a song trends on social media, it increases the chance for an artist to be seen.
Insights from Maa Records:
As a label, we work with artists on growing their fan bases through social media marketing and engagement strategies.
3. Live-auditioning Skills
Labels want an artist to be able to give live concerts and tours. Stage presence is crucial in nurturing a successful career.
What Labels Want for Live Performing:
Energy, charisma, and spirit on stage.
Connecting with the audience.
Voice or instrument performance at a very high level.
For Example:
Harry Styles and Beyoncé maintain this high level of performance energy, thus making themselves attractive to the labels.
Insight of Maa Records:
We develop and nurture artists with training and opportunities for improving their stage presence and live performance skills.
4. Ability to Write Songs and Original Music
Most recording companies want artists who can write songs or contribute to writing songs. Originality and creativity are the major measures of an artist’s success.
Reasons for Writing Songs:
- To keep the private experience alive in the minds of the fans,
- Reduce dependency on professional writers,
- Increase the gains and royalties earned by the artist, for example:
- The strong songwriting talents of people like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran have made them popular.
Maa Records View:
Maa Records encourages artists in their songwriting skills and also equips them with professional development in music.
Marketability and Brand
Record labels essentially only sign artists with marketability potential. A strong personal brand and image can make an artist appealing.
Elements of Strong Artist Branding:
- A lucid projection and personality
- A new mode of dressing or styling
- Strong social networking presence
Example:
Lady Gaga is so much well known for her bold fashion and creative persona that it makes her a highly marketable personality.
Maa Records Insight:
We help artists develop a strong brand identity and teach them how to market themselves.
6. Professionalism and Work Ethics Talent alone doesn’t cut it. Record labels are looking for serious artists who will always put in the effort.
The Expectations of Labels from Artists: Commitment to recording and promoting music.
Artists must be able to stick to deadlines and fulfill contract terms, and work reasonably alongside industry personnel to maintain a positive attitude.
Example: Artists who cancel shows frequently or miss studio sessions will almost always lose their deals.
Maa Records view: We focus on training the artist in professional ethics so that they know commitment and discipline are highly important.
7. The Monetary Prospects and Entrepreneurial Mindset
Record labels are businesses, and they want artists who can generate revenue. They look at an artist’s potential for long-term success.
What Labels Considerations Are:
Past music sales and streaming income
Future earning potential from concerts, sponsorships, and merchandise
Ability to adapt to industry changes
For Example:
Drake built a sizeable business empire which makes him one among the richest artists in the industry.
Maa Records Insight:
We educate artists on financial management and how to maximize their earnings in the music industry.
8. Flexibility and Industry Trends
Changing music trends keep on changing. Most labels prefer artists who adapt to fresh sounds, styles, and even technology.
Signs of Adaptability:
- Open to experimenting with different sounds in music
- Stay aware of industry trends and what fans want
- Learning how to market through different tools (for instance, TikTok promotions)
Example:
Artists like Doja Cat and Post Malone are known to change their sound constantly to keep up with the relevance that has been increasingly flooded by many other similar artists.
Maa Records Insight:
We help artists understand the music industry’s trends and their transition with changing sound movements.
Conclusion: Different Ways to be signed Under a Music Label
Of course, one of the reasons you need to be in your best form is talent. Artists have to be devoted, painstaking, and totally original about their marketing.
Key Points to Remember:
- Create unique sounds and musical identifications.
- Set up a strong fan base and increase interactionwith listeners.
- Improve live performance skills and a stage personality.
- Rap along the lines or write original works.
- Create a strong personal brand and marketable.
- Maintain professionalism and strong work ethics.
- Understand the business side of music relating to financial gains.
- Be flexible enough with the trends that are set in the music industry.
Maa Records is a record label that strongly believes in nurturing the growth of any new artist into prominence in the music industry. If you’re ready to make your music matters and take the next step, Maa Records will make that happen for you.
Want to be signed?
Join the Maa Records family and let us help you ride the road to success!