| To: "'VOCALIST'" <vocalist> Subject: Getting to a record company WAS: Questions Date sent: Mon, 10 Jan 2000 11:52:27 -0800 Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>
I used to work for one of these enigmatic music machines...
Here are some tips -
1. Find out who the A&R people are at the record companies of your choice. There are entertainment directories available at various stores (Try the Samuel French Bookstore in Studio City, CA). After you know their names, call them. Try to get them on the phone and ask if you can send your demo. If you can't get the exact person, then ask their assistant. The moment that anyone says yes is the moment that your demo loses the stigmatic label of "unsolicited". Make sure to get the name of the person that you spoke with, their exact address with a suite #, and address it to them of c/o them. Include a cover letter that starts with the with a similar sentiment to "Per our conversation....". 2. Now, if you expect them to call you freaking out about how excellent your voice is, think again. You must follow up. Allow a couple of days for the package to arrive, and then dial their digits again. Try to talk to the same person as you did before. They are now your contact. Ask if the package got there okay. Woo this person with your soothing voice. Try to get them to listen to the package. Try to get the person to tell the actual A&R person to listen. 3. FedEx is a good way to mail your demo because somebody has to sign for it. People also seem to think that things from FedEx are important, and open them. 4. Make the package lively, and try to get them to a live show - if you live in the area. Live performance can be very enticing. 5. I believe that the most important thing is to be creative and personable in your approach. No wait - that's not the most important thing (but it's close behind). THE MOST !IMPORTANT! THING IS TO HAVE YOUR DEMO BLOW THEIR FREAKING EARS OFF. Make sure the songs are great, and that the quality is good. 6. There are many ways to appeal. Call and pretend you're your manager / lawyer / whatever it takes to get them interested. Usually when the artist calls, one gets the vibe that they're broke. Being broke isn't unusual for musicians, even ones on the verge of selling millions of albums, but it pays to be mysterious, up-front or whatever it is that is your strongest suit. If you're not good at talking to people, get someone else to do it. 7. Good luck & be persistent. Be too persistent. Keep singing.
More wheeling and dealing in the music industry later.....
m.holland.g
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