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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