How To Get A Record Deal

1. Define Your Sound & Brand

To stand out in a sea of good music artists, you need a unique identity, signature sound and visually compelling vibe. Think: what makes you you? Record labels want distinctive artists they can market. Solidify your brand before reaching out.

2. Build Your Fanbase

Start by performing live local shows, open mics, and touring regionally. Streaming numbers count too. Record labels are often looking for artists who’ve already built some momentum. A growing fanbase shows them you’re more than just hype.

3. Research Your Target Labels

Know what a record label is and what they do, and which ones fit your style. From major record labels (UMG, Sony, Warner) to small independent record labels, each has its pros and cons. If you’re doing well in your local music scene, researching “record labels near me” could help you find some relevant indie labels. Indie labels typically offer better revenue splits, though they also often don’t have as wide a reach as the majors.

4. Prepare a Demo + EPK

Your demo should be top-notch—well-recorded and mixed. Pair it with an Electronic Press Kit (EPK): streaming links, bio, press clips, follower/stream stats, contact info. Check out this article for an easy guide on creating an EPK.

5. Submit Music Strategically

Follow each music label’s demo/submission guidelines carefully. Don’t spam. If possible, send to personal email addresses or via your personal connection. Check out this article for our top tips on pitching your demos to indie labels. 

6. Network & Build Industry Relationships

Make friends with A&R scouts, playlist curators, producers, and influencers. Attend showcases, conferences, and festivals. Networking means they might already know your name when your demo drops, a major advantage when labels are sorting through endless submissions. Check out our tips for networking & finding collaborators here.

7. Market Yourself

Promote relentlessly—socials, newsletters, PR, collaboration, unique visuals. For record labels, a self-managed artist with solid marketing is much more enticing to sign.

8. Follow Up Professionally

If you haven’t heard back after 4–6 weeks, follow up politely. And if they pass? Thank them, keep improving, and submit your next single when ready.

Understanding Record Deals & Contracts

Once you grab interest, understanding contracts is crucial.

What Is A Record Deal / Recording Contract?

A legally binding agreement defining rights, obligations, ownership, royalties—a standard deal involves a label paying an advance in exchange for master rights and exclusivity.

Advances & Recoupment

The label provides an upfront advance—$ 20,000–$ 50,000 for indie artists, up to $ 1 million+ for major artists. However, they recoup costs (such as recording, marketing, videos, and distribution) before you earn royalties.

Royalty Rates

New artists typically earn 10–20% of gross revenues post-recoup. Some indie labels offer more favorable splits.

Contract Length & Options

Most deals last one album + multiple option periods (often up to 7 years/albums). Be cautious—long tied-in contracts can hinder your momentum.

Types of Deals

• Recording contract: label covers everything, owns masters.
• Distribution deal: you own your masters, the distributor distributes. Check out this article for our list of the top music distributors right now.
• 360‑deal: label takes a cut of music, tour, merch revenue.

Check out our deep dive into all the different types of record label contracts here.

Key Clauses to Watch

• Exclusivity: You can’t record elsewhere.
• Creative control: Who decides your sound/video/image.
• Territory, term, audit rights, key‑person clauses: all negotiable

Is a Record Deal Right for You?

Pros

• Financing (recording, marketing, touring)
• Access to distribution, legal teams, A&R, playlist connections
• Reach to major playlists, radio, sync placements

Cons

• Income splits—labels take the majority of stream revenue, you earn nothing until the advance is recouped
• Limited creative control
• Long-term contractual obligations
• Risk of shelved music if promotion is lagging

Tips to Stand Out & Get Noticed

1. Release consistently – singles, EPs, videos
2. Grow artist ecosystem – mailing list, merch, live events

Check out this article to learn how to get your concerts listed on Spotify’s Live Events Feed and maximize your ticket sales.

3. Pitch to playlists – being playlist curator-friendly boosts visibility
4. Go DIY – many independent artists build themselves before signing. This also gives you more leverage later on.
5. Consult a lawyer before signing that recording contract!

Conclusion

Getting a record deal today is about more than talent. It’s about being a good music artist who markets themselves, builds fans, researches the right music label, networks, and negotiates wisely. Understand how record labels make money, what types of record deals exist, and how contracts work.

A deal isn’t just a dream—it’s a business transaction. Be prepared, be strategic, and let your passion shine through. Then, when the right label comes calling, you’ll be ready to sign smart and soar to the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get signed to a record label?

Create buzz online, grow your streams, and submit music professionally to labels that align with your sound.

Do I need a record label to release music? No, you can release music independently, but a label can offer resources and connections to scale faster.

What’s the best record deal to sign? Look for fair royalty splits, short contract terms, and clauses that let you keep some control and rights.

How hard is it to get signed to a record label? It’s competitive, but with great music, a strong brand, and persistence, it’s absolutely possible.

Should I stay indie or sign to a label? Stay indie for control and ownership; sign a record deal if you’re ready to scale with support.

Looking to Promote your own Music?

Use our Spotify Playlist Promotion or TikTok Music Promotion service.