As an Artist you have to understand what music is, and what the music business is. The Nigerian Music Industry has developed so much that people earn a living from music.
If you have the mindset that music is business, then you will think like a business man. In business we invest to get returns, and so it is with music.
No record label will want to sign someone that has not developed a brand for himself that they can invest in.
In an interview with DJ Spicee C.E.O Of Starshow Records, he said:-
‘For you to get any record deal, you really must have worked on yourself. Like some of the Artistes Naija artist who get signed “Ola Dips, Lil Kesh and a host of others, they are people that have been doing their own thing.
You can’t walk up to me and say you are an artiste and you want a record deal with just two Facebook likes or 50 followers on Instagram, I won’t take you seriously. People are looking for content.
There are people with no talent with five thousand followers; that means they are actively engaging and doing something. It’s important that you have those followers because it shows me you have fans who love and appreciate your contents.
How was Justin Bieber found on Youtube? He has fans and he was marketing himself.
No record label will wake up one day and say, ‘You, it looks like there is hope for you, lets sign you.’ No, you have to be active. You must be doing things. Then based on these things, we can say, ‘Wow, you need some support and we can sign you.’
“Labels don’t change you, they add to what you already have.”
TO GET SIGNED TO A RECORD LABEL IN NIGERIA
You have to:-
1. WORK ON YOURSELF/SONG
You have to ensure that your song is good, and acceptable. Get a very good production for your song. Listen to songs of top musicians and compare with yours, then fill the missing link.
2. CREATE A BRAND FOR YOURSELF
In the music industry, presence matters a lot. Remember, every business man or woman will want to invest in a fertile ground. Seeing they say is believing. They have to see something that will convince them to invest in you.
They will only associate with you when they feel you are already successful to a stage. Locate a branding and packaging company that can help you in building a brand for yourself and also a good production and promotional company
3. LET THE WORLD KNOW ABOUT YOU & YOUR SONG
To minimize cost as an upcoming artiste, I advise you to make use of the new media (Internet, social media) to create a buzz around you.
Have a Facebook fan page, Twitter /Youtube account and increase your fanbase. Also leverage on the online promotional strength of outfit like that of Naijaloaded being one of the Most Visited Music Website in Nigeria.
Geting all these done, You will attract nothing but the best record deal from a reputable Record Label.
Key Points
0. Have good character
1. Have Good And Well Produced Songs
2. Great Videos
3. Push Offline (Electronic And Print Media) And Online, To Attract Some Level Of Presence And Recognition.
4. Build Your Brand And Package Yourself.
5. Then Record Labels Will Be Interested In You And Come Looking For You.
Think And Look At Some Artistes That Have Won Themselves Over To Some Record Labels Over The Years, You Will Discover That They Were Already Pushing And Doing Well For Themselves To An Extent.
Now That You Know What To Do, What Are You Waiting For? You Also Can Attract The Best Record Deal Today…..Let’s Give You Some Leverage.
