What does it take for a rock band to be signed to a major record label?


If there are a lot of good rock bands out there now then what do they lack to not be signed by a major record label.

They lack something that is going to set them apart from the other 5000 bands that are doing the exact same thing as they are, sounding like everyone else, dressing like everyone else, having the same haircuts, blending in like everyone else. Why would a record company want something that is not different that they know they are not going to make money on? They need to have a huge fan base, a huge following to guarntee the label that they will make them money. If you don’t know people in the industry, forget about it. They need to be actual musicians, not someone who taught themselves guitar a few monthes ago and now decided they want to be famous to join a band

5 Responses

  1. Phoxlegend Says:

    send a recording into the record company. if they like it they wil lcall them in and do a studio recording. If the company and band can relate into 1 contract then they r signed :D oh and they prolly gotta do a couple open show for other bands first so they know the band is "popular"
    References :

  2. Austin Says:

    Well first you need to be noticed. Like put some demo records out to local radio stations. NOT YouTube! This could result in copyright issues if you do get signed. Once a demo CD is out do local gigs at bars or clubs. Do once a week to get noticed. Soon you will receive calls from small record labels. Then they get you for x number of years. If you are good then you’ll sell a lot and grab the attention of iTunes, RCA, Reprise, Sony, EMI and other big ones. I wish you the best of luck and hope this helped.
    References :

  3. Rigoapoclypse Says:

    Well first u have to be good have to have fans popularity and connects gigs
    References :

  4. Randall Says:

    They lack something that is going to set them apart from the other 5000 bands that are doing the exact same thing as they are, sounding like everyone else, dressing like everyone else, having the same haircuts, blending in like everyone else. Why would a record company want something that is not different that they know they are not going to make money on? They need to have a huge fan base, a huge following to guarntee the label that they will make them money. If you don’t know people in the industry, forget about it. They need to be actual musicians, not someone who taught themselves guitar a few monthes ago and now decided they want to be famous to join a band
    References :
    Actual musician – keyboard and guitar player for The Common Kings out of Buffalo, NY

  5. Jeff Says:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCT8gvQckmU&feature=channel_page

    These guys aren’t even signed and have an official music video and studio albums. Who says you need a label?
    References :

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