Music career talk Eleven

Since the beginning of recorded music (or close to it) musicians have hunted the ever illusive record deal. In the U.S. there are 3 areas best suited for the hunt, Los Angeles, New York and Nashville. Of course most large cities have some sort of music industry, but the 3 I have just mentioned are the topic sites for today. Way back in the 20th century record deals roamed freely, oh yes large budgets, assessable A&R, and the never to be seen again "ARTIST DEVELOPMENT". People went out and bought records (CD's), attended concerts, retail was alive, radio booming, and the bad economic times weren't this bad!! Any one have a time machine? In some cases bands got signed if the record company thought there was real potential. Labels gave out development deals. I secured many development deals from a number of major labels. Enough about yesterday. Artists are still getting signed by record companies both major and indie, people are still going to concerts and artists can reach the masses by video and the all mighty internet!! However record company development is almost extinct. So here's how you do it. Some of the following can be found in previous "Music Career Talk" blogs, it's great to be completely original, but keep in mind that's a tough road to cross. Record companies of all sizes want an artist to show up with finished product, large fan base etc., but how do you get to the record company in the first place? Do your homework research. Start with a number of artists who's music might be a good match with yours, check out what record company their with, look up that company on line and see if there is a list of staff. A cold call is tough, in most cases you won't get through to A&R or any one without a reference unless it is a really small company and then it's still tough. There is a way to get through all of that and make contact. It's hard to get into a business without some kind of investment. Can't make it without spending, look at it as an investment in your future. There are a number of people you can hire who will represent you or connect you to the people you can't reach on your own. I've done it and I've helped others in the same way I was helped.
As it turns out I have two sessions today and must abandon my writing for now, but look for next weeks blog and I'll get you on the road to hunting that record deal for real...