Record Labels

I'm wondering what a record labels procedure is, from the moment you send them a demo up to the point that they release it. In other words, I want to know the whole mechanism of record labels like inside out, kscope... etc. What goes on between the band and the label and everything in between.

Thank you

^All I can add to JD's excellent synopsis is you must have a website of your band available. You have to promote yourself for years and have quite a following before the record folk even give you the time of day.

^If they sign you you'll need to sign a contract. Hire a lawyer so you don't get ripped off. After that it's record some music and then promote that music (tour). And the endless repetition of studio and tour repeats.

sydbarrett2010 wrote: So, close to no hope, then😁. But what if they do like what they hear and decide to sign you, what happens then? And how do they decide on acts from other countries? They do accept bands from other countries I assume. I mean that about the seeing them live part

Again, simple. You hire a good music lawyer to help you negotiate a contract. BTW, they'll get paid for quite some time before you ever do (honestly). Record companies can contract any band they want if they aren't already signed to some other entity. Most 'Major' labels have offices in a multitude of countries and handle them locally. Although the whole concept of "Major Label' is a little vague to me. What are we talking, Capitol, Atlantic, A&M, Columbia. There are so many Indie labels that are more suited to helping bands get started with their recording carriers. The big ones certainly have advertising and distribution power. But the expectation is Taylor Swift returns on their investments.

Nothing worse than driving home ...turning on the radio..and hearing someone playing your song. Stealing your material and recording it for a record label with their name attached to the writing credits instead of yours. Then you end up in court. It's not necessarily about money...it's the principle.

It's usually someone that heard your stuff years ago and gave you a cash offer which you turned down . So in return for a pay off they put their name as the writer. If you say no refusing their offer..don't be surprised when you discover one day that they stole it anyway. Believe me it happens and it can make you feel cheated and exploited

Edited by Jacob Schoolcraft - September 25 2023 at 18:51