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By Ruan De Lange
Not having the professional backing, resources and budget of a major record
company or studio behind you yet, can be very hard on your pocket and chances
of success - if you don't at least have the right PLAN to succeed, or get noticed
as an unsigned artist.
Essentially, there are 5 step unsigned artists
can follow in pursuit of a
big break.
If you don't make the effort with each, in the right sequence - you might
chase your tail for years, even IF you have the next million-dollar voice.
Don't let your dreams or chances of a big break or record deal die a slow
death. There are precise, measurable steps you can take.
Here they are in order - read carefully, and don't dismiss any of this as
elementary:
1.) Talent
Even world chart superstars will tell you, that talent is a strange thing
when not continually developed and polished - it either increases or decreases.
Whether you do 50 shows on a world tour, or 5 rounds
in your hometown singing contest - the work required seems to be the same,
and there is no "in
the middle" or "staying on the same level". You either get better,
or worse it seems.
If you have not found your big break yet - getting a specialist vocal coach
you feel comfortable with, but at the same time, can push you to the next level
- is a must.
There are other aspects as well regarding development of your talent, like:
- Longevity of your voice and career
- Performance training
- Recording studio technique
What you put in, is what you'll get out - and it's the ONE area, you are in
full control of your destiny.
Many unsigned artists mistakenly spend too much time pursuing contacts and
producers, instead of focussing that time, money and energy, in getting their
TALENT up to broadcast standard first.
It is a continual cycle - not something you do just to "arrive".
And it never stops.
2.) Product
One of the major benefits, of a major record deal - is that the record company
helps you get a product out there, copies of you, flying in and out of stores,
aired on TV and Radio - available to the masses, promoting and getting you
known to all.
This will be one of your major challenges as an unsigned artist - but also
a golden opportunity, if you see it from the right angle.
It's an opportunity to determine your fate - because if you can find a way,
as an unsigned artist, to make and spread a product - singles, music videos,
cover recordings, shows - and build a big enough fan club by YOURSELF first,
record companies might find it increasingly harder, to keep ignoring you.
And fortunately - with the electronic and online era of music production and
publishing, many of the expensive, hard costs you had before, like recording,
printing and selling physical CD's, are now something of the past.
Today, for probably as little as around $25, you can now have your own recordings
published worldwide online, your own online store, and royalties and sales
collections done for you, with your own digital broadcast tracking code.
If you know enough about recording, you don't have to pay a studio thousands
of dollars anymore (provided you really know what you're doing).
Sell enough copies online, attract enough fans, get enough views on YouTube
- and record bosses might just knock on your door, sooner than you expect.
3.) Placement
You have to be IN the game, for a chance to win it.
Visibility as an artist is KEY to being discovered, and finding your big break
- visibility not only of yourself - but visibility of your work.
Fortunately - you no longer need a million-dollar marketing budget, for that
to be possible. The proliferation of free online music placement and syndication
websites, allow you to establish a digital portfolio, and build an online worldwide
fan club with the click of a button these days.
Here are just SOME of the services you can research:
- SoundCloud
- Reverbnation
- MusicXray
- IndieGoGo
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands you can pick and choose from
- but those listed above seem to have the biggest followings, AND opportunities
for you to EARN something in return for your effort.
You don't have to WAIT for your big break anymore - you can CREATE it, with
a little perseverance and patience.
4.) Promotion
What do you do, if you don't have a budget, or resources to promote yourself?
Offer fan perks instead.
Host a contest, for fans to feature in a music video, or name the title of
one of your songs. Offer a single or album for pre-sale.
Use crowd funding websites (like IndieGoGo for example) to attract the funding
you need, in exchange for VIP perks to all your funders.
Clear and buy the rights to one or two cover songs. Use search engine traffic
reports to find trending niches and demand for music. Record and publish a
cover single for free on YouTube. This might help you tap into existing search
volumes, then compete for some of the views, fans and sales.
Offer your own original singles for purchase, right from your YouTube Channel.
(always follow the right copyright clearance methods and channels FIRST)
5.) Transition
Do these first 4 steps right, in sequence, and you'll have a four times better
chance, or at least become four times more valuable to any potential record
label.
Don't let fame and fortune blind you - keep pursuing the smaller opportunities
as well:
- Compilation deals - One single on collective CD
publication
- Synchronisation deals - placement for TV and Film
- Roster Rotation - Radio, digital broadcast
- Advertising - Jingles, soundtracks
These can help you build the credentials, and make the contacts required to
take that next bigger step.
With a plan and formula like this - you no longer have to sit around waiting
for your record deal, as an unsigned artist, but can actively participate and
CREATE opportunities for yourself to get discovered.
It works circularly - meaning - if you have not found the break you're looking
for yet, start again with Step 1, and repeat the process - UNTIL you do.
Don't wait to get it PERFECT... just get STARTED - right NOW.
Ruan de Lange is a Published Independent Record Producer, Song-writer, Engineer
and Marketer, previously singed to David Gresham Records, track-listed among
names like Tiesto, Laurent Wolf and others. If you found this article helpful,
please rate it now, and share with your friends. For more useful ideas on how
to get your big break as an unsigned artist or producer - without selling your
soul, or signing your rights away, click over to http://www.primetalententertainment.com
now.
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