How to Find a Record Label - for Independent Music Artists

Having a record label is very important for each and every artist. Whether solo artists, rock bands, or independent music artists – all needs a record label to help one succeed in his chosen career. After mastering an instrument, have written your songs and world class music, and after finally deciding for a perfect name, the only thing you must do to finally get your music on top is to have the right record label for you.

Here are some good advices that independent music artists may consider to help decide for a label.

Be Ready to Find a Record Label
-    You really have to make sure that you are ready for a record label, because labels are more prone to paying attention to those who have already honed their craft very well and are  already able to put in some of the ground work. Expose yourself and play your music in front of many audiences. You may start playing at the local coffee house or open mic night. In case your area has only small to mid-size clubs, try calling them and know who’s in charge of booking an artist or a band. If you already have shows, you may also call the college radio station, go to independent record stores, know the listing guides in your area, and make sure they know what you are doing.

Make Some Research
-    If you are so ready to give your demo out as one of those aspiring independent music artists, don’t just go to Google and type “record label” and begin addressing your packages. It is important that the labels you are contacting are into the kind of music you are doing. Start looking at the record labels of those artist that you like and you must know who’s name should be written on the package you are about to send. Make sure that they accept and you know how they accept. There are some labels that don’t accept MP3 clips, while the bigger record labels don’t take anything they have not agreed to hear because of some legal reasons.

Never Waste Money
-    You must not waste your money on an expensive studio because a record label already understands that a demo is only recorded on low budget or sometimes on no budget at all. They never expect it to sound like a finished product; but, if they like your music, then it will shine through.
   
Keep it Brief
-    You should keep your introduction to the record label to just one page. They don’t like very long introduction; just tell them who makes the music, where you are from, any success you already had in your local area and upcoming shows, etc. Don’t forget to include your email address or your phone number.

Be Realistic
-    There are so many other independent music artists who have never given up approaching record labels to help them succeed. You should prepare yourself to hear some rejections and be prepared that you may not be hearing from any record labels soon. You just keep playing at your shows, writing your own music, and letting them know that you are out there doing your craft.

How to Become a Professional Musician

Do you love music? Do you want to make money out of music? Then being a professional musician is the right thing for you. A professional musician is someone who makes money by playing music through performances, jingle recordings, as well as writing music. Though you don’t have to be a genius with your instrument to be a professional musician, your chances of being successful will definitely increase the more talented you are. There are several musicians who have completed years of practice before they became professionals. So don’t be impatient - You just need to persevere and work hard to be counted as a professional musician. This article will give you simple yet useful tips on how to become a professional musician. Just continue reading.

If you really want to know some basic guidelines on how to become a professional musician, you may consider the following:

•    You may record a demo tape that showcases your abilities in playing your instrument. Make sure you have copies of your demo tapes and share it with other musicians, club owners, and people in the music industry.
•    Build your own website that has information about you, your performance or gig dates, as well as your contact information. You may also use social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter.
•    You can also demonstrate your ability to play in front of many people through bars and clubs that have open nights where un-established performers like you can play. You can book regular shows by calling or emailing the booking staff at the club or bar and don’t forget to tell them that you are interested. Remember to have a copy of your demo tape or a link to it because they might ask you to give them a copy.
•    Always make sure you show up on your performances on time and ready to perform. Make sure you are well-rehearsed and be professional. You must play only the amount of time that the venue allotted to you unless they permit you to play longer.
•    Get to know other musicians at your shows or you can attend the shows of other musicians. They can definitely help you and you can do otherwise.
•    You must attend auditions and be very prepared. Be on time and of course be very professional.
•    Seek the services of an agent or a manager to help you increase your bookings and exposure. You must research the agent well so you can be sure that it is not a scam.
•    You can also learn how to become a professional musician by taking some lessons and of course by doing more practice. Never be afraid of asking for help so you can become a better musician as time goes by.

How to Make Hip Hop Songs for Unsigned Hip Hop Artists Using Garage Band

If you are looking for an application that you can use to make hip hop songs, then Garage Band is what you are looking for. Unsigned hip hop artists like you should know how to create catchy hip hop songs so record labels will gain interest in you and eventually want you to sign up under their label. If you want to know how to use Garage Band, you can take a moment and read the tips stated below and then try to use it.

With the help of Apple’s default music editing and recording application which is Garage Band, you, and a lot of other unsigned hip hop artists, can use your computer to compose the primary elements of a song which are beat and vocals. Unsigned hip hop artists need to create songs that can catch the attention of music lovers, so when you use this application make sure that you put so much effort in creating your music. Here are the things that you need to do to operate Garage Band.

1.    Insert your microphone cable into the “line-in” port of your computer. You have to look very closely at the symbol that is next to the port to make sure it is the right input. Then, connect your headphones to the computer and put your headset on.
2.    To launch the application, first click the “Finder” then “Application” to find Garage Band in the list then double click it.
3.    Under the “File” Tab, you have to click “New” then the Project chooser opens with some project templates that you can choose from. Click “Voice” then click “Choose” and type the name of the project file then click “Create.
4.    When the track time line opens, double click the track icon and the type of instrument. To try something different like “Female Voice” or “Male Voice Basic,” you can see this in the track info window.
5.    To open a second audio track, click “Track” then click “New Basic Track”. You must first determine if you’re going to use a complete hip-hop beat or make your own with the application.
6.    You can import a complete hip-hop beat by browsing the audio file location with the use of “Finder”. Click your song then drag it directly on to your hip-hop beat track then release your mouse.
7.    You may arrange your own hip-hop beat with the help of Garage Band loops. Click “Control” then “Show Loop” Browser. It will open a window of small instrument sounds you can use in your beat. Just click the icon of any loop so you can hear how it sounds. Click the loop name then drag it on to your beat track to add it to your project.
8.    To review your hip-hop beat, you may click “Play” so you will know what needs to be edited. Listen to it while you prepare and practice the lyrics you wrote. You have to click “Record” so you can add your voice to the beat.
9.    Each time you record the lyrics, you have to create a new voice track. Just click “Mute” to silence your previous recordings so you can focus on making a new one. Always listen to each recording to know which one is the best one.
10.    To let other unsigned hip hop artists, record labels, and your target audience know about your music, you need to share it to others so they can listen to your creation. And if it is good enough, you may make noise with your song and eventually get noticed by them.