Michael Shoup

(Photo: Ferrari + caballos + fuerza )

everyartistwasfirstanamateur asked you: Do you have any advice for me on how to get signed?

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Honestly? My advice would be don’t.

My question for you is, what does it mean to you to get “signed”? And what are you expecting out of it?  I can tell you from working at a label and with labels before, it’s probably not gonna be what you were expecting…

Most labels are merely the bank.  They are in it to invest and then profit on their investments [which usually ends up being the 1% that makes them money while they ignore the other 99%].  In no way is this in the best interest of your career, and in the process, you’ll end up signing away the rights to your recordings, part of your publishing, and pretty much 5-10 years of your life.  Granted, this isn’t every label… but finding one that has your best interests in mind might be about as difficult as finding your soul mate, especially at the beginning of your career.

My suggestion: Treat your music as you would any other relationship.  Build it slowly with an audience and with your fans.  Learn to write amazing songs and let them experience it with you.  Do your listeners well and they will do well for you.  Treat your music as you would any startup business.  You are the CEO of your brand.  You can control your output, your promotions, your expenses and your profits. Build this slowly too.  It will take time, but you will learn lessons that will keep you in a music career for years to come.

Lastly: READ.  Discuss.  And find great mentors that have done everything you want to do, and more.  Being an indie artist can be a lonely road, and it pays to have amazing, awesome, wise friends.