Myth #5  You should send your music demo out to record companies in order to get signed.

This is a biggie, because a few short years ago, this was absolutely true. This was the way it was done, though the odds were still astronomical.(that's a whole 'nother article-too long to cover here)  But to understand this now, you have to understand how the internet has changed the music industry forever. Ask yourself this question.  If YOU were given a job as A&R over at Sony, and you had to sign an act and make them successful in 6 months or you would lose your job, what would you do?  Let's say you have 1000 CDs in 2 HUGE boxes in your office, and you know from past experience that at least 95% will be garbage (home recordings, lousy songs, can't hear the vocals, etc).  Would you spend your time listening to those CDs, or would you head straight to the internet and see where the buzz is?  Which artists are winning contests and climbing the indy charts? Which artists have 5000 downloads of their songs and doing sold out shows? Which artists have 20,000 people on myspace and built up a huge fan base that constantly sings their praises on the forums?  Wouldn't it be smarter and more profitable to sign an act like that, which already has so much going for them?  Absolutely, and that's why it's crucial  today to BRING YOURSELF TO THE MARKETPLACE AND MAKE SOME NOISE! 

Myth#6 The record company will develop you as an artist

Record companies are looking for artists that have already developed themselves to a certain level, and this is now mostly done in the music production stage of the process.  When the artist finally gets into the Internet Marketplace, they should have already established a unique sound and image that represents who they are.  Again, that's where having an experienced music producer and a team of music industry professionals working on your behalf can really benefit you. 

Myth#7  If you get a record deal, you'll be rich

Sorry to break it to you, but a record deal itself usually doesn't mean you'll get rich.  If you are fortunate enough to get signed by a major label, realize that this is only the beginning.  Many artists are signed but never record, some record but are never released, some are released with no real push or backing by the company and many flop and are dropped by the labels, even though they may have sales in the hundreds of thousands.  The last estimate I recently saw said that an artist that goes GOLD (sales of 500,000) stands to make only around $47,000!  This is why so many major artists are choosing NOT to resign with their record companies, but instead, to release their new CDs independently. An independent artist selling 15,000 of their own CDs can "theoretically" make twice the amount of money as the signed artist selling 500,000 copies! (there are exceptions to this and every other point) 

There are now more opportunities for singers and artists than ever before in history! The artists that succeed will be the ones that wanted it more, and were willing to sacrifice more in order to achieve success. You have to get yourself into the "game"! And of course, once you're in the "GAME", the talented ones will rise to the top!  
 

BOTTOM LINE 
 
If you're reading this, congratulations! You're a "doer" and you've just passed 80% of the people who do nothing but dream!  If you're ready to do more than just dream and you're serious about a career as a singer, we can help get you there. 

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  Website Back	Arty Skye
	Arty Skye has been producing and engineering in New York City for over 25 years and has worked on over 1,000 records & with major stars such as Madonna, Will Smith, Brandy, Santana, 98 Degrees, Missy Eliot, Queen Latifah, Sisqo, Public Enemy, Alicia Keys and many more. Skye has earned 14 Gold/Platinum Records, 6 #1 Billboard Hits and a 3M Visionary Award. Arty is also a former writer and monthly columnist for Home Recording Magazine.
	List all articles by Arty Skye

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Comments (9)

i love this site

soooooooo informative man...thx

81 boyz , September 12, 2009 | url

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true

yep 100% agree its the same as doing songs & not pushing them enough = no chance a lot of artists are afraid to put their material out there & that means only you can hear these songs, i say make sure you copyright them & blast em out there youle never know who is listening.......................J

Jaymaz , March 19, 2009 | url

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interesting but ...

how about the belief that your album has to be pretty much finished when the label signs you, is that true or can you get the same looks if you have say a 3 track demo?!? also, how about having sample based muzik?!? will that turn the labels away?!?

CID JULIAN , February 23, 2009 | url

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...

Truth is I've already have made most of these mistakes from the home recording to the sending out my demos but now that I've read this I have a chance to redem myself. I choose not to waste my voice and I'm going to do something with my music. Remember my name MarquisK!

Marquis Killingsworth , February 21, 2009

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orr i like to dream ...dreaming is the whole essence of art is it not...ide rather spend my time just chacing dreams of mine.....i say dream the dream be unrealistic enough to stay confident....but be realistic ..or fooking hell ure heading for the nut house...start at the bottom and work and work and work ....love ya fans even if it is just ys mum ya can build on this lol....do it cus ya love it ...then nothing else matters .....much love .xxx

the blue flame , February 13, 2009

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Excellent article!

Mike Bahuaud , February 11, 2009 | url

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soo tru

for real thats the truth man i agree too
thats why im not a dreamer i read all of that lol
jumping in this game

thnx Arty Skye

Pierre , January 09, 2009 | url

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wow

Wow, I wish someone would have said this earlier! Thank you a lot!!!v

Chris , January 05, 2009 | url

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I

I understand what you are saying and I agree all the way.

Darius , December 20, 2008 | url

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