Characteristics that a record label company seeks in artists

Let's be honest. We have all dreamed of recording music in a professional studio, selling many albums, touring, sponsoring, marketing our compositions, etc.

I think that the dream of every musician/composer is to be able to integrate into the music industry and stand out within the artistic field.

However, today we live in a digital era in which we have many advantages but for the same reason, many disadvantages when it comes to wanting to enter the music business.

One of the ways that new artists have to realize a musical career is through a record company, but before mentioning what record labels look for in emerging artists, we must know what a record company is.

What is a record company?

Label-1A record company, or commonly known as a label, is a company that is dedicated to making musical recordings of artists, then move on to the distribution and marketing of the records.

In the same way, it is responsible for providing what is necessary for the production of video clips, radio promotion, concerts, etc.

As I mentioned earlier, we live in a digital age. This has led to the music business being completely transformed.

The sale of records has decreased greatly, and now the record labels have changed their business model since they now make a profit not only from the sale of records but also from the direct profits of the artist (sale of concerts, sponsorships, advertising, etc.).

That is why new companies now exist, transforming the traditional label into artistic management agencies and entertainment companies that carry this "360" business model, constantly looking for emerging artists.

Among the major names of record label companies, Ubuntu Music continues to increase in popularity. It is based in London and growing prominent among veterans as well as the trending jazz artists of music industry. The company falls under Ubuntu Management Group, and is being sought-after by many emerging artists who want to launch successful careers into music.

What does a record company look for in emerging artists?

Here I explain:

• Talent

Mainly, what a label looks for in an emerging artist is musical talent. Whether a band or a solo singer/songwriter, a company should have talented artists in their repertoire who can offer good quality music and concerts that people really want to pay to attend.

So, rehearse! Perfect your musical skills, spend some time each day improving on your instrument.

• Good music

This point has a lot to do with the perspective, because while my favorite music can be rock, another person may dislike it, but here I explain it to my experience.

A label looks for music that is really born from the heart of the edges. It may be merely subjective, but I think it is difficult to find another definition.

I have met many artists who, for trying to make commercial or very plastic music (meaningless lyrics, elaborate chords, very common structures, etc.) have been rejected by record labels, because since you listen to a song you know if it was done with the intention of only "paste."

• Social networks

It must be accepted; a label no longer has the same economic power as before. This is why they need to reduce the risk of failing to choose an emerging artist to sign in their repertoire. In previous years, emerging artists simply sent their "demos" (songs recorded at home), and the labels signed them. Now the labels look for tangible results, that is, numbers on social networks. Yes, you read that right, record companies will pay a lot of attention to the number of likes on your Facebook page, and in your posts, the visits and listeners your videos and music have on platforms and the number of followers on your twitter accounts and Instagram.

In other words, they want artists who already have an audience that can expand and develop more.

• Business opportunity

Remember that the main goal of a company will always be to generate money.

That is why record companies are constantly looking for talent that they believe has an exploitable market. A label will look for artists with original musical / image concepts that really attract attention.

In other words, a label looks for emerging artists who can sell.

It that does not mean that you have to make your music purely plastic or commercial, there are many clear examples of organic and "non-commercial" music that has had a resounding success in the music industry.

Take good care of the message you want to convey, the image you project before your audience, and the quality of your music.