This question is one that comes to my inbox a lot. If you have designs on signing to a label, but you're sitting on an album you're dying to get out there (and to recoup some costs on), what do you do? After all, you've probably heard that a label won't be interested in working with you if you have already sold a lot of copies of your album, and your whole purpose for recording the album was to prove to labels that they should add you to their roster. But, you have expenses - not to mention a desire to have people you hear your work. Tough position, right?
Well, it is - and there are a lot of factors at play that could shape the right move for YOU. Generally speaking, however, your achievements as a DIY artists can be a draw to labels. If you're out there packing our venues, getting some regional press and radio, and selling albums, believe me, labels are gonna know. Your built-in audience and experience makes you a more attractive signing than someone starting at virtually zero who needs the label to introduce them to the world. That's not a new thing, but it's probably true now more than ever.
Not sure what to do? Find out the risks and benefits of releasing your own music while trying to land a record deal.
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