Every college campus has at least one guy or girl who wants to be a professional artist. They usually find me after the show and ask me how it’s done.
After a short conversation it’s clear what they really want to know: How do I get a record deal?
If that’s your question, let me save you a trip to my concert – here’s the answer: Christian record labels (labels making music primarily for a Christian audience) say they can no longer afford to sign artists who might succeed. So, these days, you’ll have to “succeed” on your own before a label will sign you.
That means you’ll have to record an album (or single songs) and sell a lot of them on your own. You’ll have to build an e-mail list, a large following on facebook and/or myspace and/or your blog on your own. You’ll have to get gigs, lots of them, on your own. In short, if you can generate big enough numbers (of units sold, fans won, gigs booked) on your own, you’ll have no problem getting a record deal. The labels will find you.
But…
If you can generate big numbers on your own why do you want a record deal?
There are good answers to that question. For instance, maybe you really don’t like doing everything on your own, including paying the marketing and recording bills. Maybe you don’t want to read every Seth Godin book out there and learn how to market and promote your wares.
Maybe you believe a record label can generate even bigger numbers than you did on your own.
Maybe you need the affirmation of awards and press coverage.
Maybe you want to get your music out to as many middle-aged white Christian conservative soccer moms as possible and you realize a label promoting your songs to Christian radio stations is the surest way to do that. Maybe.
Or maybe you’re just fine doing the work yourself, talking to your fans on-line, playing in small venues, never winning a Grammy, never being on a magazine cover. So why do you want a record deal?
Wow… I need to print this out and carry copies around with me at the various conferences I attend. I should also have copies sitting on my production desk to give to the people I mix for.
Great, great capsulization of the current state of CCM.
I used to want to pursue fame and fortune, but in hindsight I’ve found that I’m much more content giving my music away for free. I have a job that pays my bills, and then I can go to local shows in the evenings (sometimes they pay, sometimes they don’t) and serve at my local church on the weekends. It’s less about being recognized for my talent now, and more about how I can give my talents back to the church and the community.
RIGHT ON!
Great post! Very timely.
I did want to ask you if you’ve considered putting a paypal button on your site? If I’m not mistaken, you’re paying to record your new material out of pocket. As someone who loves your music and ministry; I would love the chance to support the project. Why not put a paypal button on your site that would allow me to contribute a few bucks to the cause?
Also, would you consider maybe doing a few posts on making the most of studio time. Not just from a time is money standpoint. But on the art of harnessing great performances with limited time.
BTW, I just uploaded my latest batch of songs to tunecore.com . I’m hoping they’ll hit the online music stores by Christmas. It’s called Learning to Love. More info at http://scottwilderweb.com
Exaaactly!
it’s the big dance.
It’s the show down.
it’s the shiz.
that’s why.
leave me alone to find my self worth in others approval of me.
thank you.
I have a question about mastering. I have finished recording a cd and it is almost done being mixed. I was told I theoretically should get it mastered. What does that mean and is it important? I barely have enough money left to print the darned things.