How To Get Signed To a Label

At Raw Material, we've made it a regular thing to ask our Young Creatives for advice they'd share with the wider online world.

This time we're sharing tips for getting signed by a label. It's important to say that while this is a very desirable prospect for most people, it's absolutely not essential for leading a fulfilled and happy creative life. That said, it's undoubtedly an avenue worth pursuing if you're someone with career aspirations for your music. We share all below:

1. REFINE YOUR SOUND. Keep developing your creative voice. Take inspiration from others while remaining true to yourself. 

2. PRIORITISE QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. Don't release for the sake of it. Make music you're proud of because it reflects you as an artist. 

3. THINK VISUALLY AS WELL AS MUSCIALLY. Consider how art and photography can enhance the visual component of your work. 

4. PERFORM LIVE. Lots of validation comes from being heard and appreciated by the public. 

5. GIVE BACK TO THOSE WHO SUPPORT YOU. We're all in this together. Share the love!

6. MAKE A NAME FOR YOURSELF. Take steps to develop your brand by networking actively ad utilising social media. 

7. EMBRACE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY. Business tools and music industry services can take your music to new audiences. 

8. BE PROACTIVE. Opportunities generally don't find you - you find them!

9. REFLECT AND IMPROVE. Continuously reflect on your practice and seek advice from people whose judgement you trust.

10. BE YOURSELF. Nobody does you like you. You're already onto something just by being yourself. 

Raw Material offers a wide array of opportunities for young people to develop themselves as creatives. If you're looking to learn new skills, meet creative people with whom to collaborate or turn your music into a professional grade album, find out what Raw can do for you by browsing our full list of creative programmes.