How to get a record contract

Ebony, July, 2002

"Anywhere you can perform, go," she says. "Music is about giving and if you don't give your talent, no one is going to know about you. Sing wherever you can sing. Once you get with musicians on the local circuit, the word will get out. And get to know the record promoters for the major companies. They are usually the folks who scout new talent."

Remember, the sky is the limit. form at music seminars, such as Chicago's Annual WGCI Music Seminar, which attracts the top recording artists in the music industry, or compete for a spot on Showtime at the Apollo. Be willing to travel--the more people who see your act, the bigger your hype, and the bigger your hype, the more likely you'll get your record deal.

Rule 4 Hobnob With The Industry Types

THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS BUILT ON RELATIONSHIPS, so getting your foot in the door boils down to meeting the right people at the right time. If you dig deep enough, somebody you know probably knows somebody in the music industry. It's your job to track them down and get your demo into their hands. If your aunt has an associate who has a cousin who works for Babyface, get her to call him. If your sister-in-law went to school with Jermaine Dupri, get her to call him. Never be shy about meeting new people and telling them what your goals are. You never know where your connections might take you.

Rule 5 Create Your Own Opportunity

SOMETIMES, THE ANGEL OF OPPORTUNITY JUST DOESN'T COME KNOCKING--you've got to get out there and hunt her down. Recording megastar India.Arie started writing songs as a preteen. She formed an independent label, and released a compilation CD of several artists, which led to an invitation to perform as part of the 1998 Lilith Fair concert tour--where she eventually caught the attention of Motown records.

Years ago, Master P, enriched by a $10,000 inheritance, opened an independent record store, No Limit Records, and studied the music business. The industry watched in awe as his record store grew into the No Limit recording label; his first release sold more than 100,000 units without a major distributor. It didn't take long for the record execs to come knocking on his door, whistling to the tune of "Let's Make A Deal." The bottom line here, folks, is that the music industry is highly competitive so it's best to use what you've got to get where you want to be. Or, as the streetwise say, "Get in where you fit in."

Rule 6 Hang In There

BEFORE JAMES BROWN WAS CROWNED "THE GODFATHER OF SOUL," he earned his keep by running errands for soldiers and entertaining them with his dancing, all the while enticing them to drop by his aunt's business.

Before Mariah Carey struck it rich, she spent countless days sweeping up hair at a beauty salon.

Before Tupac Shakur made it big, he was a go-fer who carried music equipment for the hip-hop group Digital Underground.

For these artists and many others, it took years, not days, to get over. You shouldn't expect instant superstardom (although it does happen), and you shouldn't fall down and play dead when you hear the first no. Rejections are part of the process. Ann Nesby says, "Don't let rejection make you retreat from your dream. Try to find a mentor or a successful artist and get advice from them. Most of all believe in yourself."