SHOULD YOU PAY TO MEET WITH RECORD LABEL A&R’S?
By Indy Fontaine
CEO of TrackHustle.com
There are countless services that guarantee access to record labels. They all have one thing in common: they charge a fee. Whether you are going to a demo shopping conference or loading tracks through an internet profile, you are asked to pay one way or another. Should you pay? It depends on what outcome you expect.
If you are looking to get feedback from a record label and you can afford to meet with the A&R via phone or in person, then it could be worth a minimal fee. I stress that you should be able to talk with the record label A&R. If you are dealing with a service where you never speak with them then how do you know they actually have listened to your music. Also, the A&R is responsible for finding talent for the record label. That is the person you need to be getting feedback from. Don’t pay big bucks for a meeting with the head of promotions for the record label.
Speaking to an A&R through one of these services will probably run you around $300. Keep in mind that you are getting feedback. This does not guarantee you a record deal. The chances that you are going to get signed through one of these services is slim. If you are a music producer there is more of a chance that you will sell a beat than an artist trying to get signed because there is a bigger risk when signing an artist.
There is an unwritten motto among A&R’s: If you are a star, they will find you. You need to figure out ways to bring them to you, not pay to meet them; unless you are genuinely looking for feedback or are sure your talent will make them sign you. Just don’t get disappointed if you spend $300 and don’t get signed. Other than feedback, see it as a way to start a relationship with the A&R for that record label.
ATTN Mag
O Squared
Attn Correspondent
