How to Get Signed to a Record Label? 5 Essential Tips for Artists

Breaking into the music industry and getting signed to a record label might seem like a big challenge, but it's possible with the right approach, tools, and mindset. Here are five tips to guide you on your journey and help you take the next step in your music career.

1. Nail the Production Quality

One of the first things a label looks for is production quality. As Daniel Lee, General Manager at NCS, explains:

"I'm usually super hooked if the production quality is there. That shows me if a track has potential or not, and I get into the rest of the track from there. Having a unique vocal is always a big plus too."

Invest time in perfecting your sound. Whether it’s upgrading your gear, working with a skilled mixing engineer, or simply honing your craft, ensure your tracks are polished and showcase your potential. Remember, first impressions matter.

2. Choose a Killer Preview

When submitting your music, your 20-second preview placement is critical. According to Oliver Leonard, A&R at Enhanced Music:

"You have that long — probably less — to showcase your production skills, the best features of your song, and also show us that your sound and style as an artist aligns with ours as a label. It is the elevator pitch equivalent of demo submissions."

Be strategic about which part of your track you highlight in your preview. Showcase a hook, drop, or melody that will immediately grab the listener’s attention and make them want to hear more.

3. Build Your Catalog

Labels aren’t just signing songs — they’re investing in artists. That’s why having multiple tracks ready to go is so important. Jeroen te Rehorst, Head of A&R at Armada Music, emphasizes:

"The most exciting thing is to find an unknown artist and turn them into a global star. It's important when considering an artist that they have multiple tracks ready, as our intention is always to build a long-term career for the artist with us."

Think beyond a single hit. Develop a cohesive body of work that reflects your unique sound and vision as an artist. This shows labels you’re ready for a long-term partnership.

4. Use Platforms That Simplify the Process

Finding the right label to sign your music shouldn’t be a guessing game. Platforms like LabelRadar provide a straightforward way to connect with labels actively scouting for new music. Instead of scouring the internet for contact forms and wondering whether labels are open to submissions, LabelRadar eliminates the uncertainty and streamlines the process.

With features like real-time updates on your submissions, you’re never left in the dark. You’ll know exactly when a label views your track or takes action, saving you time and giving you peace of mind. By offering direct access to decision-makers, LabelRadar helps you focus on what matters most: creating great music. 

Derek Clark, co-founder of LabelRadar alongside Ed Brew and brothers Juan/Seba Ferreras, explains, "As someone who's experienced the frustrations of unanswered demo submissions, the team and I created a platform that helps bridge that gap. At LabelRadar (now part of The Beatport Group), we aim to make it easier for artists and labels to connect in meaningful ways, empowering talent to shine and careers to flourish."

In addition to connecting with labels, LabelRadar also offers opportunities to grow your career, such as remix contests and collaboration matching. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, LabelRadar’s mission is to connect artists with opportunities that accelerate their growth.

5. Build Your Brand

Your music speaks volumes, but so does your brand. Labels are looking for artists with a story, aesthetic, and clear direction. Jonathan Winter, A&R Operations Lead at Monstercat, shares:

"The best pro-tip to start with is to fill out your LabelRadar profile with your details — it's so much more helpful when checking out a track with a complete artist profile. I love to dive into an artist's brand and check out what their project is all about."

Your brand doesn’t need to be perfect, but the more you’ve developed your identity as an artist, the more appealing you’ll be to labels. Use tools like LabelRadar to create a professional profile that allows you to make a great first impression.

Getting signed to a record label takes effort, strategy, and persistence. By focusing on your production quality, creating impactful previews, building a catalog of tracks, developing your brand, and leveraging tools, you can set yourself apart from the competition.

The music industry is all about connections — and LabelRadar is here to help you make them. Start your journey today by signing up and submitting your tracks to labels that are ready to discover fresh talent.

Ready to take the next step? Sign up on LabelRadar.