What do you think record labels look out for now?

Question

I think that record labels don't give a crap about talent anymore. Once you have like 1% talent, skinny and can do some performing. Then you'll be heading straight for a nice label. Or if your band can perform good, even if your singer sucks *** you're good enough. Getting a record deal isn't what it was like before.

Answer 1

I agree. I feel that the only thing they look for in the songs and artist is well, sex.



Sex sells. Raunchy songs with lowlife singers.

Answer 2

I was going to answer this question but instead I think I will just place in here the answer from Sellaband.com's CEO on a similar question.



Q You have been in the biz for most of your career. Our inquiring minds would like your advice on success here on SellaBand and also in the real world. What does it take to ‘make it?’ In the music world, either here or there?



A: “There is no such thing as a formula for success in this industry. I’ve met many ladies in my time who had sold millions of records, but being able to sing in key was not one of their talents;-) And vice versa, to think that talent alone is enough to make it is a very naïve assumption. Sure, musical talent and songwriting skills do help, but in this day and age you need a good business sense as well. My advice to anyone -be it here on SellaBand or elsewhere- who wants to have a sustainable career in music, would be threefold: 1. Know what your strengths are, but also acknowledge your own weaknesses and limitations. 2. Get a good manager, or have at least somebody or a team of people around you who can do business and make tough decisions on your behalf and who is/are not afraid to tell you the truth either. 3. Follow your heart. At the end of the day you will last longer in this business if the things you do make you happy. Sometimes you will have to compromise but at the end of the day you must always be able to look in the mirror and say: ‘I’m proud of what I’ve done so far.’.”

Answer 3

Record labels are ALWAYS looking to sign new talent. And unless you know higher-ups personally, the best way to get signed is to just keep performing; get your name out, use MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube. And above all, be good. If you aren't talented, you aren't going to get signed anywhere. Make people believe that you really are as good as you say you are and you'll be golden. Trust me.

Answer 4

Obsolescence.

Answer 5

If you're hot and don't mind being nude on camera for a music video.

Answer 6

Sex is the obsession of Hollywood and music.

Answer 7

Uhh... Late Shooo.....