Getting a record deal as a 12-year-old isn’t that different from getting a record deal in general, but you do need to have a parent to represent you, since you’re not of age to sign contracts yourself. Here are some tips for getting that deal you want; just make sure your parents approve and are informed of every step along the way. Most of what you need to do is just catch the attention of someone in the industry, and by following some of the following tips you’ll have a good way of getting your name out there.
Instructions
1. Have formal training in music or dance. It will tighten up your performance skills and make you a more viable candidate for a record company to pick up. The key to getting a record deal is impressing the companies. They must envision you as an asset, and the easier you make it for them to see that, the better your chances. Also, decide which type of music you want to do and the type of persona you want to have. Gentle country singer? Punk rocker? That’s for you to decide.
2. Make a demo CD, MP3 or tape. You can either do this on your own or find a professional to help you. Record your best songs, and make sure the recording is high quality and your best work. Now you have this to hand out and get your name in music circles.
3. Network yourself to producers and agents. Finding an agent can be a great help; an agent can do most of the legwork of spreading your name around, and most of them take a cut only if you’re hired into gigs, rather than charge a fee upfront.
4. Get some professional head shots to put a face with your voice or music. If you have a friend or family member who is great with a camera, you could also get them to do the photos for you; just make sure the photos look professional. Black-and-white photos are a good idea, and make sure you look the way you want people to see you. Use a digital camera and then a photo editing program to filter the image to black and white; otherwise, you’ll probably have to go to a specialty shop to get black-and-white film developed.
5. Post a video on a file-sharing site like YouTube to get your music, your name and your face out there. Just make sure it’s good quality and appropriate for your age.
6. Make a website with video and music recordings on it, along with some information about yourself (but not your address or anything like that!). Tell about what you want, why you want to do it, what kind of music you like and even your history in music. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to make business cards with your head shot and a link to your website and music to hand out to agents and other professionals.
7. Go to talent searches and auditions for talent shows. It’s a good way to get an idea of what you’re getting into, as well as to perform live in front of people who might be great connections.
