Step: 1
DEMO
The first thing a band or artist needs is a demo. Put your best
three songs on a CD and have it ready at all times. It is too difficult
for A&R reps to drive out to your show, especially if they don't
know what they're expecting. First you need to send a good copy
of your music. Don't mail out a home recording to a record label,
this is a representation of your group, and your sound. If the recording
quality is no good, they will think you don't care about what you
sound like. Get a good demo together before anything.
 Search
for recording studios
Step: 2
BOOK SHOWS
You can't sell your demo to anyone if they don't hear your music
first. Find the local clubs and bars that cater to your groups sound,
and start playing there. Don't be afraid to call, clubs need bands
to make money, they want to hear from you. When you do book a show,
promote for it. There is no point in playing a show if no one is
there to hear it. When you are looking for local clubs to play,
keep in mind the clubs that are most popular, where people will
be already, bring your music to them.
Search
for local clubs
Step: 3
MARKET YOURSELF
Promote any way you can. Success in the music business at any level
requires dedication, persistence, energy, and passion. It simply
isn't good business to wait for an audience to find you. You must
reach out to your audience and find them. The best way to get your
music to an A&R person is to cause them to come to you. Get
out there and market yourself, dress according to your sound, have
good music, a good recording of it, a good show, and a good fan
base. If you want attention from A&R, you have to have the attention
of the fans. It is doubtful A&R will take calls or demos from
every person who wants to pitch their music to them, if they did
they wouldn't have time to do any of their other work.
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for marketing ideas
Step: 4
MANAGERS
Managers can help shop your group for a record deal, but only if
they have the connections to get your music to the right people.
It's not impossible, but friends, or family with no music industry
experience usually aren't going to be able to get through locked
industry doors. The right manager for this task can be hard to find,
and must be carefully chosen. You don't want to get tied up in complicated
legal contracts with inexperienced managers who will need to be
replaced once a record deal comes along. Most managers will take
between 10% and 20% of an artist's gross income; including record
royalties, publishing income, and touring and merchandising income.
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for a manager
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