discussed how to go about trying to contact record labels on your own. But the surest way to get your music heard by decision-makers at labels is to be represented by an entertainment attorney, manager, or producer. Unless you're already connected with an established manager or producer, it's not likely you'll be able to get one to represent you. They are almost exclusively interested in signed artists, as they realize the odds are not very high when they are shopping a new group.
Remember, this is a business of "who you know." Unfortunately, to get to the right people, you need someone who is on the "inside." And like anything else in the world these days, you have to pay for that service. The most readily available method of have your music properly shopped is to hire an entertainment attorney.
A young band often has trouble coming up with the $2,500 to $10,000 an established attorney will command for the shopping of a band to the major labels. They will also usually require a percentage of whatever deal they are able to attain for the group, which not only insures their continued participation in the profits of a successful band, but gives them motivation to successfully attain a deal.
I've heard many musicians, as well as other industry people, question the payment of a retainer. "If they believe in the tape, they should be willing to do it for a percentage of what they get," is a commonly heard refrain. It is a logical assumption, and seems to make a good deal of sense. But remember, this is the music business, and a lot of things that make sense don't apply to this industry1x I have dealt with some of the top attorneys in the business, and talked with a good deal more, and have yet to find one with a track record that will work "on spec." It's just too risky a business, and too time consuming a process, for someone established in their career, and who has worked to develop the connections that are required, to work without compensation.
The retainer is a lawyers way of getting paid for his work, whether or not he is successful, and covers expenses (it takes A LOT of phone calls, mailings, faxes, taking record execs to dinner, etc., to get interest in a band.)
I really wish I could tell you an attorney that will work for a percentage only, but I'm afraid I have not met one yet (at least not one that is well connected, and with a track record of successful shopping). A part of the thought process may be that if you can't sell your band to an investor to come up with retainer money, than how do you expect them to sell it to a record label?
In a business of "who you know" you need someone from the "inside" to get to the right people. And like anything else, you have to pay for that service.
