As an aspiring artist, one of the most common dreams is to get signed by a record label. In a place like Nigeria, where the music industry is booming and the competition is fierce, landing a record deal can feel like the golden ticket to success. But the reality is that getting signed isn’t as simple as having a great song or being a talented artist. It takes strategy, persistence, and, above all, understanding how the industry works.
At The Plant Entertainment, we’ve worked with artists at all levels and have seen what it takes to catch the attention of a label. So, let’s talk about some practical steps you can take to increase your chances of getting signed by a record label.
- Develop Your Unique Sound and Identity
Before you even think about approaching a record label, you need to know who you are as an artist. Labels aren’t just looking for people who can sing or rap; they’re looking for artists with a distinct sound and identity. What sets you apart from the countless other artists out there?
Spend time honing your craft, experimenting with different sounds, and figuring out what makes your music special. Is it your storytelling, your energy, your fusion of genres? Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that resonates with you and will resonate with listeners.
- Build a Strong Online Presence
In today’s digital age, having an online presence is non-negotiable. Labels often look at an artist’s social media platforms, streaming numbers, and overall engagement before deciding to sign them. This means you need to be active on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and even LinkedIn if it makes sense for your brand.
Post content regularly, engage with your followers, and use these platforms to showcase your personality as well as your music. Your social media isn’t just a way to promote your songs; it’s a chance to build a connection with your audience. If a label sees that you have a dedicated fan base—even if it’s small but growing—they’ll know that you have potential.
- Consistently Release Music
One of the biggest mistakes up-and-coming artists make is waiting too long between releases. If you want to catch a label’s attention, you need to be consistent with your music output. This doesn’t mean you have to drop an album every month, but regular releases—whether it’s singles, EPs, or even freestyles—show that you’re serious about your career and that you’re constantly creating.
Consistency also keeps you on your audience’s radar. The more you release, the more opportunities you have to reach new listeners and build momentum. Plus, it gives a label a clearer picture of what you’re capable of musically.
- Network and Build Industry Relationships
Talent is important, but who you know in the industry can often be just as important. Networking isn’t about being fake or pushy; it’s about building genuine relationships with people in the music world. This includes producers, promoters, other artists, DJs, and even the staff at labels. Attend industry events, go to shows, and try to connect with people who can help you get your foot in the door.
Sometimes, it’s the people you meet who can vouch for your talent and open doors that you couldn’t open on your own. Labels are more likely to take notice of you if you’ve been recommended by someone they trust.
- Perform Live as Much as Possible
Live performances are one of the best ways to prove your talent. Whether it’s small gigs, open mics, or opening for bigger artists, performing live allows you to show that you can command a stage and engage with an audience. Labels want to see that you’re more than just a studio artist—they want someone who can deliver a memorable live experience.
Start performing wherever you can, and don’t be afraid to start small. As you gain more experience and build your stage presence, you’ll become a more attractive prospect for labels.
- Create a Professional Demo or EPK
When you’re ready to approach labels, you’ll need something to present. This is where a professional demo or an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) comes in. Your demo should include a few of your best songs—ideally, the ones that best represent your style and what you want to be known for. Make sure these tracks are professionally recorded and mixed; you want to put your best foot forward.
Your EPK should include not only your music but also your bio, high-quality photos, links to your social media, and any press or notable achievements you’ve had. This is essentially your resume as an artist, and it should look polished and professional.
- Stay Persistent and Resilient
Rejection is a part of the process. Not every label will say yes, and that’s okay. The key is to stay persistent and resilient. Keep improving your craft, keep releasing music, and keep building your fan base. Some of the biggest artists in the world faced rejection early in their careers, but they didn’t give up.
Don’t let a few “no’s” discourage you. Keep putting yourself out there, and eventually, the right opportunity will come your way.
- Consider Independent Labels
Many artists dream of signing with major labels, but there’s a lot of value in working with independent labels as well. Indie labels often give artists more creative control and offer more personalized attention than larger labels. Plus, indie labels are often more willing to take a chance on emerging talent.
Don’t overlook smaller labels—they could be the perfect fit for you and could help you grow in ways that a major label might not.
- Showcase Your Work Ethic
Labels aren’t just looking for talent—they’re looking for artists who are willing to put in the work. The music industry is demanding, and labels want to know that you’re committed to your career. Show them that you’re serious by being proactive, whether that’s by booking your own shows, organizing your own promotions, or consistently creating and sharing content.
Your work ethic will speak volumes, and it can be the difference between being passed over and being signed.
Conclusion
Getting signed to a record label in Nigeria isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. It takes a combination of talent, hard work, consistency, and networking. By staying true to your unique sound, building a strong online presence, performing live, and developing relationships in the industry, you can increase your chances of catching a label’s attention.
At The Plant Entertainment, we believe in empowering artists to take control of their careers and put themselves in the best position for success. The journey may be tough, but with dedication and a clear plan, you can make it happen. Keep pushing, keep creating, and keep believing in your dream. You’ve got this!