How Are Indie Labels Looking for Artists?

You're looking to get signed by an indie label. It shouldn't be that hard, right? Aren't indie labels looking for artists? The answer is yes, but some labels are looking more eagerly than others. Finding out which labels are looking for artists can help you get your demo to the record labels most likely to help you get a record contract.


In one sense, all labels are looking for artists, because the music business is ever changing. Every label is looking for the next big thing, and that could always be you. So unless a label specifically states that it is not looking for new talent or that it already taps a source for its talent, there is some chance that a label will hear you and sign you. But if a label states that it is actively seeking new talent and looks like it is rising to more success, this may be a quicker way for you to get a record deal.

How do you know if an indie label is looking for talent? Check out the "FAQ," "Submissions," or "Contact Us" pages on a label's site. These will contain information about where and how to send your demo to indie labels, but will often also contain information about how actively the label is seeking new talent, or how often it processes submitted material.

Many indie labels take a casual approach to demo submission and new artists. Sub Pop, perhaps the most famous of indie labels, gives a submissions address on the site and claims that it's always open to new talent, but also that its representatives do not listen to the demos systematically. If an indie label has a large talent roster that it has to take care of, it may not be actively seeking new artists, though it will consider them. Smaller indie labels are hungrier for new talent, but you must be cautious not to sign with a label that has not proven itself as a good vehicle for its artists.

Online communities, like music industry forums, can also be a good source for discovering labels looking for new artists. Find out where the buzz is, which labels are emerging on the scene. Make sure you have a quality web presence with a great MySpace page and custom website; independent record labels often discover their next big act through Internet content.

When searching for indie labels looking for artists, keep on top of the buzz through internet communities and discussion groups. Network as much as you can to find people in the know in the indie music scene. Look at what the labels have to say on their sites about whether they are actively seeking new artists. And always be prepared to get discovered by maintaining a top-notch website and social networking presence. You're sure to find the right label for your music to be heard, and maybe even get an independent record deal.