How To Sign A Record Label Contract As A Musician in Kenya

Do you have fantastic music and want to get signed to a label? Or have you ever wondered how musicians were able to break through to major labels and be signed? Are you looking forward to signing a record label contract as a musician soon? That’s a great step you can take to distribute your music to your audiences. But first, you need to know exactly what is a recording contract. Well, a recording contract is a legal agreement between a recording artist and a record label that is most commonly signed by both parties. While getting signed to a label can open a lot of doors for you as an artist, there’s no way to sugarcoat it: getting signed to a label is more difficult now than it has ever been. 

For starters, there are so many artists vying for the attention of record labels that getting an audience is practically impossible unless you’re really well connected. Second, the record labels are not taking nearly as many risks with their money because of the constant change in the industry. This is why so many artists are learning to make a living on their own, and why so many label artists are now deciding to go independent.

Reasons to Sign a Record Label

Signing a music label in Kenya can be a difficult and time-consuming process. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t try to get signed, or that you shouldn’t try to get signed. The good news is that you don’t have to wait to be found or signed before starting your career as a recording artist, and there are lots of independent artists who are thriving without a record deal. Below are some reasons you need to sign a music label;

• Make a good impression.

The first reason is if you wish to start a record label to self-release your records as an independent musician. These labels are effectively micro-businesses or fronts for the artists, handling their finances and rights administration. In order to gain more control, an independent artist may frequently form a corporation in their own name and transfer the master rights to that label.

• Represent and promote other artists

The second alternative is the more traditional one. As a music professional, you wish to build a record label to represent artists in the recording industry: scouting for talent, financing the recording process (maybe), and handling the release’s marketing and distribution.

However, if you believe you have what it takes and want to give it a shot, you may at the very least work toward getting signed while continuing to develop your career on other fronts, and if it occurs, it’s simply gravy. I’ll give you some practical advice on how to position yourself for a record deal. However, even a little music industry expertise may provide you with the information and tools you need to get started and eventually flourish. 

Steps to Registering a Record Label

Read through in order to have an idea of how to sign a music label;

• Choose the type of Music

While genre lines are blurring more and more these days, most labels continue to focus on a distinct sound, niche, or market that caters to a specific audience. First and foremost, define what kind of music your record company specializes in and what your label’s project like this will help you establish your identity. You must ensure that your song is completely mind-blowingly great.

• Be Professionally Unique

Labels are increasingly searching for artists that can make it great on their own, with large and devoted fan bases, innovative marketing approaches, and excellent branding skills. This is rapidly becoming a critical component of the equation. They want to pick up acts that may otherwise become viral. These are the fundamentals to be aware of as an artist searching for a deal. When it comes to getting signed, great music is rarely enough. That is simply the truth.

• Network

Make friends with the label’s employees. Make some new buddies while you’re at it. You want them to get to know you and create a positive relationship with them. This will later be used to determine whether or not you will be given preferential treatment when submitting tracks.

• Submitting you music

Please submit a high-quality demo. A lot of music is sent to good labels, which can be overwhelming. To get your music heard, you must submit high-quality music.

Example of Recording Labels in Kenya

• Janeson Recordings
• Kassanga Music Centre
• Ngemu Gospel Sounds
• Johari Cleff
• Sub Sahara Ltd
• Studio Sawa Sound Limited
• Jojo Records
• Love Child Records
• Times Square Entertainment
• Calif Entertainment Africa Co. Ltd
• Rain Maker Limited
• Verony Productions
• Ketebul Music
• Prohabo Entertainment
• Mzaramo Productions
• Simba Sound Creations
• BMF
• Kilele Music & Art Studio
• Ogopa Deejays
• Homeboyz Entertainment
• AI Records
• Hitscore Records
• Matunda Productions
• Tamasha Corporations
• 4 Play Records
• Decimal Media Ltd

What the record label expects from artists

1. That you record something special and exclusive for them
2. That any tracks recorded for them will not be re-recorded for any other firm for a period of time after the agreement expires.
3. That you have no outstanding contracts with any other label.
4. That you grant them permission to use approved images and biographical information for publicity.
5. That you will commit a suitable amount of time to interviews and publicity.
6. That you give them permission to market your recorded performances in advance, regardless of future technology.

What to Watch Out for if a Record Label has been Offered to You

• Term: A recording contract specifies the length of time you will be signed solely to a label.
• Decisions: When it comes to artistic and financial decisions, the label will always have the final word.
• Ownership Rights: All recordings you make during the Term, as well as any marketing materials you supply, will almost probably be solely owned by the label for the duration of the copyright.

Why not sign a record label today!