Best ways for your band to get signed?

[ohman]

Hey i was wondering if anyone had any input on how to get your band signed... Such as that do's and donts of what to do on getting your bands name out there!

[steviestare]

Get your name out locally from playing small venues. BEFORE you whore yourself on myspace. Or you'll just be another one of "those bands".

[Getup and Dance]

Hold up a radio station and make your demands that you want to get signed.

[viva la cymche!]

Flyers. This might sound strange, but don't go on tour. Trust me, get a good following in your local "scene". Go out occasionally for shows on the weekends, but keep it at that. Touring is just a waste of money.

[thespearkid]

Start your own record label. It's punker.

[llwilliamsll]

Hold up a radio station and make your demands that you want to get signed.
Fuck yeah Airheads

[AP_Punk]

record a "screamo" cover of a soulja boy song,

[speed]

Do like Brand New .... start very medicore band, over-hype yourself, then find somebody at a label with the money to figure ways out too fool a lot of kids into thinking you are really diffrent and too hype you even more. Then walk away from said label and hook up with an even more powerful label with tons of more money so they can over hype you and find even more ways too convince the very large, jump on the band wagon public that you are "special" or "original" ..... for added flavor make sure you push the "mystic" angle of your rather whiney front boy.

OR you could just take your time and ACTUALLY do something of originality and focus. It will take longer, but it'll be worth it later.

[xhandgunxheart]

Do like Brand New .... start very medicore band, over-hype yourself, then find somebody at a label with the money to figure ways out too fool a lot of kids into thinking you are really diffrent and too hype you even more. Then walk away from said label and hook up with an even more powerful label with tons of more money so they can over hype you and find even more ways too convince the very large, jump on the band wagon public that you are "special" or "original" ..... for added flavor make sure you push the "mystic" angle of your rather whiney front boy.

OR you could just take your time and ACTUALLY do something of originality and focus. It will take longer, but it'll be worth it later.
or you could do it like Brand New ACTUALLY did:
be a really good band.

[steviestare]

Uh oh, someone bashed Brand New. They flood gates have opened.

[The Personist]

Do like Brand New .... start very medicore band, over-hype yourself, then find somebody at a label with the money to figure ways out too fool a lot of kids into thinking you are really diffrent and too hype you even more. Then walk away from said label and hook up with an even more powerful label with tons of more money so they can over hype you and find even more ways too convince the very large, jump on the band wagon public that you are "special" or "original" ..... for added flavor make sure you push the "mystic" angle of your rather whiney front boy.

OR you could just take your time and ACTUALLY do something of originality and focus. It will take longer, but it'll be worth it later.

You're an idiot. There are so many things wrong with your post (beyond the grammatical shit show that is how you type). It was clearly born out of desire to make fun of a band that deserves all the hype they get, and yet instead of making you cool and different from all the fans of this very talented band, you come across as a contrivance, a banality brought about by broadband whose only goal was to establish that Brand New sux. Well, they don't "sux," sir; in fact, if you could write songs half as well as Jesse and Vin, you'd probably be famous. And I'd like to see you outdo Jesse when it comes to lyrics. Yeah, I thought so.

Honestly, it's people like you that give people who genuinely just can't get into Brand New's music a terrible name. You try so hard to prove that they're just a fluke in the scene, a band that shouldn't have been but was anyways. When will you realize that you're wrong? That they deserve the success they have because they are talented and original? Well, as soon as you can get over yourself and your obvious disdain for talent, come back and post a less absolutely insipid answer to this question.


or you could do it like Brand New ACTUALLY did:
be a really good band.

This.

[Neo Cassady]

lol @ people still caring that much about Brand New.

Best advice is what other people have said: start local. Book gigs in your town, advertise by word of mouth and fliers until you think it's overkill, then do it some more.

Or sell your soul and play shitty Brokencyde-esque stuff. That'll get all the girls.

[xhandgunxheart]

Best advice is what other people have said: start local. Book gigs in your town, advertise by word of mouth and fliers until you think it's overkill, then do it some more.
This truly is the best way to do it. Just work hard

[fadedmemories]

Shake It.

[The Personist]

Shake It.

THIS.

Or accidentally buy a Purevolume thing and record a song about some chick in a day and post it.



And make sure your pants are tight enough.

[fadedmemories]

THIS.

Or accidentally buy a Purevolume thing and record a song about some chick in a day and post it.



And make sure your pants are tight enough.
Don't forget to make sure everyone in your band has swoop haircuts.

[x togepi x]

honestly the best way to get signed is to make your band seem like they don't need to be signed. but don't take my word for it, indie labels say the same thing.

[xhandgunxheart]

Don't forget to make sure everyone in your band has swoop haircuts.
And Glamour Kills clothes!

[The Personist]

Don't forget to make sure everyone in your band has swoop haircuts.

If you're the singer, you should stop eating so you are a twig. And then hit on underage girls.

Don't forget tight pants, either. I can't stress that enough.

[thesafeword]

Do like Brand New .... start very medicore band, over-hype yourself, then find somebody at a label with the money to figure ways out too fool a lot of kids into thinking you are really diffrent and too hype you even more. Then walk away from said label and hook up with an even more powerful label with tons of more money so they can over hype you and find even more ways too convince the very large, jump on the band wagon public that you are "special" or "original" ..... for added flavor make sure you push the "mystic" angle of your rather whiney front boy.

OR you could just take your time and ACTUALLY do something of originality and focus. It will take longer, but it'll be worth it later.
Tone the edginess down a little bit.

[fadedmemories]

And Glamour Kills clothes!

If you're the singer, you should stop eating so you are a twig. And then hit on underage girls.

Don't forget tight pants, either. I can't stress that enough.
If anyone wants to start a band, he/she should check this thread out, you can't fail with these.

[steviestare]

If anyone wants to start a band, he/she should check this thread out, you can't fail with these.

Win.

[The Personist]

If anyone wants to start a band, he/she should check this thread out, you can't fail with these.

Is it too late to add "dance beats" to the equation?

[xhandgunxheart]

If anyone wants to start a band, he/she should check this thread out, you can't fail with these.
With all of this advice in front of me, I'll just have to start a new band.
First I need to figure out what size girl pants i wear...

Is it too late to add "dance beats" to the equation?
And buying a pop-up add on music websites advertising your tour with Jeffree Starr

[fadedmemories]

Is it too late to add "dance beats" to the equation?
How could we have forgotten?! They are essential to making it.
With all of this advice in front of me, I'll just have to start a new band.
First I need to figure out what size girl pants i wear...

And buying a pop-up add on music websites advertising your tour with Jeffree Starr
Just make sure they are one size smaller, and they should be neon colored

[xhandgunxheart]

How could we have forgotten?! They are essential to making it.

Just make sure they are one size smaller, and they should be neon colored
I was actually thinking of heading to the Little Girls section of my nearest department store. I'm sure they have something small enough.

[The Personist]

With all of this advice in front of me, I'll just have to start a new band.
First I need to figure out what size girl pants i wear...


And buying a pop-up add on music websites advertising your tour with Jeffree Starr

This.

I guess you could also go to the other end of the spectrum:

br00tal breakdowns that make you soooo hxc.

[fadedmemories]

I was actually thinking of heading to the Little Girls section of my nearest department store. I'm sure they have something small enough.
You're on your way to scene stardom!
This.

I guess you could also go to the other end of the spectrum:

br00tal breakdowns that make you soooo hxc.
Don't forget, you need a screamer and a growler.

[xhandgunxheart]

This.

I guess you could also go to the other end of the spectrum:

br00tal breakdowns that make you soooo hxc.
Basketball shorts and flat-brimmed hats, motha fucka!

You're on your way to scene stardom!

Don't forget, you need a screamer and a growler.
And to change at least one member with every album

[The Personist]

Basketball shorts and flat-brimmed hats, motha fucka!

Well, you could also do tight neon pants and the whole screamy growly thing. I mean, it works.

I was also thinking about how you could go the City Lights route...

[speed]

You're an idiot. There are so many things wrong with your post (beyond the grammatical shit show that is how you type). It was clearly born out of desire to make fun of a band that deserves all the hype they get, and yet instead of making you cool and different from all the fans of this very talented band, you come across as a contrivance, a banality brought about by broadband whose only goal was to establish that Brand New sux. Well, they don't "sux," sir; in fact, if you could write songs half as well as Jesse and Vin, you'd probably be famous. And I'd like to see you outdo Jesse when it comes to lyrics. Yeah, I thought so.

Honestly, it's people like you that give people who genuinely just can't get into Brand New's music a terrible name. You try so hard to prove that they're just a fluke in the scene, a band that shouldn't have been but was anyways. When will you realize that you're wrong? That they deserve the success they have because they are talented and original? Well, as soon as you can get over yourself and your obvious disdain for talent, come back and post a less absolutely insipid answer to this question.


Wow, what a simple minded cry baby.

:-d

lol @ people still caring that much about Brand New.

Best advice is what other people have said: start local. Book gigs in your town, advertise by word of mouth and fliers until you think it's overkill, then do it some more.

Or sell your soul and play shitty Brokencyde-esque stuff. That'll get all the girls.

Best post. Entire thread.

[xhandgunxheart]

Well, you could also do tight neon pants and the whole screamy growly thing. I mean, it works.

I was also thinking about how you could go the City Lights route...
V-necks and beer!

Wow, what a simple minded cry baby.
Hey, ArtgalleryAbortionclinic, you can now make a successful emo band!

[fadedmemories]

And to change at least one member with every album
Your drummer should also sing whiny clean vocals

[The Personist]

Wow, what a simple minded cry baby.

Wait, which one of us was trying to discredit an established name in this scene? I wasn't being whiny at all. You're just an idiot.

V-necks and beer!


Hey, ArtgalleryAbortionclinic, you can now make a successful emo band!
Awesome! Can I borrow your pants?

Your drummer should also be sing whiny clean vocals

Everyone in the band gets a mic so we can all sing harmonies. But we only know how to do the major third. So everyone sings that. And only two of us know how to sing. So the rest just yell things like, "FUCKIN' A! LET'S GET NAKED, BITCHESSSSS!" and masturbate their guitar necks.

[xhandgunxheart]

Everyone in the band gets a mic so we can all sing harmonies. But we only know how to do the major third. So everyone sings that. And only two of us know how to sing. So the rest just yell things like, "FUCKIN' A! LET'S GET NAKED, BITCHESSSSS!" and masturbate their guitar necks.
But only if the lead singer sings the least often and doesnt play any instrument because he's a fuckin' pussy (and I got it all on footage)

[The Personist]

But only if the lead singer sings the least often and doesnt play any instrument because he's a fuckin' pussy (and I got it all on footage)

Homie!

The guitarist should sing clean and wear tight pants and shit, but the "singer"--who does nothing but listen to garbage disposals and try to mimic their tone--should be short, fat, and have a buzzcut/shaved head.

Bonus points if you're Christian.


OR

Your singer should sing ridiculously high and be a drama queen diva who writes "deep" music he stole from Charles Bukowski and Shakespeare and Bob Dylan and Stephanie Meyer and Oprah.

With breakdowns.

[viva la cymche!]

Try to accumulate scene points. Once you get a certain amount, you get signed to Rise Records.

Here's a little graph to help you out!

Two Vocalists: 300 SP
Tight Pants: 25 SP (+25 SP for every size smaller than your actual waste size)
Breakdowns: 20 SP per breakdown
Glamourkills Sponsorship: 756 SP
Being able to do a multitude of various classical and technical guitar techniques: 10 SP
Being able to palm mute open strings and strum them up and down: 230 SP
Going on tour with Sufjan Stevens: 3 SP
Going on tour with A Static Lullaby: 350 SP

[fadedmemories]

Everyone in the band gets a mic so we can all sing harmonies. But we only know how to do the major third. So everyone sings that. And only two of us know how to sing. So the rest just yell things like, "FUCKIN' A! LET'S GET NAKED, BITCHESSSSS!" and masturbate their guitar necks.
and simultaneous choreograped headbanging.

[fadedmemories]

Never ever forget to swing your guitar around yourself.

[viva la cymche!]

Homie!

The guitarist should sing clean and wear tight pants and shit, but the "singer"--who does nothing but listen to garbage disposals and try to mimic their tone--should be short, fat, and have a buzzcut/shaved head.

Bonus points if you're Christian.


OR

Your singer should sing ridiculously high and be a drama queen diva who writes "deep" music he stole from Charles Bukowski and Shakespeare and Bob Dylan and Stephanie Meyer and Oprah.

With breakdowns. http://a374.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/121/l_cef376a1b884a8086429b82d2fbc0555. jpg

[xhandgunxheart]

Homie!

The guitarist should sing clean and wear tight pants and shit, but the "singer"--who does nothing but listen to garbage disposals and try to mimic their tone--should be short, fat, and have a buzzcut/shaved head.

Bonus points if you're Christian.


OR

Your singer should sing ridiculously high and be a drama queen diva who writes "deep" music he stole from Charles Bukowski and Shakespeare and Bob Dylan and Stephanie Meyer and Oprah.

With breakdowns.
If you go with that second approach, make sure your singer starts 3 or 4 indie side projects.

[The Personist]

http://a374.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/121/l_cef376a1b884a8086429b82d2fbc0555. jpg

Bonus points for the slipknot shirt and totally impassioned chugging of power chords.

[xhandgunxheart]

Try to accumulate scene points. Once you get a certain amount, you get signed to Rise Records.

Here's a little graph to help you out!

Two Vocalists: 300 SP
Tight Pants: 25 SP (+25 SP for every size smaller than your actual waste size)
Breakdowns: 20 SP per every time you hit the china cymbal.
Glamourkills Sponsorship: 756 SP
Being able to do a multitude of various classical and technical guitar techniques: 10 SP
Being able to palm mute open strings and strum them up and down: 230 SP
Going on tour with Sufjan Stevens: 3 SP
Going on tour with A Static Lullaby: 350 SP
fixed.

[The Personist]

If you go with that second approach, make sure your singer starts 3 or 4 indie side projects.

I think you need a blog, too, where you post insightful things about being vegan and underweight and on meth.

[xhandgunxheart]

Bonus points for the slipknot shirt and totally impassioned chugging of power chords.
n00b, those aren't power chords. He gets even more points because he's just chugging single notes.

[The Personist]

n00b, those aren't power chords. He gets even more points because he's just chugging single notes.

SHIT I just lost scene points.

I'mma go hit the china cymbal.

OH!

And every time you start a breakdown with an echoing, fading out "OH!" you get 1000000000 scene points.

[viva la cymche!]

fixed. 1o1l2tlmUTk

[fadedmemories]

And every time you start a breakdown with an echoing, fading out "OH!" you get 1000000000 scene points.
A breakdown cannot be a real breakdown without that

[viva la cymche!]

SHIT I just lost scene points.

I'mma go hit the china cymbal.

OH!

And every time you start a breakdown with an echoing, fading out "OH!" you get 1000000000 scene points. Do forget the occasional low growl of "move". And also telling the audience that you "want to see a fucking pit."

[The Personist]

A breakdown cannot be a real breakdown without that

Do forget the occasional low growl of "move". And also telling the audience that you "want to see a fucking pit."


Wall of death or gtfo.

[xhandgunxheart]

Do forget the occasional low growl of "move". And also telling the audience that you "want to see a fucking pit."
To quote Oli Sykes (your idol if you ever want to make it - and not because of his voice, because of his godly hair) "Lets see some violence"

[viva la cymche!]

To quote Oli Sykes (your idol if you ever want to make it - and not because of his voice, because of his godly hair) "Lets see some violence" PQAONFmw2BU

The archetype of the breakdown. Copy this exactly and your band shall be popular.

[fadedmemories]

To quote Oli Sykes (your idol if you ever want to make it - and not because of his voice, because of his godly hair) "Lets see some violence"
:-d

[The Personist]

PQAONFmw2BU

The archetype of the breakdown. Copy this exactly and your band shall be popular.

Choreography ftw

You should also write lyrics like that, too. It'll get you places.

[xhandgunxheart]

PQAONFmw2BU

The archetype of the breakdown. Copy this exactly and your band shall be popular.
Add some synth and you'll be more popular than Pete Wentz!

:-d
*cockney accent* "This... this bonnet - it makes girls instantly wet, it makes mothers cry, it makes babies happy"

[xhandgunxheart]

Choreography ftw

You should also write lyrics like that, too. It'll get you places.
"So why don't you just fuck yourself you stupid fucking whore."
Really, making out with Medusa is hardcore enough to get you popular without even playing music.

[viva la cymche!]

"So why don't you just fuck yourself you stupid fucking whore."
Really, making out with Medusa is hardcore enough to get you popular without even playing music. Don't forget, minimalism is key... when it comes to writing lyrics (ex. "Move... Bitch."). The exact opposite should be applied to breakdowns.

[fadedmemories]

The last few pages are fucking golden

[The Personist]

Don't forget, minimalism is key... when it comes to writing lyrics (ex. "Move... Bitch."). The exact opposite should be applied to breakdowns.

The more chugs, the better!

[viva la cymche!]

The more chugs, the better! Chuggachuggachuggachuggachugga (pause for hitting of cymbals, and maybe a little slow double bass) chugga chuga Chuggachuggachuggachuggachugga (vocalist should growl really low).

pretty much slow down the chugs until the end of the song, add some pinch harmonics here and there, and you've got yourself 4 records worth of material... if your together after your EP.

[The Personist]

Chuggachuggachuggachuggachugga (pause for hitting of cymbals, and maybe a little slow double bass) chugga chuga Chuggachuggachuggachuggachugga (vocalist should growl really low).

pretty much slow down the chugs until the end of the song, add some pinch harmonics here and there, and you've got yourself 4 records worth of material... if your together after your EP.

Seriously, I think we just created the next generation of bands...

Everyone in this thread should be proud.

[xhandgunxheart]

Chuggachuggachuggachuggachugga (pause for hitting of cymbals, and maybe a little slow double bass) chugga chuga Chuggachuggachuggachuggachugga (vocalist should growl really low).

pretty much slow down the chugs until the end of the song, add some pinch harmonics here and there, and you've got yourself 4 records worth of material... if your together after your EP.

Seriously, I think we just created the next generation of bands...

Everyone in this thread should be proud.

The last few pages are fucking golden
QFT.
I love you all.
fadedmemories and viva la cymche, add me.

[viva la cymche!]

Using the knowledge I have gained, I am going to start a nu-post-deathcore metalcore band. With a singer. Sooo experimental.

[The Personist]

Using the knowledge I have gained, I am going to start a nu-post-deathcore metalcore band. With a singer. Sooo experimental.

You should add me. Then let me join your band. Can I be the vocalist/synth player/guy who runs around with his arms crossed in the air during all the breakdowns/every song?

[fadedmemories]

Seriously, I think we just created the next generation of bands...

Everyone in this thread should be proud.
We saved music.

:party:

[xhandgunxheart]

TS, I hope we helped you!

[viva la cymche!]

You should add me. Then let me join your band. Can I be the vocalist/synth player/guy who runs around with his arms crossed in the air during all the breakdowns/every song? YES. I'll just be the vocalist. I can only scream half of one song live, but it'll sound good on the album!

[The Personist]

THREADKILL

OH
(chuggachuggachug)

[The Personist]

YES. I'll just be the vocalist. I can only scream half of one song live, but it'll sound good on the album!

The crowd'll cover you. They know all the words from myspace.

[xhandgunxheart]

YES. I'll just be the vocalist. I can only scream half of one song live, but it'll sound good on the album!
I've got drums. I just need to buy a double bass pedal, a snare, and a china cymbal.

and that means fadedmemories will have to play both guitar and bass. dont worry though, you'll just chug open strings.

[fadedmemories]

Using the knowledge I have gained, I am going to start a nu-post-deathcore metalcore band. With a singer. Sooo experimental.

You should add me. Then let me join your band. Can I be the vocalist/synth player/guy who runs around with his arms crossed in the air during all the breakdowns/every song?

Can I be the "bassist" that does guitar flips 12 times per song?

[The Personist]

Can I be the "bassist" that does guitar flips 12 times per song?

Only twelve?

That's pussy shit.

[viva la cymche!]

The crowd'll cover you. They know all the words from myspace. Or bittorent. Record sales don't matter though (even though we'll outsell good indie rock acts by thousands) because most of our sales will come from our brightly colored, diamond covered, gold and silver lettered, pseudo-hiphopish shirts. And stunner shades.

[fadedmemories]

The crowd'll cover you. They know all the words from myspace.
I'll keep them updated via mypace/facebook/purevolume/twitter and livejournal

[xhandgunxheart]

Only twelve?

That's pussy shit.
12 is pretty good. I mean, its kinda hard doing guitar flips when you have your arms in an "x" for most of the song and you're jogging in place.

[The Personist]

Or bittorent. Record sales don't matter though (even though we'll outsell good indie rock acts by thousands) because most of our sales will come from our brightly colored, diamond covered, gold and silver lettered, pseudo-hiphopish shirts. And stunner shades.

GK ftw

There need to be monsters on the shirts. All the good shirts have monsters.

[fadedmemories]

Only twelve?

That's pussy shit.
any more and it'll ruin my perfectly ironed scene hair

[viva la cymche!]

SkzRFHSNo4s

Let's just make sure we're not like that. They have too much talent.

[The Personist]

I'll keep them updated via mypace/facebook/purevolume/twitter and livejournal

We need to post various update videos when we're on tour with BrokenCYDE about how cool they are.

[viva la cymche!]

GK ftw

There need to be monsters on the shirts. All the good shirts have monsters. As long as they're diamond studded. And purple. And pink. With some gold lettering somewhere.

[xhandgunxheart]

SkzRFHSNo4s

Let's just make sure we're not like that. They have too much talent.
in the first 30 seconds, they show more talent they we will ever need.

[viva la cymche!]

any more and it'll ruin my perfectly ironed scene hair Dude, don't even joke about that.

[The Personist]

As long as they're diamond studded. And purple. And pink. With some gold lettering somewhere.

It should make you legally blind if you stare at it too long.

[fadedmemories]

We need to post various update videos when we're on tour with BrokenCYDE about how cool they are.
Of course, everyone would want to watch that.

[The Personist]

any more and it'll ruin my perfectly ironed scene hair

Your hair is serious bizniz

[fadedmemories]

Dude, don't even joke about that.
I can't tell a lie

[xhandgunxheart]

Of course, everyone would want to watch that.
I just hope we can get on a tour with a band as good as brokenCYDE

[fadedmemories]

Your hair is serious bizniz
Its fail proof to get lots of 14 year old action

[fadedmemories]

I just hope we can get on a tour with a band as good as brokenCYDE
If we can't get on tour with them, there's good old I Set My Friends On Fire

[viva la cymche!]

We need to post various update videos when we're on tour with BrokenCYDE about how cool they are. "Hey guys, whats up, we're (x) and yeah, our co-headlining tour with brokencyde, hypercrush, millionaires, bring me the horizon, breathe carolina and the two shitty local deathcore bands that play with us ever night, has been going really well. we've been up to various wacky antics, and have even talked to the cops a few times. the tour has been great. we cant wait to start recording. buy our merch, and steal our EP! see, arent we hip? we're telling you to steal our EP instead of buying it. please like us.

[viva la cymche!]

If we can't get on tour with them, there's good old I Set My Friends On Fire The HipCore Tour with I Set My Friends On Fire Headlining, and special guests: Karate High School, The Devil Wears Prada and Emmure

[viva la cymche!]

Oh yeah, and we can't forget to talk about how our next record is going to be really different, and way more experimental than our first.

[fadedmemories]

"Hey guys, whats up, we're (x) and yeah, our co-headlining tour with brokencyde, hypercrush, millionaires, bring me the horizon, breathe carolina and the two shitty local deathcore bands that play with us ever night, has been going really well. we've been up to various wacky antics, and have even talked to the cops a few times. the tour has been great. we cant wait to start recording. buy our merch, and steal our EP! see, arent we hip? we're telling you to steal our EP instead of buying it. please like us.
I don't think any venue could contain so much awesomeness with a tour lineup like that

[fadedmemories]

Oh yeah, and we can't forget to talk about how our next record is going to be really different, and way more experimental than our first.
Yup, it's going to have more synth than the first record and will be produced by Adam Dutkiewicz and Matt Goldman or Ross Robinson

[viva la cymche!]

Oh, and when we're featured in Alternative Press, we have to talk about what a great live show we have, and how we were influenced by bands like New Found Glory and Cannibal Corpse.

[viva la cymche!]

Yup, it's going to have more synth than the first record and will be produced by Adam Dutkiewicz and Matt Goldman or Ross Robinson Or all three. And Patrick Stump.

[fadedmemories]

Oh, and when we're featured in Alternative Press, we have to talk about what a great live show we have, and how we were influenced by bands like New Found Glory and Cannibal Corpse.
and Lifetime, and we'll talk about how we hate to be labeled as "screamo"

[viva la cymche!]

and Lifetime, and we'll talk about how we hate to be labeled as "screamo" Interviewer: So what genre would you define yourself as?
Band: Well, it's hard to say, because we're crazy experimental. Like one second we'll be screaming, and the next second we'll be singing, its insane. We're pretty undefinable I think.

[fadedmemories]

Interviewer: So what genre would you define yourself as?
Band: Well, it's hard to say, because we're crazy experimental. Like one second we'll be screaming, and the next second we'll be singing, its insane. We're pretty undefinable I think.
Of course we have to name drop some of our famous friends in Brokencyde and Dance Gavin Dance

[viva la cymche!]

Of course we have to name drop some of our famous friends in Brokencyde and Dance Gavin Dance Let's not forget to Name-drop Anthony Green like we're really good friends. Pretty good amount of indie-scene points.

[fadedmemories]

Let's not forget to Name-drop Anthony Green like we're really good friends. Pretty good amount of indie-scene points.
Speaking of indie, someone in the band should have an indie sideproject for all the ignorant fucks who can't appreciate our music because its too complex for their feeble mind

[viva la cymche!]

Speaking of indie, someone in the band should have an indie sideproject for all the ignorant fucks who can't appreciate our music because its too complex for their feeble mind The lead singer, or guitarist/singer has to have their solo acoustic project, that gets major indie points. Pianos and mandolins will be used.

[fadedmemories]

The lead singer, or guitarist/singer has to have their solo acoustic project, that gets major indie points. Pianos and mandolins will be used.
Pianos and mandolins would melt everyones minds.

Drummer has to have an electronica solo project.

[dancelukedance]

haha brand new get sucked off on ap.net

[The Personist]

Speaking of indie, someone in the band should have an indie sideproject for all the ignorant fucks who can't appreciate our music because its too complex for their feeble mind

Pitchfork has to write a grudgingly positive review of the sideproject, admitting that even though we made it, they still love it. And it'll be their number one album of the year over Vampire Weekend.

[Andypeebs]

Write good songs. Play said good songs tight as a band unit. Sell your soul to play any and every show going and don't become reliant on Myspace to gain popularity. If your songs are good enough then people will come to your page through word of mouth.

[Carlo Marx]

tour.

[Rodeo]

tour.


exactly.

[BrennanHickson]

or you could do it like Brand New ACTUALLY did:
be a really good band.

Being a "really good band" won't necessarily promise fame, fortune, or even a record label. It simply means you are talented.


As for the original poster's question, most labels these days sign bands and musicians that have already paved a successful path (in terms of a fan base and following). The best method of obtaining this following is too start with smaller, likelier goals and gradually build more substantial goals as they become more possible.

In a nutshell, record labels thrive on signing bands that have been successful without the guidance of the label and steal the band's hard-earned money. In this day and age, there are more advantages of releasing albums independently than on a record label.

Also remember to always think ahead of the game. If it's possible, don't ruin your image. If that's not possible, don't ruin it too soon. Simple things like band promotional shots should not include items or objects (such as alcohol, drug references, etc.) that will lead labels astray.

[xhandgunxheart]

Pianos and mandolins would melt everyones minds.

Drummer has to have an electronica solo project.
NICE! Electronica, here I come.



I go to sleep, and I miss one of the best parts of the thread! :-(

[BrennanHickson]

Oh, and I read somewhere that although it's good to create a large, local fan base, it's never intelligent to play shows every weekend at the same local bar. After a few weeks of the same material being played weekly, your potential fans will overlook your music. Instead, organize dates for every other month.

[Getup and Dance]

Fuck yeah Airheads

:highfive:

atleast someone got it.

[FUTMT]

Get in contact with local venues/promotion companies/booking agencies - play local shows to build up your local fan base. When bands from other towns come in they'll need an opening band, the more people that know you = the more likely your names gonna be thrown out there for shows, spreading your rep.

Promote promote promote. Once you guys feel ready - go to a label that you're interested in's website, send them a press package. The chances of them actually signing you are slim, but give it a shot. (Remember, it's not what the label can do for you at times, it's what you do for the label).

You have to show people you want it. Touring helps with this.

Getting your name out there in good reputation + original music = victory.

[thesafeword]

MySpace views/plays if you're looking to get into FBR or Victory.

[pulsar]

First, write good music. REALLY good music.

Second, work on having an AWESOME live show.

Build a fanbase in your town. Then use the internet to build an online fanbase out of state. Start playing weekends, then weeks, then full tours. Start small and build your way up.

Get a good quality recording and good looking merch.

Bust your ass nonstop and treat your band like a full time job.

Help out bands looking for shows in your town and trade with them for shows in their cities. Build your draw up so you can get on shows opening for established bands and make contacts.

Have a good attitude at all times. Stay out of scene bickering and politics. Treat your fans like gold.

Will you get signed? Maybe, maybe not. But if you do these things the odds of your band being a success are quite good.

[thesafeword]

Douchebags.

[viva la cymche!]

Myspace Friend Generator. And play generator. I think if you have a certain amount of friends on myspace, Rise/Victory Records is obligated to sign you.

[theguy77]

you shouldnt worry so much about just getting signed these days. thats pretty easy to do in certain kinds of music. you really should focus on getting a good deal -- make it clear that it's the record label that needs you, not you that needs the record label. they're hte ones trying to make money off of you, make them come to you and give you good terms. it takes a long time of putting out music and playing shows but if you're good enough after a few years you can probably get a deal with far more ideal conditions for making the music you want to make and getting on the right tours and getting royalties. really the two things that will up your end of the bargain are 1) creating competition among several labels that might want you and 2) getting somewhere by yourself so you can prove to labels that your music sells.

also dont make the mistake of thinking that once you're signed, you're safe for a good career. a label will fuck you over in a fucking second if you dont meet their projections, i dont care if its indie or major, they can just shelf you and stop promoting your album and stop putting you on tours, and now they own your music so you cant do anything with it. its really best to create a loyal fanbase on your own so you have something to fall back on becuase the label can give you more fans, and it can just as easily take them away by blocking you off from the market completely until they forget about you.

a label is really more like, you're putting your trust in a businessman by giving them the rights to promote you, because they have more tools and connections available and they can do it much better than you ever could. but just think about the beginning of that sentence -- "you're putting your trust in a businessman." this is a capitalist society, they want to make a profit first and foremost and there is no emotion, loyalty, or sentiment in it. they're only as loyal as the money you make them. you're taking a huge risk, and the only way to limit that risk is to make sure your music will make the profit he wants. this doesnt mean change your music to be more marketable because that's selling out, this means get yourself established and take a few years to find out if you're really good enough to garner the interest of a fanbase before making that decision.

i dont have any experience but ive done a ton of research and im friends with a couple bands who have had label experience.

[aoftbsten]

play your music on the subway/ be a street performer. that's where the labels look these days

[timbedinosaur]

Don't suck. And if you do suck, make sure to look scene and freaky so all the preteen and teenage girls and scene kids can be in love with you.

[timbedinosaur]

Or you could sell your soul to the devil

[hockeyguitar99]

Looking through this thread I realized something. If Gabe started Cobra first, all of the kids would have been like, Midtown are this awesome side-project of that dude from Cobra Starship, and then Midtown would be popular as fuck.

[The Personist]

Looking through this thread I realized something. If Gabe started Cobra first, all of the kids would have been like, Midtown are this awesome side-project of that dude from Cobra Starship, and then Midtown would be popular as fuck.

Holy shit.

I think you're on to something...

[xhandgunxheart]

Looking through this thread I realized something. If Gabe started Cobra first, all of the kids would have been like, Midtown are this awesome side-project of that dude from Cobra Starship, and then Midtown would be popular as fuck.
Yeah, probably, but Cobra couldn't have been formed when Midtown was. They wouldn't have been liked as much back then.

[TreyForest]

how to get signed
5 steps

1) get some clothes that are very colourful and fit 3 sizes to small
2) write basic songs that a about junior high love that 12 year old girls will like
3) grow your hair out
4) get more colourful clothes
5) know how to use myspace

thats pretty much all you really need to get signed, if u can actually play more then 1 chord on a guitar that would help aswell, but its really not important

[The Personist]

People need to read the goddamn thread. All of this has been fucking covered already.

[xhandgunxheart]

how to get signed
5 steps

1) get some clothes that are very colourful and fit 3 sizes to small
2) write basic songs that a about junior high love that 12 year old girls will like
3) grow your hair out
4) get more colourful clothes
5) know how to use myspace

thats pretty much all you really need to get signed, if u can actually play more then 1 chord on a guitar that would help aswell, but its really not important
A day late. A buck short.

[thesafeword]

how to get signed
5 steps

1) get some clothes that are very colourful and fit 3 sizes to small
2) write basic songs that a about junior high love that 12 year old girls will like
3) grow your hair out
4) get more colourful clothes
5) know how to use myspace

thats pretty much all you really need to get signed, if u can actually play more then 1 chord on a guitar that would help aswell, but its really not important
These obvious and non-humorous stereotypes have already been pointed out.

[The Personist]

These obvious and non-humerous stereotypes have already been pointed out.

Good thing it's humorous! LOL!

You're an idiot.GTFO if you don't think scene culture is completely hilarious.

[thesafeword]

Fuck. I knew that.

And scene culture is hilarious, you guys just made the same joke for 6 pages.

[jtsnazzy]

No band is complete without a lead singer who recites Avalon as his most inspirational album.

The true way. Have random highly attractive and slutty women stand on stage while doing shows.

[hockeyguitar99]

As an added note, releasing a credible second record is an option, but not recommended, as being dropped after it bombs is likely.

[The Personist]

Fuck. I knew that.

And scene culture is hilarious, you guys just made the same joke for 6 pages.

I have it set at 50 posts/page, so it's only 3 pages.

[hockeyguitar99]

Holy shit.

I think you're on to something...

Haha, maybe Midtown record is planned for after Cobra. I hope anyway.

[thesafeword]

I have it set at 50 posts/page, so it's only 3 pages.
Which doesn't seem as bad.

[xhandgunxheart]

Fuck. I knew that.

And scene culture is hilarious, you guys just made the same joke for 6 pages.
It kept me entertained for an entire evening.

The true way. Have random highly attractive and slutty women stand on stage while doing shows.
The only band I've ever seen do that was Motley Crue. It was horrible.

Haha, maybe Midtown record is planned for after Cobra. I hope anyway.
One can only hope, my friend.

[Handraa]

Got money (yeah)
And you know it
Take it out your pocket and show it (then)
Throw it (fly)
This a way (fly)
Thata way (fly)


That should work.

[thesafeword]

What the fuck?

[imahoodlum]

I don't think we're on topic here, but....

I find people that try to push their band on others to be annoying. And usually not any good. I think word of mouth speaks volume for any band. Then once the popularity grows and people demand a show, start playing locally.

[thesafeword]

I hate friend requests from shitty bands on MySpace.

[imahoodlum]

Oh God, I fucking hate that as well. I don't add or deny them. I just let them sit there. I have accumulated a few pages of them.

[thesafeword]

MySpace just got too ridiculous, so I said goodbye to it.

[imahoodlum]

The only reason I continue to come back to it occasionally is for updates on some bands.


But then again, I could just look here for updates....

[thesafeword]

It's good for checking a band out quickly, but overall, it was just pissing me off.

[imahoodlum]

True. The bad shit outweighs it's pros. Most of the people here have moved onto Facebook anyways.

[thesafeword]

Yeah, I have a Facebook, but I don't really use it a whole lot.

[fadedmemories]

Pitchfork has to write a grudgingly positive review of the sideproject, admitting that even though we made it, they still love it. And it'll be their number one album of the year over Vampire Weekend.

NICE! Electronica, here I come.


The solo project has to have at least two poetry solos wherein we could rant about our vague knowledge of politics and our straight edge lifestyle.

[fadedmemories]

People need to read the goddamn thread. All of this has been fucking covered already.
It needs to be renamed "Official how to start a band thread", locked and stickied.

[lew_1987]

1. Choose really bad band name which doesn't mean anything to anyone, consider adding/removing exclamation marks for extra cool factor
2. Write boring unoriginal music, with brutal hardcore breakdowns and more double bass beats than you can fit in a hat
3. Sign up to Myspace, pimp the shit out of your profile
4. Ask ugly girls to wear shit loads of make up and write shitty messages on their hands or pieces of paper
5. Record songs, use autotune effect to make the songs sound progressive as fuck
6. Use Myspace play adder
7. Wait for the offers from Victory and/or Rise Records to come rolling in
8. Think about playing a show

[theguy77]

hahahahahah lew, where have you been all my life (i.e. the past few months)

[theguy77]

Or you could sell your soul to the devil

viable option.

so i think we can all agree that myspace is the key and the main vehicle? yes?
OR you could be ULTRA indie and do it through xanga. that should attract labels like sub pop, right? RITE??

[lew_1987]

hahahahahah lew, where have you been all my life (i.e. the past few months)

I've always been here dude, we just don't frequent the same places anymore :-(

How's the album and the rest of your life (college etc.) coming along?

[theguy77]

I've always been here dude, we just don't frequent the same places anymore :-(

How's the album and the rest of your life (college etc.) coming along?

i know christ i miss the ol' chat thread crew. i guess its good that it kind of died though, ap takes up a lot less of my time now, it was kind of bad me spending so much time on here some days, haha.

album will most likely be done in time for black history month (february). to answer your question, it's sort of intentional, but in the most non-serious way possible. hahaha.

college is still balls (not THE balls like micah, but just balls.) i have a social life but with people i could care less about, mostly cause they're not intellectuals or real music fans and i still dont have band members. im gonna make a folk album after this one.

[lew_1987]

i know christ i miss the ol' chat thread crew. i guess its good that it kind of died though, ap takes up a lot less of my time now, it was kind of bad me spending so much time on here some days, haha.

album will most likely be done in time for black history month (february). to answer your question, it's sort of intentional, but in the most non-serious way possible. hahaha.

college is still balls (not THE balls like micah, but just balls.) i have a social life but with people i could care less about, mostly cause they're not intellectuals or real music fans and i still dont have band members. im gonna make a folk album after this one.

Haha cool! I'm the same, just making music on my own at the moment... it's not really going too well though. I'm also the same with my social life... how much longer have you got left of college?

I really can't wait to hear what your album sounds like, make sure you get it out for February!

I agree with you there about the chat threads, that took up way too much of my time haha. I can't believe that we used to compete for top poster in those threads!

[theguy77]

Haha cool! I'm the same, just making music on my own at the moment... it's not really going too well though. I'm also the same with my social life... how much longer have you got left of college?

I really can't wait to hear what your album sounds like, make sure you get it out for February!

I agree with you there about the chat threads, that took up way too much of my time haha. I can't believe that we used to compete for top poster in those threads!

why's it not going so well? lack of proper equipment?

ive only got 2 years left of college, i took college credit in high school so i get out earlier than everybody else. it's nice haha.

i cant see the album being out past february, but dont be expecting anything too deep or innovative, it is a pop-punk/pop-rock album. it doesnt sound like any of the new gimmicky shit and i tried to make every song sound different but being realistic its nothing to really scream about on the objective side of things.

and yeah i was a beast at those competitions, when i wanted the most posts, i got them hahah. especially in crunch time no one can spam post like me. lol we need to revive the old crew for maybe one of those threads, would be fun.

[Burn That Shit]

Hey i was wondering if anyone had any input on how to get your band signed... Such as that do's and donts of what to do on getting your bands name out there!

Copy another bands trend, make an album, and tour.

[lew_1987]

why's it not going so well? lack of proper equipment?

ive only got 2 years left of college, i took college credit in high school so i get out earlier than everybody else. it's nice haha.

i cant see the album being out past february, but dont be expecting anything too deep or innovative, it is a pop-punk/pop-rock album. it doesnt sound like any of the new gimmicky shit and i tried to make every song sound different but being realistic its nothing to really scream about on the objective side of things.

and yeah i was a beast at those competitions, when i wanted the most posts, i got them hahah. especially in crunch time no one can spam post like me. lol we need to revive the old crew for maybe one of those threads, would be fun.

Yeah it would, but I don't remember half of the people who used to post in there, haha.

I'm not really bothered if it's not too innovative, I really liked the other songs I have heard so far. Is it all full band?

I have bought myself some new equipment, got an 8-track and a decent compressor microphone... it's all sounding much much better. I just can't see to motivate myself too much anymore, maybe I have too high expectations for myself. I hate my voice, and I'm never content long enough with the songs I have written to get them recorded and released. Just recently I've been thinking about trying to write in a different style which avoids using my voice for the whole song. I don't know, I'm just really 'lost' at the moment, as far as writing goes.

[viva la cymche!]

Looking through this thread I realized something. If Gabe started Cobra first, all of the kids would have been like, Midtown are this awesome side-project of that dude from Cobra Starship, and then Midtown would be popular as fuck. Not right at all, but whatever, your entitled to your own opinion.

[WhiteRose4life]

Ive decided that everybody hates everybody on AP.net, and no one should ever post anything cause your just going to get two people to comment on it, and a MILLION people to bash you and tell you why you are wrong.

Then you try to be reasonable, like this nice person "viva la chymche", and tell you that you are entitled to your own opinion, but someone in a couple days is just going to bash him for not being right or something like that. its pointless.

[hockeyguitar99]

Not right at all, but whatever, your entitled to your own opinion.

Lol whatever you say. People agreed with me.

[viva la cymche!]

Lol whatever you say. People agreed with me. Well, they're wrong. That would be like saying if one of the guys in 3OH!3 started a pop-punk group, that band would be big. No one would give a shit about it, because it would be the "side project of the guy in that shitty pseudo hip-hop/elctronic thing". The only reason people don't hate on Cobra Starship as much as they do on brokencyde, 3OH!3 or Breathe Carolina is because of Midtown.

[hockeyguitar99]

Well, they're wrong. That would be like saying if one of the guys in 3OH!3 started a pop-punk group, that band would be big. No one would give a shit about it, because it would be the "side project of the guy in that shitty pseudo hip-hop/elctronic thing". The only reason people don't hate on Cobra Starship as much as they do on brokencyde, 3OH!3 or Breathe Carolina is because of Midtown.

All of their teen girl fan would get that record because they would feel cool for knowing about this cool side project of that singer from Cobra Starship. They would definitely be more popular then they were. Of course this is my opinion, and you need to stop stating yours as a fact.

[theguy77]

Ive decided that everybody hates everybody on AP.net, and no one should ever post anything cause your just going to get two people to comment on it, and a MILLION people to bash you and tell you why you are wrong.

Then you try to be reasonable, like this nice person "viva la chymche", and tell you that you are entitled to your own opinion, but someone in a couple days is just going to bash him for not being right or something like that. its pointless.

oh you poor thing its the world against you

people say whats on their mind on this site. stop being a sopping pussy and get over it. if you say something ignorant you'll get bashed for it. maybe if you stuck around you could learn a thing or two, i learned a lot of things about music, as well as debate, by being on here and i didnt have to change my music taste to do so.

[viva la cymche!]

All of their teen girl fan would get that record because they would feel cool for knowing about this cool side project of that singer from Cobra Starship. They would definitely be more popular then they were. Of course this is my opinion, and you need to stop stating yours as a fact. And if a bunch of teen girls liked some side project of a shitty electronic band, do you thing your old Brand New loving folks over here at AP would like it? No. Not even a little bit.

[hockeyguitar99]

And if a bunch of teen girls liked some side project of a shitty electronic band, do you thing your old Brand New loving folks over here at AP would like it? No. Not even a little bit.

I didn't say that they would have good, devoted fans. I just said they would have been more popular. And I don't give a fuck if the band has bad fans, if the music is good, I'll listen. If people cared about all of the teen girls, Fall Out Boy would be the most hated band on the site.

[The Personist]

I didn't say that they would have good, devoted fans. I just said they would have been more popular. And I don't give a fuck if the band has bad fans, if the music is good, I'll listen. If people cared about all of the teen girls, Fall Out Boy would be the most hated band on the site.

lolwut

gtfo you're an indie fuck

jk lol

[hockeyguitar99]

lolwut

gtfo you're an indie fuck

jk lol

I laughed. haha.