8 steps to get noticed and land your first record deal

Dreaming of signing that breakthrough record deal and taking your music career to new heights? The music industry is getting more competitive day by day, therefore, simply having talent isn’t enough.You need creativity, strategy, and a solid plan on how to find a music label that’s right for you.

The good news? You have more tools than ever before to make it happen. So, if you’re ready to turn your musical passion into a career, here are the top strategies on how to get signed to a record label in 2025 and finally score that record deal you’ve been working for!

1. Record an EP that showcases your work

An EP (a short album with 4-6 songs) is your chance to show record labels your style, talent, and potential. It acts as your musical “calling card,” showcasing your ability to complete a professional project; something labels look for. An EP also gives you something valuable to share with fans, playlist curators, and influencers, building your reach and reputation.

When creating an EP:

• Choose the best tracks that highlight your style and strengths; quality over quantity is key. 
• Keep a cohesive theme or vibe across the tracks to make the EP feel like a complete package. 
• Invest in good production equipment to ensure your music sounds polished. 
• Don’t overlook cover art. An eye-catching design can make your EP memorable. Use PosterMyWall album cover templates to create professional, striking covers easily. 
• Finally, plan a promotion strategy to build excitement, share teasers, and maximize your EP’s reach.

2. Create viral music for social media

Making music that can go viral on social media is one of the fastest ways to get a record deal. TikTok and Instagram are full of music lovers, and one catchy, shareable track can spread like wildfire. 

Labels pay close attention to viral songs because they show that people are already connecting with your music, and that’s exactly what they want! Create tracks with strong hooks and relatable lyrics that encourage listeners to share. This way, you’re more likely to attract labels looking for the next big artist.

Here are a few ways to get your music viral on TikTok and Instagram.

3. Engage with fans on social media

Labels look for artists with a loyal fanbase, as it shows that your music resonates with people and you already have an audience. Engaging with fans shows labels that you’re willing to build relationships.

Here are some easy ways to keep your fans excited and engaged:

• Respond to comments and messages: Take a moment to reply to their comments or DMs. It makes them feel appreciated!
• Share behind-the-scenes content: Give them a sneak peek into your world by posting snippets from your songwriting sessions, studio days, or rehearsals.
• Host Q&A sessions or live chats: Answer fan questions and let them get to know you personally.
• Run fun polls and ask questions: Involve your fans by letting them vote on song covers or future merch ideas.
• Post fan shout-outs and features: Recognize fans who support you by sharing their posts or mentioning them in your stories.
• Drop exclusive previews: Share short clips of upcoming songs to build excitement and keep fans coming back for more.

For a polished look, use PosterMyWall band social media post templates to create eye-catching posts and announcements. These templates help you keep a professional image while staying connected with fans.

4. Create high-quality music that fits into playlists

Making music that’s ready for playlists can really help you get noticed by record labels. You know how everyone discovers new songs through playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube? Labels are always on the lookout for fresh talent in those lists.

Creating high-quality tracks that sound polished and fit well into popular playlists makes it easier for your music to be discovered by a larger audience and eventually, get a record deal. 

Plus, if you get added to some big playlists, your streams can really take off, which shows labels that listeners are into your stuff. Just focus on making your music sound professional and make sure it fits with the vibe of popular playlists. That way, you’ll catch the attention of both fans and labels!

Here’s a guide to submitting your music to Spotify playlists.

5. Support fellow artists

Supporting other artists is a great way to grow your network and get noticed by record labels. When you show up for other musicians like going to their shows, sharing their music, or even collaborating, you start building real connections in the music scene.

And the best part? This support usually comes back to you. Other artists might start promoting your music, invite you to perform with them, or even introduce you to people they know at record labels. Plus, when you collaborate, you get to reach new audiences and build momentum around your work. It’s a win-win!

Here’s a cool example: remember when Billie Eilish and Khalid teamed up on Lovely? They were both still getting started, but Billie helped in promoting Khalid’s music. She’d show up at his gigs, and share his stuff. They hit it off, and that natural connection turned into a collaboration. Working together was huge for both of them because it got their music in front of each other’s fans. Plus, it put them on the radar of more industry folks and media. It’s a win-win that really just started with supporting each other!

6. Find an agent

Getting an agent can really help you when you’re trying to get a record deal. They have connections with all the right people in the industry, like record labels, promoters, and venues. A good agent knows how to get your music in front of the right ears and find the best opportunities for you to perform and gain exposure.

When you’re looking for an agent, find someone who understands your style, has experience in your genre, and truly believes in you. Having someone who knows the business side of things lets you focus on what you do best; making music. 

Similarly, here are a few things agents often look for when you approach them:

• Demos or finished tracks
• A strong online presence
• Performance history
• Press coverage or reviews
• Clear vision and goals
• Professionalism

7. Have a unique brand identity

Labels aren’t just looking for talent, they want artists who stand out with a unique style, message, and image. Your brand is what helps fans recognize you across your music, visuals, and social media. Think of it as your personal vibe that ties everything together.

Your brand should show who you are, from how you look on stage to what you post online. Take a little time to think about what makes you different; your story, your style, and what you believe in. Keep it consistent in everything you do. When fans can connect with your vibe, you’ll be unforgettable, and that’s exactly what both major and independent record labels are after.

Check out Moses Sumney. He’s not super famous, but his vibe is unforgettable. His music mixes soul, R&B, and experimental sounds, and he’s got this cool, minimalist style that shows up in all his visuals. He’s super genuine online too, sharing his thoughts on creativity and identity, which really connects with fans. Even without mainstream fame, his unique brand has earned him a solid following and attention from indie labels. He’s proof that having a clear, authentic style can get you noticed big time!

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A post shared by • Moses Sumney (@moses)

8. Create visually engaging music videos

Creating visually engaging music videos is such a blast and a great way to bring your music to life! People connect much more with a song when there’s a cool story or vibe behind it. An engaging music video can really make your track stand out, and it’s likely to get shared, which helps you reach more fans.

Don’t worry about needing a huge budget to make something awesome. Just let your creativity shine! Use interesting locations, cool visuals, or even fun effects that match the feel of your song. When you post these videos on social media, they can grab people’s attention and give them a taste of your style. 

Your path to a record deal awaits

As you set out to secure that record deal, remember that this journey is not just about talent; it’s about your dedication, creativity, and the connections you forge along the way. Each song you create, every engagement with your audience, and the support you extend to fellow artists contributes to this dream!

So, as you put these strategies into action, think about what makes you truly stand out. What story do you want to tell through your music? Embrace your individuality, and let it shine through every note and every visual. 

To help you along the way, check out PosterMyWall for your promotional needs. With a wide range of templates for album covers, social media posts, and music videos, you can easily create eye-catching visuals that enhance your brand identity.