Talking between professionals from the Geffen conglomerates to some of the “dwindling” smaller labels, we want to make a statement concerning the standard for bands remotely interested in signing contracts with financing record companies.

As a member of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), VP of Marketing/ Advertising for a recording label, and a professional drummer myself, we have simple operant conditioned standards for bands who want to be successful. In other words, for as long as we have been in this industry, we are tired of hearing bands that  ……well …SUCK!

What We Look For in the Music

So you want to know what a band or individual needs to make it in the music industry? You think you have what it takes to sell a million dollars worth of CD units at your local music outlet? Or even worse, do you think you are ready to have your music pirated, therefore reaping you of the thousands, if not millions you rightfully deserve? 

Well for your band to be even considered to join these ranks, we are looking for only 5 things. Every band from Elvis to System of a Down went through this kind of scrutiny. Some had the gift, while others had to work on it and be re-examined. I am sure a lot of people have heard stories where bands were just signed on the spot. But even though I would be willing to admit that was true, stories like that tend to negate the hard work and dedication needed to get there. I have only heard of a handful of A&R executives and scouts who actively look for talent, but you have to get our attention first. Here are the 5 Essentials:

1. Your Band has to be Unique. With so many bands out there, what makes your band so much more genuine? In these cases, you have to be mindful of the bands you already admire. For example, though Nirvana is well respected, we do not want to see a band that almost exactly sounds like them in chord progression and beat. Nirvana is done. But if you are a Nirvana type band, what we are looking for is what you can add to the current mix.

It is like the difference between an A letter grade and a B letter grade. A B letter grade merely regurgitates what the teacher has already said and taught. But an A letter grade takes what was learned and adds more to what was taught, therefore creating something that is new and original. In other words, a Nirvana like band would take what Nirvana already created, and add something that is totally unique to the alternative music genre.

2. Musicianship. How well do the individual members of your band know their instruments? I know Hansen kind of slipped through our fingers, but we want to see how well the individual members of the band know their instruments. For example, can your guitar player possibly be the next Eddie Van Halen? I am not saying does s/he perform just as well, but can s/he provide just as much pioneering musicianship as Eddie Van Halen did? We are not saying that your guitar player has to be a god, but what can s/he contribute to the world of guitar playing? The same concept is truer with the drummer.

3. Band Dynamics. How well do you play together? Is everyone in the pocket? How well written are the songs on your demo? I remember talking to one of the original sound engineers who first recorded John Lennon. He said that music has evolved into parameters. Every band or musician falls within the constraints of what is currently popular. But every once in a while, record companies will discover evolving new talent that seemingly pushes the boundaries just a little bit. These musicians push the boundaries just enough to have people accept the current music evolution.  As an example, despite his “sexual escapades”, no one ever heard of pop before Michael Jackson came out with Thriller. The album is still known today as one of those revolutionizing musical movements.

4. Does Your Band Give a Kick Ass Show? How well does your band perform? How well can you attract an audience? So many times have I seen bands cussing and cursing anyone and everyone. There is no CONTENT in cussing or cursing. But more importantly, if for some reason your band does not give a good performance, DO NOT admit it on stage. No one wants to hear, “I am glad you are here to see us play, but we suck today.” Why would I want to see a band who thinks they suck?

5. Does Your Band have a Good Following? Under the tenets of giving a good show, we also want to see a lot of people attend your performances. Why should we sign a band who performs for just a handful of people? There is no revenue for a record company or band who has a small fan club that includes their mom and dad.

So there you have it! Everything you need to know to get your band in the right direction. It isn’t much, but if you have all of these things and are committed to making sacrifices to make your band work, then you are not too far from success.  Having the right media package and drive in your music and image can make the difference between your band making hamburgers for a living, or having fun on the road.

So good luck to any band or musician who feels they have the right stuff. By the way, LEAVE YOUR EGO AND THE “I DESERVE ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING BECAUSE I AM A ROCK STAR IN MY OWN MIND” ATTITUDE AT HOME!

 If you have any questions concerning this article, please e-mail me at:

www.karlsten@457group.com