Country Music Record Labels News and Trends
Get in the know by reading up on country music record labels
In recent years, country music record labels have introduced stars like Tim McGraw, Lee Ann Rimes and Brad Paisley. But the impact of the digital age has caused a seismic shift affecting the entire recording industry, requiring country music recording labels to rethink the way they do business. Now that independent artists can showcase and distribute their music online, country music record labels can't rely on old ways to sell records or ignore the impact of the Internet.Music labels in general are now less willing to shower an unknown artist with a huge package deal, instead testing them in a digital format to see how they fare with the public. Major country record companies also expect more initial legwork from A & R people (stands for artists and repertoire), who bring talent to the attention of the record labels.
Here are a few ways to stay on top of country music industry news.
1. Get involved with as many associations related to country music as you can.
2. Read a mix of industry-insider publications, as well as consumer-oriented websites to find news on country record labels.
3. Pay attention to the Internet as a promotion spot for emerging country artists.
Become familiar with country music record labels through membership
One great way to stay informed of country music record labels news and trends is to check out the major associations in country music. With industry memberships, you'll know which artists are up and coming, and which labels are most actively looking for new talent.
Try: The Country Music Association is the major association for the country music industry, and hosts the annual CMA Awards, a must-see for anyone learning about the industry. Membership in the CMA includes the helpful CMA Industry Guide with information on record labels. Get the latest on the country music business with a subscription to CMT newsletters.
Take advantage of industry links to country music labels
If you're pursuing a career in country music, you'll want to learn as much about the business that you can. You can learn who's who at country music by checking in with some valuable sources at a country record label.
Try: Country Start is a valuable resource of information about country music labels, providing links to all the major players. Billboard Biz features news from major country music record labels.
Stay tuned in to news about country music record companies
The country music scene is certainly dynamic, with artists frequently changing labels or starting their own country CD labels altogether. Taking in a daily diet of country music news will help you find out vital industry happenings.
Try: Country Hound delivers news about country music record labels and offers a subscription to a live feed of syndicated country news. The Wall Street Journal discusses why country music has not only survived, but thrived through the cooperation of the Country Music Association.
- If you're seeking out a recording contract from a country record label, first you have to get noticed by influential A&R people, who will help you land the contract you're seeking.
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