Do you guys think this record label is real?

Hollywars · #1 12-10-2009, 06:46 PM

My band is trying to get signed by http://www.myspace.com/ryorecords but I think it's pretty stupid. Any opinions? Tips?

dj150888 · #2 12-10-2009, 06:59 PM

Tips, don't sign up with a label just so you can say you're "signed". See what they have to offer you in the way of distribution, ask for a list of where they distribute and who with. Don't let them take the piss with money, if you're recording an album, you'll want an advance from them and/or a major % of sales cash.

Major red flag for me is the fact that they don't have a proper website. I don't reckon its a very serious label if they're exclusively going through their myspace. An "under construction" just doesn't cut it.

Again, make sure its actually beneficial to you, don't sign just for the sake of getting "a record deal", if you can do better on a self finance, do it. Why give them your money for something you can do yourself and keep your money?

Hollywars · #3 12-10-2009, 07:00 PM

I won't be able to stop them from trying to do this most likely, but I might be able to stop them from doing something really stupid. Thanks dj150888.

bongomania · #4 12-10-2009, 07:09 PM

FWIW I agree with him. All it takes these days for somebody to "have a label" is to put up a page on the net and print up some business cards, and with Myspace and promotions for web printing companies you can get both of those for free. Seems like every kid who failed as a club DJ now "runs a label". It's bogus--they can't do anything for you, all they can do is leech off you and hope that you get popular.

nastyn8c · #5 12-10-2009, 10:01 PM

+1 to both the other posters. From being close to signing with a few labels last year, I know it's tough going right now. Don't go "trying to get signed." Honestly, let your name generate the heat, and let the industry come after you. A reputable manager is the first step. Once you have that, let him do his work and "real" labels will come.

It's like Field Of Dreams, if you build it they will come. For God's sake, don't chase down labels. If you do that they'll know they can give you a terrible deal. Let them chase you once you have something good established. Be patient and diligent, and good things will come to you.

southshoreconor · #6 12-10-2009, 10:11 PM

IMO any person in 2009 (2010, even) with only 35 friends on myspace is not real, let alone a business.

Joey3313 · #7 12-10-2009, 11:16 PM

I know too many local bands who signed to the first "label" that offered them anything. In most cases, it's a smaller indy label that has neither the idea or ability to do anything for the band that they can't do themselves.
A lot of broken promises, and a lot of loopholes.

Personally, I'd scrape up the money and DIY it. If your band is any good and you guys work at it, something more legit might come up.

ggunn · #8 12-11-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj150888

Tips, don't sign up with a label just so you can say you're "signed". See what they have to offer you in the way of distribution, ask for a list of where they distribute and who with. Don't let them take the piss with money, if you're recording an album, you'll want an advance from them and/or a major % of sales cash.

As Pink Floyd (by the way, which one is Pink?) once said:
"They said sign on the line for a really good time
But they wouldn't tell us when..."

xgator4u · #9 12-11-2009, 09:00 PM

Roll your own records ??? are you serious ? LMAO...