Finding a record deal is the dream for many bands and solo artists. It means that you have backing for your finances and publicity, and the simple fact that somebody believes in you enough to sign you is a great confidence boost. Finding that elusive record deal is no mean feat though, so here are some of the things you can do to help you along the way:

• Make sure your music is heard. You need to promote yourself to get noticed initially, and before you have a record label behind you, it’s essential that you learn to do this for yourself. Find local gigs that you can play and offer to do performances at small festivals and events.
• Get experience performing live. If you want to succeed in the competitive world of music, you need to make sure you are an excellent live performer. If you get a little bit nervous on stage, the only real way to overcome this is practice. Perform to as many people as you can to get used to the situation and to develop your stage presence.
• Be confident in your sounds. Every band develops – of course they do. If you like the music you’re making now though, you need to be able to tell the world about it. Unless you’re willing to back yourself and indulge in a little bit of shameless self promotion, you’re not going to get the results you want.
• Be persistent. Contact records labels, enter competitions, send your music in to radio stations… and then do it all over again. Success in the music industry probably won’t just fall in your lap. You’re going to have to tell people about your music – probably more than once.

There is never any guarantee of success in the music industry and there will always be a degree of luck. There’s a lot to be said for being in the right place at the right time but there’s also a lot to be said for passion, talent, grit and determination. Working hard on your music is much more likely to land you that coveted record deal.