Because the bass forum is nicer...

[fajitaben]

Where should we send a demo too? We're actually going to put effort into getting signed now that we don't have a lot more to do to promote our band. If you people know any record labels that sign metal or different sounding bands, you should tell me. So far, we're sending demos to:

Tribunal Records
Mediaskare Records
Prosthetic Records
This City is Burning Records
Fueled by Ramen
La Salle Records
Relapse Records
Willowtip
Ferret Music
Abacus Recordings

[Jaded]

Get a manager. Get them to arrange A&Rs to come to your shows. Give them your demo.

[fajitaben]

We don't have shows.

[Ting]

Metal Blade Records?

[peeted]

If you dont have shows how do you expect to get signed? Play **** loads of gigs, build up a following, tour, record some demos and get some air time, tour some more, then try to get on an indie label.

Its not as simple as just sending of a demo and being picked up by a label.

[fajitaben]

We actually sent them a demo a couple of months ago. Believe it or not, they sent us an e-mail telling us we had a lot of really strong material, but it wasn't what they were looking for at the moment (that's almost word for word what they said). Then they said to send them future projects, but this is the same project. Problem is, if you guys haven't heard it, it's very out there. But plenty of people enjoy it. We're just trying to cover a lot of labels.

[fajitaben]

If you dont have shows how do you expect to get signed? Play **** loads of gigs, build up a following, tour, record some demos and get some air time, tour some more, then try to get on an indie label.

Its not as simple as just sending of a demo and being picked up by a label.

We're only sending it to indie labels haha, no major label would consider signing us. Well, we need a little funding for shows. We do have a following already. If a record label likes us we'll ask them for what we need to tour, the money or w/e, it's not much, and then... yeah. Whooo!

[peeted]

Why do you need funding to tour?

[Akira]

Do you really think a label is going to sign a "band" of two people that can't play shows? Figure out how to play live, get a show together, and get A&R guys from local labels to come watch you.

[fajitaben]

We just need some equipment. Plus, they don't know we can't play live, duh. How would they know that?

[Jaded]

Record labels companies lend you money to record your album, which you'll have to pay them back with the money you'll hopefully get from album, ticket, and merch sales. Basically, you've got to play shows, and if you aren't playing shows I doubt anyone but small labels with no marketing budget and no clout will pick you up. Record labels aren't as important as you think. The key to making money with a band that plays like yours is selling merch at shows. The kids that go to shows of weird experimental metal pop sh*t want to buy shirts, believe me.

[Jimbobntnr]

yeah, do shows, sell cds and shirts at the shows and then start calling labels.

[Jaded]

We just need some equipment. Plus, they don't know we can't play live, duh. How would they know that?

When you send something to a label, it's best to send a whole press kit, which would include live vids, demo recordings, band photos/bios, and whatever else you can include to make the band look as professional and epic as possible.

[fajitaben]

So much work.

[fajitaben]

When you send something to a label, it's best to send a whole press kit, which would include live vids, demo recordings, band photos/bios, and whatever else you can include to make the band look as professional and epic as possible.

Actually, a lot of those labels said they were not accepting press kits and were only accepting demos.

[Jaded]

Yeah, but it pays off. Having a press kit is a good way to get gigs too. I know you have a good friend who is an amazing photographer, everyone does. Just get them to help you out, or suck it up and pay a pro.

[Jimbobntnr]

send a press kit anyway?
include a mysterious white powder substance in it. Any exposure in the news is good for your band.

[fajitaben]

Yeah, but it pays off. Having a press kit is a good way to get gigs too. I know you have a good friend who is an amazing photographer, everyone does. Just get them to help you out, or suck it up and pay a pro.

LOL@ Spending money.

Jimbobntnr, Left Shoe already told us to kill somebody for publicity.

[Jimbobntnr]

****.

[Foxfire]

LOL@ Spending money.


Quoted for amusement.

[Sammy_L_D]

So much work.

Yeah, and?

This is what sets aside working musicians from bedroom players.

Labels won't sign you without expecting profit in return.

Not always the case of course, but it's been known that when a label approaches you with only had hearing demos, they are hoping that they'll be able to convince young, ignorant musicians that their band "has what it takes", have them sign a contract they don't fully read over/have an entertainment lawyer read over, and in the event the band actually succeeds, great, label makes their money and you make yours. But they're going to protect themselves from losing money in the event you don't succeed, and you will end up owing them money. And unless you're signed to an honest indie label, this could very well be the case.

If you want to play music seriously, you have to work at it, and understand that the music industry can be harsh. Playing music is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself, however, working in music is a different universe.

You have to treat music like a business, not just a pastime where you and a few buddies get together and play a few riffs on instruments. Rather, you have to have a clear vision of where you are going, how far you want to try to go, and how serious you want to go. On top of that, you have to know that if you are going to be very serious about this and take it as far as you can, you will be scratching dollars to survive.

If you happen to land a gig in which you will get paid enough every week for a few months to be able to pay rent and eat, you have succeeded further than most musicians do in their entire lifetimes.

Just a few truths to consider. Not that I want to scare you, but you have to know what you're getting into if you want to pursue this lifestyle.

If you're willing to work through all this, or come up with clear plans on how to move with some of these obstacles, have a few long meetings with your bandmates and see if everyone else is on the same page.

If so, start playing out, start making a press kit, and go from there.

[Left Shoe]

Do you really think a label is going to sign a "band" of two people that can't play shows? Figure out how to play live, get a show together, and get A&R guys from local labels to come watch you.

postal service only did 4 live shows.

[Dyslexic Magician]

postal service only did 4 live shows.

thread maker =/= postal service

[Akira]

postal service only did 4 live shows.

That's four more than TFA.

[fajitaben]

Yeah, and?

This is what sets aside working musicians from bedroom players.

Labels won't sign you without expecting profit in return.

Not always the case of course, but it's been known that when a label approaches you with only had hearing demos, they are hoping that they'll be able to convince young, ignorant musicians that their band "has what it takes", have them sign a contract they don't fully read over/have an entertainment lawyer read over, and in the event the band actually succeeds, great, label makes their money and you make yours. But they're going to protect themselves from losing money in the event you don't succeed, and you will end up owing them money. And unless you're signed to an honest indie label, this could very well be the case.

If you want to play music seriously, you have to work at it, and understand that the music industry can be harsh. Playing music is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself, however, working in music is a different universe.

You have to treat music like a business, not just a pastime where you and a few buddies get together and play a few riffs on instruments. Rather, you have to have a clear vision of where you are going, how far you want to try to go, and how serious you want to go. On top of that, you have to know that if you are going to be very serious about this and take it as far as you can, you will be scratching dollars to survive.

If you happen to land a gig in which you will get paid enough every week for a few months to be able to pay rent and eat, you have succeeded further than most musicians do in their entire lifetimes.

Just a few truths to consider. Not that I want to scare you, but you have to know what you're getting into if you want to pursue this lifestyle.

If you're willing to work through all this, or come up with clear plans on how to move with some of these obstacles, have a few long meetings with your bandmates and see if everyone else is on the same page.

If so, start playing out, start making a press kit, and go from there.

I knew almost all that stuff already, but I also know there's been several exceptions, like with Panic! at the Disco and The Postal Service, both of whom were signed without ever playing a show.

It's a snowball's chance in hell that things will work out for us, but it's still better than most bands because of our band's history and the fact that we already have a fanbase.

I only have one bandmate so a meeting shouldn't be hard haha.

[naut]

I knew almost all that stuff already, but I also know there's been several exceptions, like with Panic! at the Disco and The Postal Service, both of whom were signed without ever playing a show.

that's because they're "genre trend bands." for example, like in the 80's when hair metal bands were signed left and right because that's what was extremely popular at the time. in other words, record companies are smart, and don't necessarily follow talent, they rapidly pursue what will immediately sell.

with that said, i understand your point, but it's probably not the greatest idea to use the luck of a few pop bands as a guideline to strategically enter the music business. it's certainly plausible, but not generally realistic. although, considering what you have stated, you seem well aware of that. just figured i'd mention it.

[Jaded]

I knew almost all that stuff already, but I also know there's been several exceptions, like with Panic! at the Disco and The Postal Service, both of whom were signed without ever playing a show.

Didn't death cab come before the postal service?

[fajitaben]

that's because they're "genre trend bands." for example, like in the 80's when hair metal bands were signed left and right because that's what was extremely popular at the time. in other words, record companies are smart, and don't necessarily follow talent, they rapidly pursue what will immediately sell.

with that said, i understand your point, but it's probably not the greatest idea to use the luck of a few pop bands as a guideline to strategically enter the music business. it's certainly plausible, but not generally realistic. although, considering what you have stated, you seem well aware of that. just figured i'd mention it.

We're totally genre trend, duh LOLOLOLOLZZZ!!!

But, yeah, I understand your point, as well. I do think we have a tiny chance though, but part of me also wants to just drop out of college, buy what we need to tour and go do it, especially because Nik would probably join me if I did all that, but I'm not currently in a good position to take risks.

The nice thing about our band was that all we had to do was get together every other weekend, and talk on the phone a lot during the week, and everything worked out and we still gained a fanbase pretty damn quick. We've only been a band for 4 or 5 months, so taking risks that much risk may not be the best idea for us at that point, so luck is mostly what I have to use, but I'd like to do what I can to help in the meantime without taking such huge risks, if I can, even though it may all seem futile.

Didn't death cab come before the postal service?

Yes, but they're terrible.

[Jody LeCompte]

fajitaben: Im going to be honest and just say your never going to make it as a musician because you pretend to be modes, probably don't actually know whats going on in your band, don't even have a lineup worthy of playing, and you won't just get out and play.

Do you even have a myspace,facebook, purevolume, or anything to show your music?

How do you have fans when you've never played?

[Akira]

They actually have a Myspace with almost 56,000 plays.
http://www.myspace.com/theforgottenarchetype

Listening to the music, you can probably tell why they can't play live and why no labels want them.

/not going to say anything else about the music, they (or at least Niko) know(s) my opinion

[Jody LeCompte]

I can't see why...

That was a bogus excuse for music...

[fajitaben]

How am I pretending to be modest in the slightest? I've been pretty damn straightforward about everything.

Yeah, we do have a myspace, purevolume, unsigned, an album that's uploaded on to file sharing sites, and we've entered a few contests, that's where we gained all our fans, through our recordings on myspace. We have a bunch of them, if you don't believe we have fans go check out the myspace for yourself, just look up The Forgotten Archetype.

[Akira]

I can't see why...

That was a bogus excuse for music...

I, uh, don't not agree with you.

>.<

[fajitaben]

I can't see why...

That was a bogus excuse for music...

Well, now you're just being bitter because I invalidated your point.

[Jaded]

Yes, but they're terrible.
Not quite.

The point was that it was a side project of an already popular band. Myspace doesn't really count as a following, btw.

[Jimbobntnr]

In all honesty, their album is the only one that I put on my new chocolate.
{I just whored my new phone.}
no really. I have listened to it probably 7 times today.

[fajitaben]

Not quite.

The point was that it was a side project of an already popular band.

Oh, well, most of their fans claim Death Cab was never popular until after it was on the OC, which it was on after Postal Service was formed and became famous (it's also more famous than Death Cab, but maybe they were signed on the same label because they already had their foot in the door?)

[Jody LeCompte]

Well, now you're just being bitter because I invalidated your point.

Actually.

I just dont like the band.

And also you only invalidated half of my point.

[fajitaben]

Fine, if you want to be a jerk, I call for a shred off.

[Jody LeCompte]

A shred off?

Thats exactly why I didn't like your band, I listened to one song and it started off with a cool arrpegiated guitar and then it busts into uber death metal sweepage.

Im going to have to decline your "shred off" on the basis of Im a blues guitarist.

[fajitaben]

Would you rather have a "blues off" then Mr. Blues Guitarist who is above metal?

[Akira]

He was in a metal band like two months ago.

[Pluperfect_Arson]

Not quite.

The point was that it was a side project of an already popular band. Myspace doesn't really count as a following, btw.

I posted something similar to this regarding your Death Cab for Cutie statement, but my browser erased it. Basically, I just said that Ben Gibbard having Death Cab for Cutie helped him start the Postal Service and gain popularity much faster than had he started with nothing.

[Pluperfect_Arson]

In all honesty, their album is the only one that I put on my new chocolate.
{I just whored my new phone.}
no really. I have listened to it probably 7 times today.

This is for you:

<3

[Jody LeCompte]

Exactly. I dont have anything against metal, I just dont like most heavier metal.

[Jimbobntnr]

I'm deleting it if I see the term "shred off" one more time, though.

[Pluperfect_Arson]

A shred off?

Thats exactly why I didn't like your band, I listened to one song and it started off with a cool arrpegiated guitar and then it busts into uber death metal sweepage.

Im going to have to decline your "shred off" on the basis of Im a blues guitarist.

That is why you do not like our band?

Did you listen to any other part besides the beginning? :p

[Akira]

I'm deleting it if I see the term "shred off" one more time, though.

Shred.


Off.

[Pluperfect_Arson]

ITT, the bass forum begins its slow turn on Ben F. ;)

[Akira]

I still <3 you though Niko. :p

[Jody LeCompte]

For the sake of not being a biggot or a jerk, Ill go listen again...

[Pluperfect_Arson]

I still <3 you though Niko. :p

I <3 you, too. :chug:

[Pluperfect_Arson]

For the sake of not being a biggot or a jerk, Ill go listen again...

At least, if you will, give the entire album a listen. It is only a half hour, and, by my rules, I give every album a chance despite how much I hate a band. :)

[fajitaben]

I <3 you, too. :chug:

Am I cool too? :confused:

[Pluperfect_Arson]

Am I cool too? :confused:

Well, I have known you since you were an incredibly nerdy kid (aka fifth grade), so, yes, you are cool, too.:)

[fajitaben]

At least, if you will, give the entire album a listen. It is only a half hour, and, by my rules, I give every album a chance despite how much I hate a band. :)

That much listening might fuel his hatred! And fueled hatred usually leads to bad things, like steamed beets, and the forming of The Mars Volta.

[Jimbobntnr]

... I call for a shred off.

...

[fajitaben]

Well, I have known you since you were an incredibly nerdy kid (aka fifth grade), so, yes, you are cool, too.:)

Alright, alright, just making sure. :)

[Pluperfect_Arson]

...

Ben challenges everyone to a shred off whether the situation calls for one or not, and, usually, he is joking, haha.

[Pluperfect_Arson]

That much listening might fuel his hatred! And fueled hatred usually leads to bad things, like steamed beets, and the forming of The Mars Volta.

The majority of the bass forum appreciates the Mars Volta. O_O

[Pluperfect_Arson]

Alright, alright, just making sure. :)

Haha, you do not have to make sure of such things!

[fajitaben]

He's right, and even when I am joking, which is almost always, I'll still defend my honor if I must.

[Pluperfect_Arson]

He's right, and even when I am joking, which is almost always, I'll still defend my honor if I must.

This is no time to be a samurai!

[fajitaben]

The majority of the bass forum appreciates the Mars Volta. O_O

Well, my apologies to anybody I offended, but you dislike them as well.

[Pluperfect_Arson]

Well, my apologies to anybody I offended, but you dislike them as well.

Duh, everyone knows that.

[naut]

yeah Mars Volta is gay.

Death Cab is even worse i'm afraid.

[Left Shoe]

I posted something similar to this regarding your Death Cab for Cutie statement, but my browser erased it. Basically, I just said that Ben Gibbard having Death Cab for Cutie helped him start the Postal Service and gain popularity much faster than had he started with nothing.

ben gibbard having death cab, jimmy tamborello having james figurine and dntel and one other whose name escapes me, jenny lewis having rilo kiley and jenny lewis with the watson twins

[fajitaben]

ben gibbard having death cab, jimmy tamborello having james figurine and dntel and one other whose name escapes me, jenny lewis having rilo kiley and jenny lewis with the watson twins

Yeah, but I'm incredibly famous as well, duh.

But, srsly, anybody have any suggestions for labels that will take risks or sign anything or sign weird bands that are weird? Or just any metal labels?

[Foxfire]

Yeah, but I'm incredibly famous as well, duh.

But, srsly, anybody have any suggestions for labels that will take risks or sign anything or sign weird bands that are weird? Or just any metal labels?

I have a feeling most metal labels wouldn't find you rawk enough, I'm afraid.

It's pretty interesting stuff, though.

[fajitaben]

I have a feeling most metal labels wouldn't find you rawk enough, I'm afraid.

It's pretty interesting stuff, though.

Well, as I said earlier, Metal Blade liked it, they just didn't want to sign us because it's not all straight up metal. The only reason I actually believe them when they say they liked it is because they say, like most labels, that they will only respond to a demo if they like it, and because they asked us to send them future projects.

And thanks :)