Before you think about sending your music into major record labels, like Jive Records, there are some things you must know.

The record label representative you work with must have a vibe with you and your music. It is their job to find the next big artist, one who will get radio play and sell a lot of CD's and MP3 downloads. If you have interest in getting a record deal, pay close attention to the following important tips to help you take your music to the next level...and get signed.

1) Make Sure Your Music is Tight!

The production needs to be solid, and the music quality must sound professional. Of course a lot of fine tuning can be done in the studios after you're signed, but you know the saying...you only have one time to make a good first impression...so make the most out of it.

2) NEVER USE Certified Mail to Send Your Music to Record Labels.

Certified mail is the first step in the legal process so artist reps will likely put your mail to the bottom of their pile.

3) NEVER Contact an A&R (Artists and Repertoire) Representative More Than Once in a Week... if they Expressed Interest in Your Music.

They are extremely busy, and will get back to you when they can. Also, if they think you have a hit on your hands...you may have

problems getting them off of the phone because they will be so ready to talk with you.

4) NEVER Send More Than 4 Downloadable Songs.

If you are given the go ahead to send your music to an A&R rep for record deal consideration, do not send them more than 4 downloadable songs at a time or 10-12 beats if you are a beat maker. They are very busy so you want to respect their time by not overwhelming them with too many music samples. Also, 4 downloadable songs (or 10-12 beats) is more than enough to give them a feel for your music.

5) If You Mail Songs to Your Contact at a Record Label, Put Your Contact Information on Your CD AND Packaging!

A&R reps are so busy, they may open your package and immediately get distracted with 10 other things. Eventually they may come back to your CD, and if your contact information isn't listed on your CD...your out of luck. So don't make this big mistake!

6) NEVER Mark Your Emails Urgent.

This sends the message that your songs are more important than anything and everything they have going on in their life, and if they see your message really isn't urgent on the scheme of things...that may upset them. This is a great way to get you placed on the back burner of other projects your A&R Rep is working on.

7) Make Sure Your Photography and Graphics on Your Website are High Quality.

Your website is like your resume' to music professionals, so if it is of poor quality, they may not take your music seriously and you may not be considered for a record deal. *Note: If you have a MySpace account, and have some friends on there that would be viewed as non-professional, strongly consider removing them from your friends area if you want the executives at the record labels to take you seriously.

If you would like to receive live feedback on your music over the phone by a record label executive, you can sign up for your A&R Hookup at the following link:

A&R Hookup Meeting.

To your music success,

Traci Crowley