Record a professional demo (or full-length CD, if your budget allows). While video demos or a live performance video are becoming more widely accepted by A&R label reps, record companies still prefer to hear what you can do in the studio. Looks are important too, but remember, record labels are primarily in the business of making audio CDs.
Package your CD with eye-catching cover art. Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records (the label that distributes DTP product) stated in a recent interview that sometimes an unsigned artist's cover art is what he notices first. Particularly unique or attractive cover art does influence his decision to listen to a CD.
Work on building your fan base through live performances. Artists who have a large following already are far more likely to get signed because the label knows they can count on a certain number of units sold. If you're already selling out concerts, this certainly gets a record company's attention.
Get financial backing for your music. Few artists' pockets are deep enough to foot the bill for the costs of recording and pressing CDs, paying musicians, buying equipment, stage costumes, promotional costs and merchandising items, such as T-shirts. A record company will take you more seriously if you show them you've already got business savvy enough to have an investor behind you. This also reduces financial risk for the label -- and all record companies like that.
Contract a manager with a strong reputation for getting hip-hop, rap and R&B artists signed to major labels. A well-connected manager has contacts inside DTP, Island, Def Jam and Universal Music Group he can tap to get your music heard by the right people.
Artists who do not have a manager or an "in" with the label are often wasting their time and money sending unsolicited submissions to record companies. Most of these demos go straight in the trash. DTP Records, unlike many labels, does allow unsolicited demos, however.
Contact DTP Records when you've got your submission package ready to go. The label prefers email contact for unsolicited submissions. Email your bio, demo, photo and/or audition video to [email protected].
If your sound is what Disturbing tha Peace is looking for, an A&R (Artists and Repertoire) representative will be in touch. Be sure to include your current contact information when submitting your demo.