Get educated on the business of music. Start by reading, “This Business of Music” by William Krasilovsky. It will provide a comprehensive guide of how the music business works. Even if an artist is surrounded by handlers to navigate their business dealings, they must still understand the questions that are placed before them.
Play local venues. Find local festivals that feature Jazz or acoustic artists and modify stage show to fit a Jazz or acoustic format. Do not limit yourself to R&B festivals. Make sure local R&B stations know you. Join local message boards and post mp3s of your music. Ask local audiences to critique the music and say what they like and don’t like about the music. This strategy allows you to build a regional following and create buzz. Record companies will eventually come to you.
Gain an online presence. Create a website with a discography of all music. Make sure that any reviews posted in local papers appear on the site. Allow fans to post appreciation for music and live performances. Make sure other local R&B artists with websites provide links to the page and be sure to return the favor.
Move to cities with prominent R&B labels. Atlanta and Washington D.C. are good cities to consider. Often cities with large African American population will also have a strong R&B music scene. Labels that are not based in these cities have employees based there to seek out talent.
Network with other R&B artists. Movements often begin when two or more artists form bonds and allow their individual creativity to join with another artist. Don’t force a relationship. Allow them to happen organically either through common goals for success or similar approaches to music. Having a surrogate will give you more face time and more opportunities to gain a contract.