The World and You

This is probably one of the most conventional ways of getting signed, but it's a lot of risk.  Not only are you giving up income from a steady job (unless somehow you can balance that out which I wouldn't suggest), but you're also giving up any career progress (whether educational, or through longevity at a company).  If you are not with a dedicated group of musicians this approach is not recommended.

I'm talking about the Paris Hilton, Ashlee Simpson, Brooke Hogan kind of bands.  Most of these people either have the money, or the publicity already to easily transition into the music industry.  I'm not saying that some people in this position don't have talent, however, it amazes me that so many talented people in this world with WAY more talent then some of these artists are never discovered because they didn't have the kinds of resources and backing that these people did.  I'm going to bank that you are not famous or rich, and if you are, well... then you have one heck of an advantage!

Of course these are just a few of the ways that artists have been discovered and I am sure there are many more.  Before you get discovered though (if that's in your plans), you're going to have to be realistic with yourself.  Figure out what you have to offer (more on this in the Define Yourself section of the site).  Recognize your weaknesses, everyone has them from the greatest rock legends of all time to that William Heung guy off American Idol (yes, he released a CD, and people bought it, go figure!)  Research your favorite artists (how did they get started, what made them unique?)  Think about exactly how you want your band to look; yes that's right, I want you to be picky.  If you join or start something you're unhappy with you are probably going to fail.