I GOT SIGNED (And Dropped) By A Major Label: What I'd Do Differently

[@HowardCharlesUK]

I've seen plenty of 'I got signed!' videos, but I don't see too many 'I got dropped!' videos 😂

[@DamianKeyes]

LOL Yeah all in the same year.... impressive eh! 🙂🙂🙂

[@tegaethan6016]

@@DamianKeyes love you man!!

[@s9325-x9u]

Made my day. Just the best comment ever.

[@nyandanyandalous9052]

I got dropped🙋🏾

[@wildeocean]

Am I the only one that wants to hear the single that reached No. 77 on the charts 😶.

[@DamianKeyes]

Lol it shall never see the light of day 😂😂😂

[@wildeocean]

@@DamianKeyes 😂😂😂 not even if i get like a hundred thousand likes on the comment 🤔

[@Macanto]

@@DamianKeyes Come on, would be so cool to hear it! 🎸😎

[@ClintonAshworth]

Nope you're not the only one! I'd love to hear that single too.

[@corbindallas18]

@@DamianKeyes come on, we all want to hear it!

[@riccardostopazzola7931]

Deal or no deal, if you're sitting on your career waiting for stuff to happen, stuff doesn't happen.

[@DamianKeyes]

This is very true!

[@joshuaBrooks.nicholas]

Facts

[@DiamondLifer]

This happened to my old band. Except we wanted to split from the label. It was a mutual because we felt we were being mismanaged and our album hadn’t been released yet. It had a lot of buzz with fans and the genre and we knew what we were capable of because we had a huge fan base before signing. I negotiated the buying of our masters thus returning 100% of the publishing to the band. I went and shopped a licensing deal to a competitor label who we’d talked to previously. We came to terms. Released the album, it did fantastic and we made money. We went on about our career successfully until we disbanded a couple years later. Later getting back together for a couple special dates every once in a while. Every time I’d see the reps, president or owners from the first label at festivals or shows they always greet me with the “smartest kid in metal” (I wasn’t a kid. I was in my early twenties) there were no hard feelings since the split was mutual and an agreement was reached that we were all happy with. A rep later told me long after my band disbanded that we would get brought up often at multiple labels where he worked when the subject of possibly prematurely splitting (dropping) an artist would come up. We were known as a success story in regards to knowing our potential even when a majorish label did not and reaching that potential by simply not stopping and staying the course we had set before the labels came knocking. The point is focus on the music. If you’re getting offers from labels definitely capitalize on those opportunities but do so in the smartest way possible but make sure your band or music keeps moving forward. Don’t let a label slow you down.

[@wesleycolemanmusic]

Your lamp looks like an avocado 😂

[@DamianKeyes]

Wesley Coleman you should see my avocado!! 😜

[@juliobee]

Damian Keyes does it look like a lamp?

[@yourbandisabusiness]

The thing that scares me most about an opportunity like that is losing control of my music or having recordings parked. I could deal with any amount of failure but being prevented from releasing songs would be the worst possible situation.

[@sanosketheboss]

Mother's are always the number one fan 😁

[@DamianKeyes]

Hahah yep!! The one thing you can count on 😂😂

[@DamianKeyes]

She is a very good sport! 🙂🙂🙂

[@wildeocean]

I was so bad that even my mother didn't believe in me 😂😂 It is possible 😁

[@sophiakorz]

Mine isn't... My parents don't think music is a "real" job. They hardly cared when I released my first single. My sister told me that my dad said I was being egotistical spending so much time recording my second one that I'm planning to release in a few weeks. Even though literally everyone else I talk to (random strangers included) tells me to keep going at it. Kinda hurts, ngl, but at the same time it's a good testing point for my own belief in my abilities.

[@wildeocean]

@@sophiakorz hahahahaha I completely understand. Like when any of my relatives used to ask me the question as to what I do. I'd make some shit up initially because if I would have said I make Music, the next response would be, oh no not your hobby, what do you do for work. I remember there came a time when I was like no I'm not going to lie any more, I make music now deal with it! Its an actual profession.

[@effisummerscreative]

I love hearing insights like this, so interesting. Agree that no one would turn down a major haha. Even if you don’t get the mega success, it’s got to be such a great experience and learning curve. Plus you’d increase your network to the max!

[@DamianKeyes]

Yep, I think looking at it from an experience point of view is the healthier way to do it!

[@crusherjones6809]

Fugazi.

[@turtleanton6539]

Right

[@travisstoneham5656]

Personally, I don't think I would ever sign with a major label or any label of any kind. I would rather stay Indie and build my career myself and retain control over it all. If things start to get difficult to manage you can always hire employees, but that's just me.

[@ColinsCity]

yes definitely stay independent, it will require more work and there's definitely no guarantees of getting radio play no matter how good or popular your song is, but the upside is you retain all the rights to your music and can release whatever you want and not have to beg a label exec to release a single from the album or worse, have a song released that you don't want as a single.

[@MEKUSIUMUSIC]

This video was so timely! My friend and I are making music while studying full-time and we have been extremely loving every single minute of it! We recently got approached by a renowned distributor wanting to work with us but their terms were far from good and the person's attitude was pretty lousy to say the least. Thanks for validating our decision to say no and continue making and enjoying music on our own terms!

[@DamianKeyes]

Love this!! It’s so important sometimes to keep the love for the music at the forefront 🙏🏻🙏🏻 let me know if I can help!

[@MEKUSIUMUSIC]

​@@DamianKeyes I can't agree with you anymore Damian. It's the love for music that keeps us going. It would mean so much to us if you could check us out and give us any feedback! We're uni students from Singapore currently hoping to turn our dream of making music for a living into a reality 🙏🏻 Here's our latest single! open.spotify.com/track/1mJ9yQqU8fDI3DiQ1z3TPY?si=aZnsBgiuQUqcRpiIv9BM5Q

[@MATZ302]

dude thanks for that. you've touched on points that no one touches. I feel like some artists that succeed in a label are in the mindset of not learning and then when the label doesn't drop them and they feel like they are worth more than 50% or whatever, they feel betrayed... which is weird in some cases. it's just how the business works

[@DamianKeyes]

Yeah agreed, thanks Roy 😊😊

[@thesuncollective1475]

I created a streaming service in 00s. We had a bout 30 indie bands , 2 of them got signed to majors..saw their vid on MTV then they disapeared . Better to do it on your own...at least you have an option nowadays

[@musicengineer08]

Any advice on starting a streaming service

[@BenCaesar]

Great story! Alot of people bash labels, you never really hear the labels side. I appreciate this video because it gives more scope to that. Big Sean's story is similar he got signed to Kanyes label and they shelved him for months! Instead of waiting he dropped mixtapes and got hot from those. By the time his album came out he had a buzz. He didn't wait for permission. He ran with it. From what I've seen with friends who have been signed - People think when they signed they made, but that's actually when the real work starts 🏃🏾‍♂️

[@turtleanton6539]

Right

[@dylanking2073]

Man this was a great video. I'm just an engineer so it's not really my realm but I used to think that getting signed was not really beneficial because of how predatory the majors are and how they'll just drop most of the people they sign. What you've made me realize is that just as they're trying to take advantage of artists (mostly), an artist who gets signed should have the mindset of 'what can i get out of this?' and definitely not assume it's a free ride from there on out. I've seen a couple people get signed by majors and never heard about them again. Great video.

[@junnunaumanen6672]

Currently signed to a major label, also running my own label on the side, and of course got a lot of past releases on a myriad of labels both absolutely huge and small - This video here is the God’s honest truth. Couldn’t have put it better myself! Damo, u the man 🤘🏼

[@BrokeAtBestMusic]

That is kind of brilliant because you can see what does and doesn't work and apply it to your own label. Good on you!

[@givenchymamajama3859]

Check out my music. Got 15 albums on all platforms

[@thegeneration1315]

Very informative Video Damo! I can relate and got signed to a major as well, some years back. I promise to keep this as brief as possible, in hopes of not boring everyone to death. haha. AND WE'RE OFF! :) I was a guitarist/songwriter in a rock band out of Chicago, IL. We spent years, writing, recording, shopping management, playing anywhere and everywhere that would have us. We loved the process, loved the grind, and were honestly working our asses off to build something in a serious way. We all had previous experience from being involved with management, booking agencies, independent labels etc. But none of us had been signed to a major in our other bands. And I now see, that from the beginning of that project, it was definitely our collective eventual goal. We started getting response, recording and selling albums and merch. Touring and opening for quite a few major label acts, networking our asses off, and started gaining a consistent following. We ended up being able to sell out some large venues after a few years, anywhere from 150-1000 capacity venues within 3 or 4 states of our home base. We signed with management, and really were quite happy and extremely excited with the momentum. Around a year or so later, ended up getting a deal with Island Records. We went in head first. This is what we wanted, and knew we had to say yes! Went to Nashville to record the album with a really excellent engineer and producer. Got the album done. Waited, waited, and waited some more. Called and called, and finally got a response around 6 months later after finishing the album. Management said we were shelved, but still under contract, and we obviously didn't own the rights to that particular recording. So we invested in hiring an experienced lawyer to get out of our contract. Took almost a year, but we got out of it. It did cost us, but we all knew it was in our best interest. We had gained momentum, gotten efficient at writing/ recording/ touring. And made some contacts in the process. Not many, but a few that were very good to us, and kind enough to help in the future. We ended up saving for a year, and went to record at Butch Vigs' studio in Madison Wisconsin. Wonderful studio. And great crew there. We ended up with what is still today our best album. It was all an amazing experience! :) That's not to say there wasn't a lot of hard times along the way, and feeling shaken from getting dropped by a major that soon. Knowing no one would ever hear the album recorded Nashville, including us. But we moved on, and enjoyed 3 or so years more of touring, songwriting, and honing our skills the best we knew how. Unfortunately the band parted ways, but we all learned something from getting signed to a major. We did a reunion show in Chicago a few years ago. Was just like old times, and I could see in everyone's eyes, that we all remembered why we started playing music. We ate, drank, and slept that shit. And I think every one of us would do it all again. Good vibes your way...

[@bornlost706]

What band was it?

[@Thejammindodgersfan]

This is probably one of the realest videos I've ever seen from you! I've had a few experiences with majors now, put out a few through Sony about 2 years ago, and it was the craziest experience ever! Even though I'm not with them now, I still push stuff through them and am in the midst of some other cool bits with them. I feel I now have the best of both worlds with my new label deal - they distribute via Universal, so still have the pedigree/radio connections/money/spotify leverage to help make tunes a hit, whilst also keeping on that indie level in terms of how much they're putting out a week, so can definitely make sure the music is a priority. Your experience even though was a few years back now, is SPOT ON, and very true - most audiences only see the hits from majors, and not the hundreds of artists that really struggle with the exact same deal!

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks for this Sami, such an insightful comment! Glad what you have now is working out for you, let me know if I can help with anything 😊😊 thank you!

[@Thejammindodgersfan]

Damian Keyes for sure - I actually messaged your insta DM’s - check for bvdkult

[@ScarlettRoseOfficial]

How do you do it? I managed to get millions of views yet no one contacts me :(

[@mattiatedesco01]

Scarlett Rose how do you get millions of views? Lol

[@ScarlettRoseOfficial]

@@mattiatedesco01 I got viral somehow

[@mahnoorpirzada6638]

omg, I'm in an almost IDENTICAL situation to the one you described. we got take in by a huge company, and made the mistake of assuming everything would be done. Same outcome - flakier replies, delays, etc, and now in the position of having a wake up call and starting to take control of everything. thanks for this :)

[@DamianKeyes]

It’s all about experiences and then how you learn from them isn’t it... you’re smashing taking control of it 😊😊

[@DJCroGs]

Best advice of the year in entire music industry mate! "Squeeze that lemon!" Always enjoying watching your stuff Damian!

[@DamianKeyes]

Haha thank you! Awesome to have you in the community 😊😊😊

[@TheGuizmo11]

it happened to a friend buddy. 5O k in advance, huge studio recording, amazing big tour, blablabla... and got dropped like shit ! he's going to court now, to have his song right back

[@DiamondLifer]

Licensing deals are the way to go. That’s what my band did when we signed. Doesn’t come along with all the perks but in the long term it worked out considering we split from the label pretty quickly within the first 2 years.

[@Jason_Kearney]

I can see where your hunger for this topic comes from. Good on you brother! There is a lesson in every bump along the road if your smart enough to see it. Looks like you turned yours into something good. Cheers Damo. You got yourself a subscriber.

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks Jason! Great to have you here 😊😊

[@CasolVillas]

Take control!! 100% true! Thank you for sharing your experience Mr. Keyes.

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks so much 😊😊😊

[@RobertStevens-o5i]

Thanks for the video. I am going through this now! The process started two years ago, then finally signed 15. months later... by the 4th largest global label....great deal.... Not much help with the album or even producers so I pushed on and delivered an album that they "loved". I finished the album in August this year it was sent to be mixed and mastered and at this point I started to chase a release date with no responses or at least very slow responses. I then get a call last week saying they want to drop me. Beyond gutted. Not having that 'security' of knowing these experts are behind you is then suddenly a scary place to be. The world of promo and marketing is the part that is hard especially without contacts and a manager. I'm determined not to stop and to continue without them BUT it's definitely put me off big labels - I'd much rather find a smaller label or self release but essentially anyone that has the time or desire to want to help push things forward. I currently can't perform (under contract) I can't release (under contract) but some major lessons learned. It was a good experience and I still would have signed. Hopefully, I'll come out of this with my masters and some of the benefits from the contract but sadly there weren't many opportunities to network or socialise as they were SO slow over the 2 year process. Note to others would be to consider properly the benefits of small vs big vs self release. Could the money be spent on promo or marketing instead...

[@DanielTortoledovideos]

Very interesting and informative material Damian. Thank you for sharing a lot of knowledge. I feel the more in control you are of your vision, your material what you stand for as an artist the more you of a say you will have when meeting with a label. As you have mentioned on a previous video the more you can do, accomplish and more attractive you seem to a label the more control you will have. Yes a label can certainly be super beneficial but we artists can not wait for someone to do the job for us. Thanks again and will keep sharing this channel .

[@ben_ball]

Thanks for your honest insights! To me this sets me up to use as much of time as I can to develop instead of waiting for a miracle.

[@DamianKeyes]

Definitely. All about developing your own skills and music business education, it’s so important to know how all these things work, you’ll be stronger for it 😊😊

[@ben_ball]

@@DamianKeyes and knowing the right people to help! ;)

[@maxovendenmusic]

Wow I never would have guessed major labels signed so many people and that so few of them actually make it! I think most people think as you did that "being signed" IS making it when clearly it's just a great opportunity. I really enjoyed your story :)

[@lost_valley]

40k new tracks on spotify per day , wow. I knew music industry was competitive but this is ridiculous

[@adamkincaidmusic]

The cream always rises to the top

[@joshuaBrooks.nicholas]

That's so crazy bruh

[@willvdc1]

Great storytelling, and very solid, realistic advice. Bravo! Very much wish I had spent my first industry experiences in film music asking questions (even ones I deemed stupid at the time) made more mistakes, etc. The way we make money, distribute our music, etc has all changed, but the determination, the hustle and the drive must all still be there!

[@AntKneeLeafEllipse]

This is your origin story!! How you became a superhero. If I was to get signed, I would just be so eager to figure out how the business stuff works. I'm neck deep in the creative, at all times, but I am so clumsy with marketing, branding, even networking sometimes. I could really benefit from a label in that regard.

[@DamianKeyes]

Haha YES!! I do want to be a superhero 😂 Yeah definitely - the best thing to do would just be to soak up everything, you’re only in a better place with more knowledge regardless what happens 😊😊

[@AntKneeLeafEllipse]

@@DamianKeyes you already are. I'm certainly better for it.

[@TheMedievalBard]

Thank you so much for this. Most of the advice that can be found online on this subject consists of people who were never signed to a label saying you should never sign to a label.

[@GeoZero]

I so can relate DK. I got a "development deal" that dragged on for about 2 years. Some of the original members went off on their own. Everything fell apart. Then we had a management deal that didn't go anywhere. It happens all the time.

[@HellKey]

Hei Damian, thanks for the video and for sharing your experience. I have in mind that when this will happen it will be 100% pure networking. But it would be nice if you could share with us how to network with the right people (artists, managers, and so on) when the miracle would happen. I suppose it is not always possible to add an entire label crew on LinkedIn ... can you teach us?

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks so much, Let me have a think about how I can do a video on this 🙂🙂🙂

[@hehewutimusic]

love the story❣️ and what a breeeeze... no ads in the middle 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 (i’m listening while working out)

[@jongallardo8006]

We played with tons of bands in our local backyard scene Here in CA. There was this one we played with. Fast forward 3 years later , they’re now signed to Epitaph records and headlining shows in LA

[@bruderschweigen6889]

What band?

[@DiamondLifer]

Plague Vendor I’m guessing.

[@chefwillbeats]

i am a 31 music producer i think i am aged out of getting signed lol.. but if i was given the chance i wanna learn and network and grow. hopefully create a platform for others to grow.

[@josephlopez1016]

ChefWill Beats bro your actually in the range of getting signed. Major labels change your age. Don’t forget an investment requires a sellable product and unique talent is in all ages. Believe half of what you see and nothing you hear this is the game

[@Jkerg]

Nah bruh age doesn’t matter Mike Dean 55

[@japanluv]

Dont give up. Had a mini music studio some years back,was working like mad same as these days with a difference, married now with a child. I bought a Push 2 with Live 9 Suite some months back. Now looking for a decent audio interface and microphone. I wanna go back into it and actually learn how to produce my own songs since I got some lyrics written already but its the sound that inspire me to write certain stuff. Im 40 by the way. I need to at least try. I also believe in the collective power. Lonely road is not always the answer.

[@rexarthurmd8866]

Thanks for this video, we were asked to a label and I had NO idea how to process the opportunity. So comforting to hear from real experiences.

[@SatelliteViewMusic]

If a label wants to sign me, the first thing I do is to take a close look at the offer and the conditions. If I don't like the conditions, I would consider going it alone for the time being. Because I must have done some things right by then, otherwise the label wouldn't have approached me at all. If I manage to increase the success further on my own, I can still talk to the label, but I have a better basis for negotiations... Or am I missing something here?

[@thekidindistress]

SatelliteViewMusic Ur speaking of a leverage deal which is what most local artists are going for. That’s my plan to release an EP with Distrokid and REALLY REALLY buzz around to catch attention and grab label attention and fan base

[@DamianKeyes]

You are right that you now have control and if a label approaches you there is a good reason for it and they see an opportunity. But it also turning down those opportunities, specialists and dollar... But it has been done. Chance The Rapper was offered loads of deals and said no to all as far as Ive heard and he is doing just fine!

[@SatelliteViewMusic]

@@DamianKeyes I admit my remarks are highly theoretical. 😂 I'm still working on getting a deal offered. My first single is set for release on May 5... 😁

[@SatelliteViewMusic]

@@thekidindistress May you do well! My first single is coming on May 5th...

[@deliciousexperience689]

@@SatelliteViewMusic Good luck to you ;-) I am releasing an album at the end of the year. :-)

[@afrosensei5308]

"You been dropped." Dayum. Talk about grand opening, grand closing. At 18 (it would be 2004) I definitely would've taken the opportunity, but I don't think it would've turned out well; they'd probably try to market me as a straightforward R&B artist and stick me with a girlfriend or package me as uber butch to ward off the "is he or isn't he?" rumors. And I probably would've went along with it because what examples were there of successful openly gay R&B artists? Nada. Anyway, definitely good advice or getting the most out of the opportunity, regardless of whether you become the next Drake.

[@bayshorepark1231239]

why are you obsessed with telling everyone that you're a sodomite?

[@vesislavaofficial]

I was always with the belief I would refuse if I get a major label knocking on my door However watching your videos really brought in some great points. I believe I would follow your advice at this point

[@douglasjessop9361]

Dope. I think building your own foundation and going from there is important. Also because their is a major disadvantage through cyber warfare being focused is gigantic. Thanks for the share.

[@CodyMcManus]

Thanks for sharing this story Damo! Crazy how fast things happen in the music industry

[@TheFeelButton]

If a label came knocking I'd surely hear them out. How many of those freshly signed acts are 50 year olds? 😂🤣😀 Til then it's KZbin and live shows for me! Good stuff Damo!! 🐒

[@cornstar1253]

I'm 53 and just got a deal with sony Rock music. So nobody will hear it

[@glenn-souljam1015]

Yeah, baby! It's up to you! Let's do it!

[@themidnightstrangers]

Your channel is extremely real and helpful. Thank you for actually helping and giving tips

[@DamianKeyes]

Really glad to help 😊😊

[@joshthurlow11]

Great video again mate. Labels get a really bad rep but financial backing and building an audience is priceless.

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks Josh!! It’s just about knowing what you’re getting into really and not thinking you’re going to end up a millionaire at the end of it! But yeah, chances are you’ll come out stronger regardless

[@DamianKeyes]

Very true! 🙂🙂🙂

[@n2fabian726]

Mate, you are famous rockstar ❤️

[@DamianKeyes]

Ahhh you’re a total legend!

[@n2fabian726]

@@DamianKeyes Following your Tipps I'll make sure I'll be!

[@kain4573]

10:46 I think this is a mentality a lot of musicians have. And I'm judging people for it because obviously everyone's dream to reach the top. I'm 20 and have quite a few plans for my music career. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't want success, but I heard a great piece of advice which I wanted to share for people in this mentality. Apologies I don't know who said this( I think it was a youtube video) It goes along the lines of 'tell yourself you will 100% fail. You will never sell out a stadium. You'll never become famous.' And if you tell yourself that and you're still making music. And you're making music because you HAVE to do it. Because you want to do it for the music. Then you're in music for the right reasons. I'm not saying don't dream. But I think it's important to be grounded in reality and the present and accept what is. And see it this way with this mentality you can only be pleasantly surprised by 'success' and never disappointed in 'failure'. TL;DR Make music because you want to make music. Don't make success your only goal. The best you can do is try your best.

[@wandabhala933]

I seriously needed to hear this, thank you

[@kain4573]

@@wandabhala933 Happy to help :)

[@BrokeAtBestMusic]

That's how I roll. I JAM, throw it on here, and move on. All in good fun!

[@Nairrrrrrr]

Thank you so much!

[@GuyMichelMusic]

very powerful. You're the only charge of your destiny. Keep up the great work man!

[@timbo749]

I dig these stories, but I think a good video idea would be how YOU, became obsessed with bass, and how you learned to be a bass player. And how to's for basement/ bedroom players to go from the bed room to the stage.

[@matthewchinitz8117]

What a video! really interesting and a lot of really good points. not that I have too much life experience in music, but signing to a major isn't necessary anymore. That point about vanity is extremely relevant, but yeah having the education and control can be the difference. Today's music business is exactly that, and through your videos and my college courses, I'm convinced running a band as an entrepreneurial venture and a small business is a sustainable way to have a long career without a major label.

[@ericmarvel909]

great video dude, top notch content as always, extremely glad you are imparting your experiences to the rest of us!

[@DamianKeyes]

Ahhh thanks Eric!! Appreciate that a lot. Let me know if I can help with anything 😊😊

[@adamyt0]

77 is still crazy :) thats insane! thanks for all the videos still, like these stories over corona stuff. Still watched a couple but its doing my head in hahah, miss pre-virus times man lol. Hope you're keeping well!

[@raularaujostrw]

Hey, Damo! I think that the main thing, amongst many others, is having a well developed musical identity because the only artists that I know are the ones that have a very distinguishable identity and that’s what I’m about to write down in my career plan. I believe in being so unique that there’s no competition whatsoever. Let’s test that theory. 😎

[@phildamoon3705]

Thanks for sharing your experience Damian!! you're amazing.

[@jakedemarsh]

Loved that story! Really changed my perspective on things! Thanks 😊

[@robertvalenta2001]

Superb, thanks for sharing your interesting story. Great video production and well spoken

[@jeromekapeller5129]

"Rinse that lemon." subscribed.

[@deliciousexperience689]

I get what you are saying Damien about using opportunities to gain contacts in the music industry while you have chance and that's a practical approach if anyone signed to one. But i would say NO to a major label. They tie people into deals you can't get out of, they own your music, & you go into debt while they spend money that you owe them indefinitely back etc etc etc, it's all very well going into flashy studios and having them spending money manufacturing your music (which you will have no say on what costs are incurred or how it is even made musically) but what is the point when that's what they would do and you can do it yourself now anyway? Nah i'm sorry i'm too much of a control freak for that. I would want to know about every penny being spent, and every single aspect would have to get run past me first or not at all, and most record companies just wouldn't be up for that, because they only have their own interests at heart. They want to stop pissing away money signing loads of random acts they arn't going to invest in properly and thus fail, and sign less and give them the support and financial gains that they need to succeed, or how do they possibly think they will without investing into them in the first place and caring? It just annoys me. I own my music, nobody else, and thus that's why i would never sign to a major, or even a small label without A LOT of compromise and conditions. And that is where the future is heading, it's about time record companies realised that they no longer hold the power over people who don't have much money and have had to compromise everything in the past and should change their working infrastructure to be in the artists favour nowadays instead, like some are starting to do. I thought it was ludicrous your manager saying that because one record label had under-invested their time money and energy into your band and so they dropped you because you didn't succeed in the charts (i wonder why), that nobody else would do that because it hadn't worked with them. I'm sure if you had gone with another label they wouldn't have been so brain-dead.

[@jackquentin1950]

Thank you. I took mental notes. I think I'm getting signed so I'm just prepping myself.

[@andyhair4665]

Shame theres only a like button and not a love button. Great tips and advice again Damo. This sort of thing is the reason I subscribed ❤👍

[@DamianKeyes]

Ahh thanks Andy. Really appreciate that man 😊😊

[@andyhair4665]

@@DamianKeyes keep em coming. Dont want to put you under pressure but I think that's one of your best videos. How are you going to top it lol

[@troytempest5984]

Your doing gods work damo...instruct the yoofs, on the hyper highs and the dirty lows of this biz...

[@melissahirst3078]

Damien, in hopes that you actually see my comment; I want to thank you SO MUCH for all of these videos. I have a mentor that I'm sure you know.... many things she tells me to do you have in depth info that I didn't have time to ask her. So.... THANK YOU🤗

[@DamianKeyes]

Thank you so much that really means a lot to me. Ah cool who is your mentor? 🙂

[@melissahirst3078]

@@DamianKeyes Camille Barbone

[@nuclearapplepants904]

@@DamianKeyes and this is my bands acct. I subscribed it as well. Have a great day!!!!!

[@miind8640]

interesting video man! thanks a lot

[@DamianKeyes]

Thank you 😊😊 glad you found it interesting!

[@ellastephen444]

So proud of you!

[@DamianKeyes]

😊😊😊😊

[@AngeeWINGS]

Hello Damian, I really love your content... It's very interesting! Could please tell us or even make a video on how can we be reached by real major label A&R... Because for so long, I constantly receive some stupid email or scammers who pretend to work for big music labels like Universal and I do feel it's just someone who just want to take advantage of us ! Do you have a video about how these days Major labels approach independant artists ? There must be several ways, don't you think ?

[@Codeelektro]

Thanks for your personal story Damian. As always I think that you are absolutely right. Looking forward to the next video.

[@salvaloco13]

Wow very powerful video - Damian respects to you my guy for sharing your journey

[@adamallisongrant]

Hats off to you! Sending good vibes your way

[@mckennagraymusic]

A Cleveland Browns shirt?? Ayeee that's where I'm from!

[@keithnorris2109]

Great video! No experience is useless if you learn from it.

[@OmarJano]

Thank you so much for this video. It helped to ground my expectations and reorient my goals. Killer content man, keep it coming!

Loved your content, it's so honest! The best "tips and hacks" I could get from you so far were to be focused, to work hard and to be prepared to take advantage from opportunities that life gives you. Great stuff man!

[@ishayang8085]

If I get signed, Aw man I would look carefully at the contract and if it’s good sign. Being a singer has always been my dream, it’s my passion. If I ever got signed I would and will work my butt off to make singles albums etc. I would work really hard.

[@baobanger]

Dude this is kinda shook me up too like dang, That phrase of you got drop why would anyone else want to pick up the slack OH MY GOD that hits hard

[@nashdrift]

yes it is a buzz a big buzz lol brings back memory's of the phone going ever night at 11pm that gave me 2 hours to sit down after a long day at work. and think what i was going to say . like your self i was young at the time. thank Damian

[@mikenickels8043]

Love love love the Browns!!!!

[@mikenickels8043]

I live 5 miles from the Fottball Hall of Fame and 57 miles from the Rock Hall....anyway...js

[@DamianKeyes]

Dog pound!! I’m still learning as we don’t have much nfl in UK but when we move later this year I will be checking them out at home! 😊😊😊

[@YetiValhalla]

Thanks for sharing that. That is F*cking brutal. Respect.

[@trevadadeva]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Such an eye opener!

[@TBiz81]

REALLy good analysis

[@paulschmitz2352]

thank you damian!!! love your vids

[@russbradshawmusic]

Labels get most of the album sales, but that's why you listen to Damo and push the fuck out of your merch. Also keep spreadsheets of everything and know the difference between gross and net for contract reasons.

[@jjc9881]

Why does this lad sound like Richard Hammond

[@NOWtheband]

Maybe they have similar voices to your ears.

[@stevemorano9317]

Amazing story! Getting signed to a major label at just 18 must be really mind blowing! Its a shame lessons are always learnt best by mistakes made. Saying that it's a great story. Make a film about it.

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks Steve!! I’ll think about that film 😜 I get a lot of people saying “what have you even done in the music industry” so I thought I should delve a bit into the past!

[@TheDailyGrubb_Music]

immediate thumbs up for Cleveland 👍🏼 🏈 🎸

[@rohansahamusic]

_Really, the video was very enlightening!!_ 😍 *_Absolutely loved the facts (only filled with positive vibes) that you've put in this whole video_* ❤

[@fortuneigiebor1008]

This one was really interesting, one of the best advice providers i’ve watched, thanks a mil.

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks so much! Appreciate that man 🤟

[@mbidcvz]

Thanks for making this video, very interesting.

[@viktorpolasek6123]

Thanks, for the insights, this makes a lot of sense a brings a new perspective that becomes crucial at that point. My intention now is be independent but if I imagine the opportunity, it must be hard to say no. I probably wouldn't

[@hugoborel2096]

Thank you man I’m learning so much on your channel

[@WillMaskellTaylor]

Never thought you'd mention Annihilator in this channel, my band RipTide supported them in Manchester last year! 🤘

[@j-star1]

Thank you for sharing your story!

[@berryseinfeld6772]

I've been through it myself. When they love ya, they LOVE ya. When they don't, you cease to exist. I highly rec. REALLY thinking it over. If a major wants, you, it means you have something they want. So why not do it yourself?

[@MS-hn1ik]

If theyd come knocking, i would definitly say no. Cause if i would make it with their help, i would make it without them too. Thats for sure. Cause if you think about it: It maybe takes a little longer, but the people still want to hear you, not the label.

[@eskei83]

so much truth in here! very good video!

[@lucaroveran9551]

Thanks for sharing priceless information, love your channel

[@fredacuneo5180]

Very insightful stuff. Thank you. I always enjoy your vids. There are plenty of vids about how people got "signed," but this is the first I saw about being dumped. (I raise my glass to the Dawg Pound brother. Cheers!)

[@arminsage]

I loved the video very informative! My first song is dropping tonight thank to you I finally had the courage to post!

[@Andie_Shore]

Great story! Thank you for sharing!

[@miasharratt2198]

I think the best thing any artist can do once signed to a major label is to still keep that 'independent artist mindset'. Don't stop hustling, don't stop working crazy hard on your music and marketing because you assume now your label will take control of it. Once you get signed, you DO NOT RELAX. Instead, you work even harder than before.

[@DamianKeyes]

100% agree with this! Never stop working hard, once you get the label, you need to work 10x harder than you did before

[@nrffilms1740]

Damian Keyes that’s what Ed Sheeran did and look at him now!!!

[@mitchmelodia5031]

I'd really like to sign with an Indie label affiliated with a Major. Seem like there's a bit more creative freedom there while having access to the resources and networks that one of the big players have. Thoughts?

[@popodopulus3826]

Yeah but do you know any? Or do you know any place online where I can upload my music for label people to listen?