Monstercat A&R: How to Get Signed to a Record Label in 2023

Here’s how to get signed to the world’s best record labels! I had the pleasure of interviewing Jonathan Winter and Jimmy Yoshitake - the Lead A&Rs for ‪@Monstercat‬ - one of the world's leading electronic music record labels - who share their advice for new (and seasoned) producers alike.
Huge thanks for Jonathan and Jimmy for taking the time to share these insights with us!
Check out Monstercat Uncaged, Monstercat Silk and Monstercat Instinct below…
www.monstercat.com
/ monstercat
Background Intro Music for this video: “KYRIPH - Find You”. Check out more of ‪@KYRIPHtunes‬' music here: withkoji.com/@KYRIPH
(KYRIPH is one of our Accelerator students. If you want to make professional-quality dance music as quickly as possible, you can apply to work directly with Will and the team here:
www.edmtips.com/accelerator)
In this interview we go in-depth into:
00:00 - What we cover in our chat
00:46 - Meeting Jon and Jimmy
02:25 - What do A&Rs do
03:30 - Ways A&Rs discover artists
05:30 - What defines a good/bad A&R
10:00 - What do A&Rs look for in a ‘perfect artist’
12:55 - How big a factor is having industry connections
14:50 - How to start making connections
17:30 - How important is having an existing portfolio of work
20:00 - Importance of originality vs fitting in
23:17 - How to stand out from other artists
29:00 - Building production skills vs building social media presence (if you’re time-limited)
31:40 - A&Rs preference on working with artists short-term or long-term
34:10 - Should you have 3+ tracks to submit before approaching A&R
35:20 - The most successful trait of artists
38:25 - Releasing with an established label vs self-releasing
40:20 - Best way to get demos heard (by Monstercat A&R)
41:40 - Any other tips (for release on Monstercat)
46:00 - Things artists can do to be mindful when contacting A&R
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#monstercat #musicindustry #gettingsigned

[@EDMTips]

Hope you enjoy this one! Let me know whom you'd most like to see me interview on this channel (producers, DJs, label-bosses, etc.)!? I really enjoy it :)

[@aagora]

Producers, DJ,s, Label bosses they all are welcome. We have lessons to learn from each. Thank you.

[@tiaemofficial]

I have been releasing my music on larger labels for a time now, but the interview was still very interesting and enriching. Thanks for that Will!

[@EDMTips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SoundConstraints]

Any tips for someone trying to get their first song signed? My viewers would be interested !

[@DJazium]

Great conversation!

[@EDMTips]

Cheers, glad you found it helpful! 🙂

[@enzocantwell]

moment of silence for all of the earrape prank demos they have recieved

[@vendetta7930]

Thank you, Will, for organizing this discussion. While I appreciate the insights shared so far, I believe there is still a lack of transparency regarding what constitutes a bad A&R. Unfortunately, many of the major labels have A&R policies that prioritize signing artists who fit a certain template rather than seeking out new, original sounds. As a result, many A&Rs today seem to judge music based solely on their personal taste, which may not necessarily align with what will work commercially or resonate with audiences. This narrow-minded approach can be discouraging for new artists who are trying to break into the industry. I have witnessed numerous occasions where talented artists have been rejected by A&Rs, only to be signed once the A&R in question has been replaced by someone with a different perspective. This indicates that while A&Rs claim to be on the lookout for new talent, they may not be actively seeking out emerging artists or listening to releases from smaller labels. It is also worth noting that even the biggest star DJs may not be the best judges of what will resonate with audiences, as they may be sticking to the same formulaic sounds that have worked for them in the past. Therefore, it is crucial for A&Rs to take risks and seek out new, innovative sounds, rather than relying solely on what is currently popular or what the top DJs are playing. It is important to remember that some of the most successful artists or bands, such as Queen or Prydz, achieved their success by breaking the mold and offering something new and original. By taking a more open-minded approach, A&Rs and labels can help foster a more diverse and innovative music industry, while also supporting emerging artists who may not fit into the current industry template.

[@CypiXmusic]

Great insight. Thank you!

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@Bthelick]

To any new artists, producers and musicians , anyone who's not already established, please, just don't. A label can't help you. I've released thousands of tracks in my career under some big names and the biggest labels. It doesn't change anything (except you get paid far far less). Be honest, Labels made sense in the non-digital era, 4 tv channels to advertise on (practically guaranteeing exposure with the ad budget), gate keepers bypassed (Payola/ promoters/ charts) , physical formats (limited print & availability), distribution of that physical format, Bought shelf space, recording advances needed for studio recording before it was trivial to record at home. NONE of that is a problem now, not for a long time. ALSO, to make matters worse, many label's are so desperate now, their contracts are for the term "perpetuity" if you this comment and no know what that means it means they will own your rights forever, and probably give a 1 time 3k advance in return. If you're track isn't already viral you'll get a couple of thousand plays extra off their youtube channel and playlists for around 1 week, that's usually all

[@krisclarke3000]

Love this comment!, Can you point us to what you DO recommend we do as brand new artists with a first track to promote?... Love your content by the way🙏

[@Bthelick]

@@krisclarke3000 A major label needs a minimum of $500k to promote an artist now, typically nearer 2million. That's what they're saying it costs to 'break' an artist at the moment. That's why they don't grow artists any more, just sign what's already popular. So knowing that I don't think there's much formal "promoting" an independent artist is going to do that can make a dent. The first thing I advise you do instead to 'promote' your first track, is simply make another 50-100! I knew ahead of time that releasing 1 video a week on a unique, consistent topic would take between 1 and 2 years to get the first 1000 subs and it's not much different for music, the data is pretty consistent. I also knew my first 100 videos would suck! The second thing I advise is make those tracks ahead of time so you can make a consistent release schedule. Humans are creatures of habits and so are algorithms. If they notice you are uploading once a month or once a week they have a reason that often. Third, Pick a thing! what are you? (Understand branding) Don't be scared of that word, it's not necessarily a corporate/industrial thing. It just means people understand what you are at a glance, your identity basically. Pick it on purpose, have something different to say/do/sound like. "Be a meaningful specific, not a wondering generality" - Zig Ziglar. I advise you absorb as many Seth Godin videos as possible (or books) There are 100k tracks uploaded to Spotify every day but 85% of artists don't have more than 50 followers! It's usually because they simply haven't uploaded enough, not uploaded consistently, or don't have a clear brand, typically all 3 are needed.

[@EldynvanDijk]

NGL this video is super motivational. Thank you for taking the time to make this!!!

[@EDMTips]

You're so welcome, glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel 🙂🙌🏻

[@Taylor370z]

Wow. Amazing interview. Probably most informative ive found. I appreciate that these two were very down to earth not typical big business corporate talk guys trying to just promo the label. Just very straight forward and helpful for anyone listening.

[@DjSimplyNice]

Great video Will as always. Thank you also to Jonathan Winter and Jimmy Yoshitake for their tips on how to get signed by a record label. Much respect!!! ✌

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome, glad you liked it! 🙂

[@oliverabk1244]

thanks so much for this interview Will. it was a very eye opened one to focus a bit more on when try to get to a label. It helps me to not think to overthinked when my music is release ready and I'm tryna to reach out to a label.

[@Tranceformer]

Quality really enjoyed this thank you 👊

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome, glad you liked it! 🙌🏻

[@stoopidvideoz]

I would love you to interview Colorize/Enhanced Music. Modera, Klur, Mattfax, Sultan + Sheperd.. And as I said before, it would be nice to hear how much you are expected to earn and if the payments are one offs or royalty based.

[@RolledInARaw]

These style of content sometimes helps more than anything. Thank you.

[@EDMTips]

Love to hear that man! Indeed true! Thank you for your support! :)

[@KYRIPHtunes]

Loved the tip about joining live streams! So much potential in it indeed! Another (secret or not so secret) tip would be following certain professional producers on Patreon! :)

[@joeydomhof6480]

Great content as always, Will @EDM Tips - enjoyed this one

[@EDMTips]

Stoked to hear that and glad it was helpful! 🙏🏻

[@AlecWyld]

Incredible video. It has been my dream to work with a label like Monstercat for years. One day it will happen when I can afford to focus more on music haha.

[@ETRecords]

Very interesting video! As a small record label owner it's so interesting to see how a&rs of such a big label connect with artists and find new stuff to release. Appreciated as well the tips for being a better a&r, even if this video was focused to the artists haha, they will most likely help me being a better label owner (I'm the only one doing everything haha) 22:52 is what i keep telling people. More than a label owner, im also a listener and an EDM fan, and all of this wouldn't have nearly half the fun if i didnt take it as a hobby like i do

[@rxgueplanet]

I needed to hear this 🙏🏾 Thank you, gentlemen 🧐🍻

[@EDMTips]

You’re welcome!

[@michaelparsberg2]

Great questions 👍🏻

[@iwasaqDJ]

great mate, keep it ☺🙌✌

[@carbon_kusanagi]

I want to get signed to Monstercat so badly, its my dream label. I know I seriously need to get my production skills up before I can sign with them though, I just gotta be patient.

[@EDMTips]

Great choice! Keep up the good work 🙏🏻

[@carbon_kusanagi]

@@EDMTips thank you so much. I also used to watch a lot of you tutorials when I first started producing 3 1/2 years ago, they’ve helped me out a lot.

[@Taylor370z]

I guess one question. If you send a demo in and it gets passed up. Maybe its just a not the right time music trend wise. Would it be bad to send the same demo in in the next batch that you send if you really believe in the song? Or would that look bad.

[@aagora]

First view this time. 😃 Really enjoyed. Thank you.

[@EDMTips]

😎

[@gerardocastellanos4319]

Hey man do you have a producing course ?

[@ZeLuJ]

Nice one. It’s no longer what it’s used to be.

[@abrahamclark767]

Did you reupload this ? I'm having deja Vu

[@widlysala]

yes

[@CLOUDLANGUAGE]

❤‍🔥

[@christoroppolo8742]

You could always just write a-great-song too ! 👽✌️

[@themoneyman1752]

Just create art and dont wry about being found if you're good they'll find you

[@olafsigursons]

What is it with the label fetish? It made sense in the 20th century when recording was expensive as was promotion and especially distribution. Being signed was big at that time because it meant you could have your record produce professionally and being promoted on TV and billboard. And distribution was also prohibitly expensive. But now a day? I can produce a LP in my living room with top quality result and distribute it for pennies on the internet. We really have to stop with the fetish of the release. You music is not better because it has been "released" by a label. That's BS. At the beginning of me "career" I released tracks that was pretty shitty. But I was signed. What a BS. Instead of loosing 60% of your money just put a little more effort into promoting your own stuff and stop looking for validation from stranger. I knew some people from labels and they were really nice people and I feel very lucky I had to know them. But you are not a better artist because you are signed. We are in the 21st century, time had changed.

[@Bthelick]

Exactly what I've been saying for a decade at least now. made sense in the non-digital era, 4 tv channels, gate keepers, physical formats, distribution, recording advances needed for studio recording etc. But not now, not for a long time. Most modern contracts are for the term perpetuity too 😂😂 (if you're reading this comment and no know what that means it means they will own your rights forever, and probably give a 1 time 3k advance in return )

[@steve-rich]

It's a shame, watching this video is unfortunately a complete waste of time. Again almost no usable information and real insider knowledge. Personally, I think it's almost a huge arrogance to describe today's generation of musicians as having a "demo tape mentality" on the part of ARs. The fact is that people who master good tracks at home these days often already have completely finished productions at the start, using the new software options. I therefore have to be seriously concerned about maintaining this label. The clock is already ticking completely differently, trends are now only set 100% by independent artists. Labels usually lag behind trends by up to a year and act as if they still have the “wisdom” and “industry insight”. Labels are slowly losing their raison, because it's all about advertising budgets to push good artists. That means: With decent starting capital, every independent artist can do it alone these days! With bests regrads Steve Rich (Universal Artist)

[@djhansiofficial]

Awesome Interview! Thank you for your great work!

[@EtienneEkron]

Thank you Will

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome, hope you found it useful :)

[@nerdnationinc]

Love the choice of intro music in this one :)