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Last update: 2005-07-13 22:01:38

< Pugwalls Guide To The Record Industry 1 Radiohead Album Preview >

Hey hey, it's me, Pugwall, aka lead singer of Australian beat combo the Orange Organics. Often people ask me "Pugwall, how did you become so successful and suceed in the record industry?" and I tell them "go to mike-net.co.uk and I'll tell you how, fool!" (You see, when you are famous you can call people a fool and get away with it).

If you remember, last time's episode was about how to get noticed initially. The next step is to get a good record deal. Of course, once you are noticed and have a record deal don't get complacent - people can quite easily decide to start ignoring you again. Especially if your second single is crap.

Part 2 - the record deal

Attracting the attention of middle-aged record executives

This is very easy. Just follow last time's advice, only really exagerrate it. Also pretend to like old person's music, like 70's punk. Also be a bit rebellious. Swear on stage, and if possible make a reference to drug taking, or at least Barcardi Breezers.

Choosing a record company

Once you have the attention of record company executives, you must choose a record company. This may seem easy sice there's actually only about 4 anyway, but in fact they all have different subsidiaries to fool and confound you. Choosing the correct record company and correct label within it is a deep and complex skill that only the greats like Mariah Carey possess. Make sure the label is a cool one. Ones to avoid are Poptones, Island and whatever one Toploader is on.

Signing your life away

Make sure you bring a pen with you. This will impress the executives. Remember to tread the line between impressing them and infuriating them with your new-fangled youthfullness. (Call them 'suits' and 'corporate pigs,' or just 'sir'). Before signing, make sure you have a get-out clause in case you want to set up a barber's shop in Nashville or something.

Choosing a recording studio

Make sure it has enough space for all of you to fit in. Also check it has at least one working recording device in each room - there's nothing worse than a recording studio with no recorders.

Choosing a producer

Get that guy who's Shania Twain's husband in. Failing that, get the Neptunes. That'd be cool.

< Pugwalls Guide To The Record Industry 1 Radiohead Album Preview >

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