Once a major record labesl have received the promotional package bearing the compact disc, photograph, biography and marketing plan for the act, there may or may not be further interest on the part of the label. If there is interest on the part of the major record label, they will generally want to see the act perform live. This performance is referred to as a major label "showcase."
The showcase is generally a 30 to 40 minute live performance by the act of original (previously unrecorded) material. This performance usually requires the act to have at least 10 original songs of various tempos. It may be thought of as the act performing their first album live, and in that performance the label is looking to hear as many hit songs as possible. In addition, they are evaluating the act on the basis of stage presence, relationship to the audience, visual appearance and overall talent.
Even though it is impossible to know if there will be interest on the part of the label, it is imperative to be ready to do the showcase should the need arise. The ten songs, four songs in addition to the six picked to record, should be selected during the recording process and preliminary steps for the showcase should be taken prior to the label seeing the initial promotional package.
If the showcase becomes reality, it must be implemented quickly while the act is fresh in the minds of the executives at the label. The location of the showcase is important. We prefer to do our showcases in a private facility like S.I.R. or Soundcheck. These are acoustically constructed rehearsal facilities and most of the major artists use these facilities to put together their live shows, therefore their locations are well-known to the Nashville music community. A private facility also offers the luxury of having unrestricted use of the facility for the entire day and complete control over the sound and lighting which are imperative to presenting a strong live show. Doing showcases in public venues limits that control.
Once the venue is selected, the process becomes a lot like setting up a recording session. We must select musicians, background singers, and an engineer and lighting technician that will enhance the show and the act.
Everyone involved is provided with a CD and charts of the show in advance and a rehearsal is held during the afternoon of the showcase. Toward the end of the rehearsal, a complete run through of the showcase takes place from start to finish. If the act requires more rehearsal time to be comfortable, that can be arranged on the day before the showcase, but at additional cost. 1,000 invitations will be sent to executives at labels, management firms, agencies and media.
Recently, some labels have requested acts to do an acoustic performance and meet at their offices, and that performance must also be considered and prepared.
In the past, major record labels spent months to develop acts into recording artists. Today, its a fact of life that labels expect the acts to come to them ready, in most every way, for a recording contract. This is where our company is strongest. If an act comes to us and we feel they are not ready for a major label presentation because there are problems, we offer services and capable persons to work with the act to overcome those problems.
Normally, the first contact a major label has with an act is via a compact disc. A strong studio performance is a "must" in getting to "second base" with a label. Probably the most common problem with singers is that they have stage experience, but little or no recording studio experience. Having an in-house recording studio gives us the ability to work with singers in a studio setting. We have the act bring prerecorded music tracks of two songs to the studio - one up-tempo and one ballad. At the rate of $50 per hour for a two to three hour period each month, we eliminate bad, self-taught singing habits, and teach proper studio technique. The act is required to work daily at home on the techniques taught in the actual studio session, and the act is then reevaluated during the next month's visit. We also have access to vocal coaches who work with our acts and give them advice which will insure the act is singing, exercising and eating properly. This guarantees the act of a long and trouble-free singing career.
As with the recorded performance, the live performance must be topnotch. If a label is excited about the initial promotional package (CD, photo, bio and marketing plan), then the next step is seeing the act perform live. We are able to work with the act to insure we are getting the most from them, both vocally and visually. We have access to choreographers to work with the act to show them moves that will work with specific songs and yet be within the scope of the marketing concept. We also instruct the act how to set up and deliver an effective stage show both visually and musically.
Visual problems are the most frustrating. It is the video age, and labels expect an act to be "video friendly." While there are a number of physical problems that can be corrected, such as teeth or being overweight, the problems of age or having unattractive physical features are truly hard to deal with, both physically and mentally. We bring in consultants with regard to the physical appearance of the act (hair, make-up, clothing, etc..) which minimize problem areas. Making business decisions with regard to visual problems are probably the most difficult, however having to tell someone "no" based on their appearance is a fact of life today in the music business.
The other problems generally come from the personality, bad habits or attitude of the act or someone personally associated with the act (spouse, parent, manager, investor, musician, etc.). These problems are generally frowned upon by major record labels and could cost the act a recording contract if not controlled. The bottom line with the major record labels is they want a "no-problems, clean act."
WHY USE US?
In summarizing this document there is one important question you must ask yourself -- will your project be heard? There are a number of recording studios and producers that will record your project, but will they or do they have the ability to get it to the major record labels? In most cases the answer is "No."
If you read his biography then you know Hunee is a goal-oriented person with the primary goal of getting an act placed with a major label. I am not a salesman simply trying to make a sale. You will always know where you stand. If the potential is there, Hunee will tell you honestly -- if not, I will tell you honestly and offer ideas that will make you better.
Also keep in mind that every time Hunee takes an act to a label, his reputation goes with it, therefore he insists on taking only those acts that are ready in every way. Think about it, the door to Ga.'s top executives would not be open if Hunee had taken unqualified acts to them in the past. Hunee's personal philosophy is "build the reputation and the bank account will follow."
Many singers come to me with a dream. There are many unscrupulous people who will try and sell them that dream. These people are not here for the music, they are out to prey on the ambitions of people anxious to make it big in a hurry. It rarely happens that way. Most of these "salesmen" do not sing or play an instrument. They have never experienced the feeling of being on stage or on the road.
When it comes to the music business, Express Resources has been there, done that and speaks the language. Hunee understands your highs and lows, your drive, ambitions, and goals. Express Resources relates to your problems, and most of the time has solutions. Hunee hears your questions and responds with honest, realistic answers. The bottom line is he cares about you as a person while molding you into a marketable product.
There is nothing that can deny great talent, and, as they say, the cream really does rise to the top. For some acts it rises easily and naturally, for others it requires a great deal of work, perseverance and patience. Fortunately, even less-than-average singers are blessed with the ability to make a living doing what they love, and unfortunately some people will fall into that category. If you are willing to work, Hunee will make you the best you can be. Should that bring you to the level of being a major label candidate -- great. If not, you'll have a great career and a lot of fun as a singer at whatever level
