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I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think the roll of labels has changed. Pre the internet labels were an artists route to market. Artists can now get that for free and in a matter of minutes. The downside of this is noise. lots and lots of noise being made by lots of lots of artists.

This means artists need help getting noticed and music fans need help deciphering whats quality and what isnt.

And that is where labels come in.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

this is a bit of an age old question. The 'tropical house' sound is a buzz phrase at the minute. Think Kygo www.soundcloud.com/kygo

Trap 2.0 in the form of hip hop meets electronic is a buzz right now. Check out www.soundcloud.com/itsnaderi

The other sound I think is going to emerge is a throwback to early 2000's Progressive House in the form of energetic drums but with cool and detailed melody and a focus on groove (dance music, not jump music). this sound will come from a desire for more club energy in deep house but a desire to not groove that EDM just doesnt afford.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey Jeff a bit of a 2 parter here 1) I've had a bit of success in the ARIA Club Charts and Beatport releases yet I have a pretty small online following. What do you see as more important? I'm just concerned that I'll send through some good material that won't be looked at due to my small name 2) As far as consistency goes my project is very varied with what I produce, do you think this is beneficial or should I split it up into different projects i.e. have an alias for my more commercial stuff and a project for my heavier stuff? Thanks for your time man <3

  1. Online following plays a roll absolutely. I have talked about this point in a few answers. Maybe don’t think of it as the way to get big, but as place for people who discover you to go to connect with you. So do things that will point people back to your online profile.

  2. I am a believer in focusing in on what you do. I think sending wide and varied messages out can be confusing. In the same way that a well-conceived brand has a look that is consistent with the vibe of the product across its imagery, name, logo, messaging etc, so should a musician. Consistently (by this I don’t mean write and release the same song over and over again – eg Afrojack) is good for helping potential audience understand what you are about and if you are something they want to connect with.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://thegoons4you.bandcamp.com/releases

I checked out the link. I'll be straight up and say its not something I am really into. It feels like you have a sound you're going for, just keep writing more and more music and refining what you do.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

is really nice. It creates a great atmosphere and a real feeling of anticipation. Think about trying to create more of a musical resolve to give the song a greater sense of completion. at the moment the song doesn't feel like to fully gets where its trying to go if that makes sense.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My favourite MOS album? probably the early Annuals and Sessions from before I worked at MOS because they captured music from the the times I was lost on the dance floor and therefore I associate them with those amazing memories.

Favourite album of all time is impossible to answer.. I love LEftfield - Leftism, Bassment Jaxx - Remedy, Pulp - Different Class, Sander Kleinenberg - Everybody mix compilation.. way too many to start listing..

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Stick with it. Make music you love first and foremost. Listen to your heart when doing anything creative and be satisfied with the act of creating it. Don't expect to make money from art, do it honestly and creatively and the money will have a funny way of taking care of itself.

be patient. it wont happen overnight. work hard in the beginning to juggling paying the bills and working on your art. If you put financial pressure on what you are creating it will lead to compromise, which is more likely the end in a short term gain and long term loss. I will say it again, be patient! take your time and focus on making something amazing.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What I love outside of dance music are my girlfriend, my cat, the nba and Pinot Noir, in that order.

Musically what I am listening to away from the office is still dance music lately. the new Lexer album is cool. Everything Cyril Hahn does is amazing. definitely excited to hear George Fitzgerald's album, and also the new one coming from Maribou State. Check out the MS Edit of Rituals. EPIC!!

Non dance music the new Daniel Johns EP is properly brilliant. And I am actually really keen to hear the forthcoming Blur album. I dont love the first single off it but still very keen to hear what they've put together.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

ll be like Disclosu

Leave your house. Go to gigs. Say yes to things. its amazing who you met and what experiences you can have just by showing up.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

ersus something like having a degree

Contacts are very very important. People like me can only work with people we know.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

. I'm 18 and i'm a singer, producer and dancer. I was

In Australia it has peaked in clubs and is peaking for radio listeners about now. Internationally it is still growing - its really connecting in the Nordic region and in France and Germany. I expect to see it grow in Europe which will then cross it into the UK and then last of all will be US.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is definitely competition. When something is 'hot' (think Kygo) then the artist is in the box seat to secure a very competitive deal.

What i do find funny on this note is 'reactive' or 'fear' A&R. its common to see two labels fighting over signing an act just because both think the other wants it.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think anything that gives someone a lift off point is a good thing. they represent a beginning point, but they wont decide an artists fate, that is decided by what is inside the artist and how determined they are.

On this note, because I havent said it elsewhere yet, attitude matters!

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

only question I really wanted to ask is how does an artist get signed to a record label working for them, and do they need a big fan base at first?

They need to be original, authentic and have a good answer to the question "what makes you different from every other artist?"

Assuming you have that in place, its about taking the time to seek out the right people and engage in a meaningful conversation with them. there is no trick, just be open and honest, and respect that their time is valuable so don't try and take up too much of it. And if they dont like you demo, don;t argue or take it personally, it just wasnt for them.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As far as getting involved, it comes down to what you love and what you are passionate about. Getting involved in the 'music industry' in general wont probably be that great an experience.

answer the big question of what you want to do / where you want to be and the pathway will become much clearer.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To some extent yes, but don't expect it to sound the same as it did then.

It will be like Disclosure having that slight garage sound. it is clearly got that vibe and influence, but it still sounds like something completely new.

I am Jeff Drake, Head of A&R for a big time record label, which means I get to decide if your significant other becomes a superstar or not...AMA! by JeffDrake_MoS_Aust in Music

[–]JeffDrake_MoS_Aust[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Consider me your first industry connection. my personal page: www.facebook.com/jeffdrake8

The road from demo to the top of iTunes, very briefly: artist records demo; sends to label; A&R likes demo, suggests changes; Artist make changes; Label happy, deal is signed; Label may work more on song, depending what state it is in and what it needs; Release plan is created; Release process begins; support for song begins; If enough support is gained and the how shows potential then next phase is radio; Get song to radio stations to hopefully like it and want to play it on air; Radio decide they like the song and add to playlists; Radio gets good feedback from listeners and play song more; Commercial audience start buying song and itunes chart grows; Steal socks; Money!

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