Obtaining that almost seemingly unattainable record deal has been the goal of many independent music artists and bands throughout time. For mostly inexperienced reasons, most new talent feel that by securing a recording contract with a significant major or independent label, success will be guaranteed. And some newbies to the music industry feel all they have to do is send their demo away and a recording contract will come their way.

Record Label A&R reps at are the music contacts that will ultimately determine whether your demo is heard by record labels in the music industry. Hopefully this information will at the very least improve the odds that your music will get listened to when you submit your demos to these music contacts. This is a look at the most frequent errors musicians make when either shopping for a record deal, or trying to get the attention of A&R Reps with their demo recordings.

1. If you don't have any contact information or don't put the correct contact information on your demo then you cannot be found. Most likely your demo will be thrown out immediately. Place your name, address, email, and phone number on everything you send.

2. Originality is the key! If you sound like ten other bands then you may be passed over quickly.

3. Does the artist of independent music sound good live? Or do they even perform live?

4. You demo may be thrown out because the recording is awful. Try to record the music as professionally as humanly possible.

5. Highlight or underline the songs you want heard. They will not sit and listen to the whole CD, no one in the music industry has time, so make their job easier and identify your best songs.

6. Instead of sending a video, just stick with a recording. They want to hear your songwriting ability and sound. Send a pic if you want them to see your band.

7. Unsolicited Recordings will most likely be thrown out. If they didn't ask for them, then chances are they don't have time to hear them.

8. Sending the incorrect genre of music to the incorrect label. Do some research or ask some of your music contacts about which labels put out which music.

9. You might be rejected for instrumental reasons. Make sure all the members of your band and yourself knows how to actually proficiently play their instrument.

10. The music just isn't any good! I know for some people, that is hard to except, but practice makes perfect. Maybe practicing a little more or taking lessons might help your musicianship.