so my girlfriend says i can be a singer help?

[Taylor Smartboy Genius]

so yeah im not the best singer i sing pretty decent lol but she says all singers use auto tune now days so i can be a singer to, i wrote songs as well like 8 of them , what record companys can i sign to? thanks

[Ron]

It takes talent, marketability, and a good bit of luck to get signed. Even then, you are not guaranteed fame and success. Here are a few tips to getting noticed, and getting signed, by a record label.

Get professional photos and video made. You want to have good headshots (or band shots) that are done by a reputable photographer. You also need a video that is ideally of your best live performance.

Make a press pack. This consists of a photo, your demo (printed) and a biography of the group (or yourself, if a solo artist). The pack should also include interesting info about the members, press clippings (if applicable) and photos of live shows.

Practice regularly. You need to be well rehearsed and ready to play at the drop of a hat. Set aside time for daily rehearsals or to focus on writing new material.

Write great songs, polish your live show and play for entertainment executives that can take you to the next level.

Make good music. Image is nothing without songs which are well-written and that can be marketed. Write as many songs as you can and then whittle it down to the best 10 to 12 songs for live performance.

Assess the music scene. If dance pop acts are all the range, your metal band isn't likely to be courted by major record labels. While you shouldn't adopt a style of music just to increase already slim odds, you should try to incorporate current sounds into your performances and demos.

Develop your songs on stage. Use the audience to gauge what works and what doesn't. It will be a good representation of how others perceive your sound. Your favorite song may flop with the crowd, and vice-versa.

Record a demo. You should record your demo with a great local producer and pay to have a professional label made with your contact information. Don't send our demos of cover songs. This should be your best sounding original music. Print multiple copies and set some aside for selling at shows.

Start booking shows locally. You want to play one to two shows a month in the very beginning until you've built up a steady, local following. Once you do this, you can increase your shows locally to perhaps weekly and then branch out into more regional shows.

Market your shows using social media. Use Twitter, Facebook, Artistir, Reverbnation, MajorContacts.com, Songkick, or Myspace to announce shows, release snippets of your demo and keep in touch with new fans.

Perform at local music stores. If people may not come out to see you specifically, bring your music to a space where it can't be ignored like a local music store. This is often the most effective way to develop a following initially.

Start looking for an experienced manager. An experienced manager will probably not be your best friend, adviser and musical coach, but someone who understands the ins and outs of the industry. This person may also be able to help you book gigs and secure an entertainment attorney when the time comes.

Reach out to record labels. Find the address of any record label your music would be at home with and send them a press pack. Make sure they accept unsolicited demos.