(CelebrityAccess News Service) — RecordDeal.com has taken over the reins for unsigned artists. Tonos.com, a site created for unsigned talent four years ago by David Foster, Carol Bayer-Sager and Babyface that promised recording and publishing deals, abandoned thousands of paying members when they announced in July that they would cease operations this month because of "an economic climate that has made it impossible to continue."
"I sent a payment in and suddenly they were going out of business," said Factual, a former Tonos.com member.
"Where else is there to go for artists?" said Tonos user Strugglingartist.
"With the industry sputtering along and spending much of its time focusing on music downloading, there just aren't enough ears to handle finding new fresh talent to give to the music fans," said RecordDeal.com CEO Caesar Antony. According to Antony, that is exactly why RecordDeal.com was created. "To act as a bridge between unsigned artists and the major labels, an olive branch if you will," he added.
At RecordDeal.com members can upload their music onto the website, have their demos critiqued by a professional, and without leaving their homes reach hundreds of listeners. Also, adds Antony, not only will artists have their music listened to and reviewed by an A&R rep, but the best artists are actually walked directly in to meet with A&R executives at major labels for real consideration of a record deal.
"I live in upper Michigan and have been recording and mailing demos for over a year and never even got a response," said new RecordDeal.com member Jeff LaPoint. "Living where I do there's no one to ask how to get anywhere. I can't wait to get our demo out of the basement and into the hands of an A&R representative!"
Next month RecordDeal.com plans on launching of its HotBox service that will showcase RecordDeal.com artists and allow music fans to vote for those they like best. "When all the votes are tallied, the stats will be passed on to major label executives," said Antony. "It's the first time ever that music fans have the ability to communicate what artists they want to see signed by major label executives."
A free trial membership fee entitles artists to seven days of full access at RecordDeal.com, members pay $24.95 per month thereafter. A member can make up to six demo submissions in a month. Membership entitles access to major labels, full A&R review of music demo submissions, full service Resource Center, tips and secrets from top execs, downloadable beats for demos, and exclusive industry insider information. –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
