In the modern music industry, artists often dream of getting a record deal. But what does a deal really look like? In this video, we speak with an artist named Azai, who recently signed a deal with Heavyweight Entertainment. He shares his story and explains why a record deal is a partnership, not a simple shortcut to fame.
The Perils of Independence
Azai's story is a powerful reminder of the challenges that independent artists face. When you are independent, every single responsibility falls on you, from the financial costs to all the business tasks. He learned that to succeed, you have to be willing to make sacrifices and truly believe in yourself [26:08]. His perseverance and dedication to his craft ultimately led him to the deal he has today.
A New Kind of Record Deal
Unlike traditional deals where artists often lost control of their music, Azai's deal is based on a partnership. He explains that he still has a say in his music and how his brand is managed. This is a key insight into the changing landscape of the music business, where labels are starting to see artists as collaborators rather than just assets [34:27].
Azai also shares that the label is now helping him with marketing and making new connections. He says they are even in talks for a feature with a major artist and are planning future tours. This shows the real value of a deal, which is not just money, but a team that can help you with the parts of the business you cannot do alone [22:45].
The Power of Being Yourself
Before getting signed, Azai faced a lot of self-doubt. He went through an "identity crisis" trying to figure out what kind of artist he should be. He learned that the best thing he could do was stay true to his unique blend of R&B and pop music. This is what ultimately made him stand out and led to his deal [40:49]. His story is a great example of how being authentic and believing in your own unique sound can lead to success.
Summary
Azai's story shows us that the path to a record deal is not a simple one. It requires a lot of hard work, self-belief, and the courage to be yourself. He teaches us that a good record deal is a partnership that can help you take your career to the next level by giving you the support and resources you need to reach a wider audience.
