sign a record deal

Meaning

To sign a formal contract with a music record label to produce, distribute, and promote your music. It is a major milestone for independent musicians aiming for mainstream success.

Examples

• After performing at the local festival, the band was invited to sign a record deal.

  After performing at the local festival, the band was invited to sign a record deal.

• She spent years playing in small clubs before she finally signed a record deal.

  She spent years playing in small clubs before she finally signed a record deal.

• Many independent artists choose to release music themselves instead of trying to sign a record deal.

  Many independent artists choose to release music themselves instead of trying to sign a record deal.

• They signed a record deal with a major label last month and are already in the studio.

  They signed a record deal with a major label last month and are already in the studio.

• What changes when an indie artist decides to sign a record deal?

  What changes when an indie artist decides to sign a record deal?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ They signed a music contract deal.

  ✓ They signed a record deal.

  'Record deal' or 'record contract' are the standard industry terms. 'Music contract deal' is redundant and unnatural.

• ✗ He signed a record deal to a big label.

  ✓ He signed a record deal with a big label.

  You sign a deal 'with' a company or party, not 'to' them.

Related Expressions

Practice

• It was their lifelong dream to ___ with a major music label.

  💡 Secure a professional contract to release music.

  Show answer

  sign a record deal

• After going viral on social media, the singer was offered to ___.

  💡 Agree to a contract with a music label.

  Show answer

  sign a record deal