Plushgun, a pop-driven indie outfit from Brooklyn, NYC, just signed with TommyBoy records. They’ve been long time OurStage artists and have used the site to their advantage. Here’s a quote I pulled out of the press release that I found particularly telling:

“With so much bogus manipulation going on regarding social networking sites today, we look for signs of sincere growth in many areas,” explains Mike Worthington of Tommy Boy Entertainment, who first discovered Plushgun and then reached out to the band through social networking sites, inviting himself to their shows. “I was following the band online, and their chart ranking over an extended period on OurStage convinced us that the support and demand for this band was real and tangible.”

I don’t need to pitch you on OurStage. Hopefully, you already know how great we are. This post is about what I think it means to get signed. Some believe that Music 2.0+ and the negative press concerning music economics have lessened the significance of the “the deal”. I would like to challenge that thinking. Since we’re a list-loving culture, I figured I give you my Top 5 reasons why record deals still matter. And matter a LOT.

Daniel’s Top 5 Reasons Record Deals Matter:
1. You’ve passed through a bunch of filters—most importantly, with the fans.
2. A deal is still a goal and goals inspire us to do our best.
3. Now you’re a pro, even if you still have a day job.
4. Music is still a business and the labels remind us of that.
5. More gigs. More fans.

So when you get signed, to an indie or a major, something homegrown or more established, you should pop the cork in the champagne and toast to your success.

What if you’re not signed and want to be? Okay, here are my 5 Tips for you:

Daniel’s Top 5 Tips for Using OurStage to Help You Get a Deal:
1. Focus on the fans. Not sure what I mean? Read my blog post about it.
2. Image matters. If you don’t invest time and effort making your OurStage profile rock, what does that say about your commitment to your art?
3. Give the fans a voice by allowing them to judge your art on OurStage.
4. Make new fans on OurStage.
5. Like life, music is a journey, not a destination—dream big, think big, but be patient, dedicated and consistent.

So, what do you think about getting signed? Is it important to you? Do you agree with my Top 5 Reasons why it is? As always, your comments are what inspire me to blog. So leave ‘em.