Verified answer

If you're thinking of sending an unsolicited demo to a record label in the hope of being "discovered" -- don't.

Record labels get dozens of similar demos every week from unknown wanna-be stars -- and they all wind up, unlistened to, in the trash.

Think about it. Record labels are in business for one reason, and one reason only -- to make money selling music. Making records is expensive, and promoting a new artist and their new album is also expensive -- and record companies don't want to make that investment unless they're sure that it will pay off and that the record will sell well enough to at least recoup their costs and hopefully make a profit for them. Therefore, they have NO interest -- zero -- in recording some starry-eyed unknown whose only performing experience is singing in front of a mirror in her bedroom. What they're looking for are performers who can (preferably) write their own music and who already are playing out in public on a regular basis at least a few times a month or more, who already have a loyal fan following who can be expected to buy the performer's record(s) if he/she is given a chance to make one.

If you don't play an instrument like guitar or piano well enough to accompany yourself, you need to find someone to back you up, or join a band, and then you have to get out there and perform as often as possible, whether you get paid for it or not. Build up a following of fans first in your town, then expand to surrounding towns, and so on, touring further and further from home, until you have a regional fan base. Once you get to that point, record companies will start to notice you, and you won't have to send them a demo, they'll start sending people to check YOU out.