Jason Derulo urges artists to seize the opportunity

 Jason Derulo performs during the 13th Mawazine Rhythms of the World music festival in Rabat. REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal
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Aspiring artists should work on their social media skills, advised R&B sensation Jason Derulo.

The Wiggle singer said labels look for singers with a wide social media reach and an initial fan-base before offering a life-changing record deal.

“YouTube and all social media are so big and record labels are all looking at these numbers,” Derulo said from Morocco’s Mawazine Festival.

“To build a cult following; that’s what these labels are looking for. They want to know what kind of fan base can you create for yourself before a label comes along. This is the new standard for the music industry in 2014.”

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