Or in general honestly, do they just go looking for people? Do people even get signed anymore?

having lots of followers and being willing to be shelved/a tax write off that doesn't own your music

labels are actually kind of desperate bc artist development is dead. they cant take raw talent and make people care anymore like they could in the 90's they want someone with a campaign already kinda going

I’ll sign for a whole chicken or 2

read @safe’s threads

ktt2.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-blowing-up-in-2020-safe-81080

well there are papers and a pen usually

Both
Some labels especially indie labels like XL wait for people to contact them

But a lot of labels search forums like these to find talent

Also artists tend to get managers who then get them in contact with labels

Word to guwop i’ll sign for 36 chickens

Labels have whole divisions of people who just look for artists, whether it be online or at the local venues. Sometimes you get lucky and the right person hears your music.

A lot of the times you send your music to industry people until one of them takes a chance on you.

You’re a smart guy