A lot of people dream of starting their own independent record label, but for most it is a fantasy that will never become a reality. However, there are a number of musicians and music fans out there that are creating their own alternative to getting a recording contract with a major record label. These folks put a lot of hard work and a bit of their soul into producing, promoting and distributing the music that means so much to them.
Here are a few how-to tips (in no particular order) based on what they've learned:
1. Check with your local government to see if you need any licenses. The people at the licensing department are used to dealing with folks who know very little, and they are a great source of information.
2. Learn as much as you can about the music industry. If you're going to be a player, then you need to know the rules of the game. Once you understand how the industry works, it's easier to take your place in it.
3. Find talent. If you're planning to release your own music, then you've already got this one licked. If not, then you're going to need to convince some band or musician that working with your label is in their best interest. (Following step number two above will help you sound a lot smarter during this conversation!)
4. Get yourself a web site, and make sure that people can order your products online. You might consider selling merchandise for your label or band in addition to music.
5. Make sure that you're creating a good product. While one of the benefits of starting your own indie label is that you can produce any artist you desire, if you want to make a profit, you should probably consider the actual talent of your talent!
6. If you can swing it, get yourself a barcode to mark your products. This will help official sales numbers for the label. If one of your albums starts selling really big, it could actually end up on the charts because it was being tracked.
7. Create a business plan. This is pretty much essential if you're looking for funding. If not, it's still a good idea because it forces you to sit down and think through all the how-to aspects of starting and running an independent label.
8. Keep accurate records of your sales and expenses. You will have to file taxes on your business, and this will be infinitely easier if you have kept track of your income and ?out go.? Setting up a checking account for all your business transactions can be really helpful for this purpose, and you'll get updated statements from the bank.
9. Get some decent contracts for use with your talent and other vendors. There are plenty available online, so do some research to find out what will be the most useful for you and your label.
10. Get business cards made. Be sure to include your name and that of the label, along with any contact information. Don't forget to include your web site address (for those online sales). In addition to having business cards made, make sure you have business cards with you at all times. Give them to prospective talent, possible business connections, and your family (they'll be really impressed). Having business cards helps make you more legitimate, and they are a great marketing tool.
As a Hiphoppa whose been in the music industry for years, I have seen a lot of changes. I've seen the cassette come and go, vinyl get pushed from everybody to only deejays, and the birth and near death of the cd. I've also seen the rise of many independent record labels and fewer and fewer artists getting signed by record labels.
I've seen artists get signed and blow up and I've seen them go independent and blow up. So which is better: Going independent or getting signed? Both have their pros and cons. Let's take a look at a few.
The benefits of getting signed can be huge...if you got the right things in place. Generally to get signed, you need a marketable demo, an 8x10 head shot, a bio, and a whole lot of patience and hustle. This is typically not an overnight process. Depending on your budget, it may take months to complete your demo package. With today's technology, lets say it takes you 2 months.
You are going to need a place to produce your music and if you don't have your own studio you either have to build one or find one to record. You also need to find a good photographer for your 8x10 glossys. The final major step is writing a compelling bio about your group. This is just the beginning!
Once you've got that done, you need to be able to reproduce it and solicit it to different labels and A&R's. I remember sending out countless demos. An artist could easily get discouraged at this point. But if and when you get a record deal there is still more work to do. Now you have to actually negotiate your deal, promote your album, and hopefully make some money at the end of the day. Its a simple process but not an easy one.
A good label will offer marketing and promotions dollars for your project(s), distribution and fair accounting so that you can keep up with your sales, expenses, and true profit. You may even get tour support for your album. Sometimes artists get advances for the expenses and they often have to be repaid or recouped. These fees must be paid back to the label before you as the artist see your profit.
So how does going independent differ from getting signed?
Well, generally as an independent you don't have the big budget that a big label has but you should definitely have more creative control over your career and business. That's not to say its easy. Its not. Once again, simple but not easy. To me the independent route is better for several reasons though:
*More creative control of your music
*Easier to build a niche following
*You control distribution of your music
*You can sell your independent label for profit in the future
*You can create powerful strategic alliances
*You keep more of the profits
*Different tax benefits, etc.
The list could go on.
However, and being real, it is a very rough road. For most independents, there are no overnight success stories. Its a daily grind with much to learn. It helps to have some written goals so you know where you're going. The music business is a business. Never forget that. You should study businesses in the music industry as well as other industries to help make your business better.
Still, this knowledge doesn't guarantee success but it helps you get closer to being successful in the long run than someone who doesn't know.
And some of the steps for being an independent are the same as the steps for getting a deal. Recording 10 to 15 good songs, pressing them up on a cd or downloadable mp3, and marketing your work are almost the same things that need to be done when shopping for a deal.
With todays technology its not difficult to do these things. Why not press some up to sell and still shop for a deal? This is the way to generate income and still look for other opportunities? Once again its not an easy road but the lessons learned will be invaluable to your career.
And even though you are handling business, you still have to make sure you are creating songs. Don't stray away from being creative.
Whether you are going the independent route or shopping for a record deal, the best way to success is to study the business. It has the potential to bring you many rewards. Much success!
Both Kc Smith & Mello Melanin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kc Smith has sinced written about articles on various topics from SEO Search Engine Optimization, Cure Anxiety and Music. Serious about starting a record label of your very own? Learn all the tips and tricks to starting a record label at: . Kc Smith's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
Mello Melanin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Keyboard Synthesizer, Entertainment Guide and Keyboard Synthesizer. Mello Melanin is the force behind www.RapBeatCreator.com A site specializing in teaching new producers how to get started creating rap beats. He is the CEO of What's Hot Media, Inc. Some of his greatest accomplishments include, performing at the world fam. Mello Melanin's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.