There are two types of record labels in the world, the ones that do it for the money, and the other does it for the art. Whatever your goal, whether it is to produce that one classic album, or go after the big bucks, or just further your quest for new music, starting a record label is a complex prospect in many ways. There have been many examples of people starting it on a whim and just following their nose, Creation Records being a notable example. But if you want to start a record label, what are the fundamentals you need in place?
The Boring Stuff…
If you want to get a record label off the ground, you should think about a suitable business structure, which can vary depending on your country, such as a corporation, a sole proprietorship, or an LLC. But if you are serious about starting a record label with the goal to earn a living for yourself at least, it’s vital that you have some knowledge of business practices. Some people start off a record label without anything to their name, not even a computer! In the modern day of every artist being discovered online, it’s vital for you to get a suitable computer, laptop.review gives you a list of cheap laptops to get you started. It doesn’t have to be sophisticated; it should just do enough for you to get adequate information on the music industry as it is.
Finding Your Music…
Because of the internet, it has never been easier to find acts. But it’s also never been easier to find inferior quality acts. You need a suitable filtering system, so you can discover that may suit your label or you can come across someone that truly inspires you. There are sites like reverbnation.com where artists post their music, but be careful with these acts because some other label may be chasing them too. Therefore it’s important for you to carve out a specific niche for yourself. The idea of indie music stems from the indie, i.e. independent, label. So, you might find that you have a lot of competition in that area. However, acid jazz or another niche might suit you down to the ground. The idea is to have an overriding passion for the music, of course. But it’s important to have a sensible head on your shoulders.
Earning The Money…
In earning a living running a record label, it can take some time to get right, but it’s more about knowing exactly how you can best earn money doing it. Sales aren’t made by physical formats anymore, arguably vinyl is the most popular physical format, but you need to consider that the musical landscape relies more on merchandising and the live shows than anything now. So, if you are running a record label, branching out into band management or tour management might be a more lucrative prospect for you.
It is certainly not impossible, but it’s important to remember that it’s a very challenging landscape. With any form of art, you must dig your heels in and fight for your place in the market.
