It’s probably assumed by most people that starting your own record label firstly requires some serious money behind it? It’s probably also assumed that if your considering starting your own record label that your going to need to employ lots of people aswell?
In truth, the above two points definitely help - who doesn’t want to start a new business with a wellspring of cash. However this is definitely not the case and if you do any research into some of the major subsidiary labels today, they all started off with very little money and hardly any resources other than the founders.
If you look at these labels like Chess Records, Atlantic, Mowtown and many others they all share a few things in common.
Figure it out and you’ll be well on your way to record label success.
Ingredient # 1 - Do You Love The Music Your About To Sign?
Let’s face it, starting your own record label and investing your energy into such a project is extremely time demanding and soul sucking. If you don’t like the music you’re prepared to work with and promote then you should quit before you start.
We are not just talking about liking the music your about to sign and promote, but more importantly you must feel that if the world doesn’t get to hear this band and their music then they are missing out on something really really special.
There are no short cuts with setting up a successful record label and absolutely loving the music you are working with will shine through and ultimately be the main driving inspiration behind your venture.
Ingredient # 2 - Respect The Bands Your Going To Work With
This goes one step further, not only should you make sure that you absolutely love the music your about to promote but also make sure that they people in the band are actually worthy of receiving your help.
There is nothing worse than starting your own record label, signing a band and then finding out that your slogging your guts out for a bunch of egotistical maniacs who don’t appreciate anything you do for them.
This happens a lot and generally gets messy after a while. So before signing anyone - take them out for a meal and feel them out a bit. Decide whether you think they are worthy of your hard work
Ingredient # 3 - Never Stop Talking About Your Roster Of Acts!
The greatest promotional tool is word of mouth and if your not out there on the front line - in bars, clubs, shops, parties gigs or anywhere else talking about your label along with everything else worthy of a power chat with friends, your wasting your time.
Talking to people, pitching them bands, pitching them ideas, asking for feedback, requesting advice, collecting ideas is all part of starting your own record label.
This ingredient is a little like guerilla warfare in that the major labels have millions of dollars behind them to buy TV, radio and billboard ads, however when your starting out and you don’t have a huge budget, you need to muster everything you got. There is no better way to promote anything than word of mouth
There you have it, three straight forward ingredients to use as a basic check list when starting your own record label. There are so many variables and things to get done when setting it all up however if you overlook these there tips, it’s likely you’ll run into issues down the line.
Tags: Starting A Label
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