How can i start my own record label?

Question

I would like to start my own record label. Dont know the proper channels in starting one and being successful in it. I also want to open a studio real soon. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Start and Run Your Own Record Label, Revised and Expanded Edition by Daylle Deanna Schwartz
* Label Launch: A Guide to Independent Record Recording, Promotion, and Distribution by Veronika Kalmar
* Music Business Made Simple: Start An Independent Record Label by J.S. RUDSENSKE

I also posted links to some free articles in the source box.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Well, Fabe--
For someone who "doesn't know the proper channels"
you are definately looking to step off into the deep end !!
What is the old saying "if it were all that easy everybody would be doing it" (?)-----This was never truer for any particular thing more than this that you are choosing here ----

First of all--you are going to HAVE to have major contacts in the record distribution circuit ---just in order to get what you are going to need out to where it can be sold AND the people at the distribution level are not going to want to distribute ANYTHING for you unless they have some idea that its going to sell and make it worth their while in dealing with it----so---this means that you not only have to have some fairly good artists down on the CDs and on contract BUT also---have some track record of the FACTS behind these people's audience and that audience's willingness to actually PURCHASE product !!!

All of this is completely aside from the ACQUIRING artists and getting them to sign with you on your label to do their recording and distribution processes.......which means that THEY or SOMEONE will have to be willing to "go out on the limb" with the cash to record -- master -- produce -- and print their stuff for you to have PRODUCT TO DISTRIBUTE !!!

Not only does all of this require great business skill in the actual legal sense of putting it all together---but---it takes not only one but several individuals with master skills at public relations and smoozing !!

I wish you the best of luck !!
As one who had a record operation for some eleven years myself with two partners---I can tell you that it is no "sit back and count the cash" type of operation !! You are looking at unbelievably tough hours and extremely difficult circumstances and complications like is only in most people's nightmares !! But, if you've got the stuff and can pull it all off----there is a major chunk of cash at the end of that rainbow---so---once again---the best to you and Give 'em hell !!!!

Answer 3

My son owns a small recording studio in Memphis so I know only enough to be dangerous:) I would say hook up with a smaller recording studio...they will send business your way. You then put out recordings that they have done. In order to locate talent...you have to be in the right geographical location in the country and go to the local venues, network with other people in the industry and get some buzz going.

Answer 4

Why would you want to start your own record label???

The music business is a dog-eat-dog type of business. If you think you are going to get-rich-quick, you are probably headed for a big disappointment. If you are promoting your own music, you might only be a little disappointed. In either case, the average public library has books which cover different aspects of the music business such as small business loans and acoustics.