How to Start an Independent Record Label
Starting an independent record label, like starting any other business, requires a well-conceived plan with clear goals.
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You Will Need
- A business plan
- Money
- A name
- A band or artist
- A recording studio
Steps
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Step 1
Write a business plan
Write a business plan to demonstrate to potential investors that you know what is involved in running a label.
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Step 2
Raise capital
Put together a budget, and raise the capital necessary to form and run the business. Funds can come from personal savings, loans from family or friends, bank loans, or investors.
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Step 3
Choose a name
Choose a name for the label.
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Check with local, state, and federal laws to ensure the business is properly registered.
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Step 4
Contract a band
Contract an artist or band that makes great music and record their album.
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Pick a band that is willing to tour. A record label suffers if the band does not tour.
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Step 5
Contact the press
Submit the band's record to the press four months before the release date. This increases the chances of getting a review around the release date.
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Step 6
Send press to distributors
Send any press about your label or its bands to music distributors.
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Step 7
Make the album available
Have the album available in stores and online so the fans who didn't buy one at the concert can get an album with little hassle afterwards.
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Did you know? The original record players used wax cylinders that were 4¼ inches long.
