.: Ten Tips for Starting Your Own Indie Record Label
By:KC Smith
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.
Article keywords: starting a record label, how to start a record label, indie record label
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Serious about starting a record label of your very own? Learn all the tips and tricks to starting a record label at: http://www.ultimate-record-label.com
.: New Music Articles
1). Crossing the Musical Generation Gap
This article talks about the experience of a nearing sixty year old amateur guitar player attempting to connect musically with two teenage guitar players and how, eventually, they were able to find a few minutes of musical commonality and appreciation.
2). Piano Lesson: II-V-I Progressions In C Major
Let me give you some easy progressions that will help you in your improvisational piano playing!
3). Tips for Buying an Antique Accordion
Thinking about a purchase of an antique accordion? If so, then you should note first that there are some helpful steps to consider when buying an antique accordion. Few of them are mentioned below.
4). Quick Vocal Warm Ups that Work Wonders
Learn how to get your voice moving early in the morning with tips from a vocal specialist.
5). Gospel Music Artist Says Gospel Music Will Never Be the Same...
Why is there such a tendency toward performing rather than lifting up the Lord in gospel music today?
6). 4 Drum Tips to Keeping Peace With Your Neighbors
There are some quick fixes to help keep your family, friends, and neighbors at peace while still allowing you to drum. Just follow these four solid drum tips...
7). Discover How Lil Wayne Is All About Making Music
Lil Wayne aka Weezy Baby is a talented rapper who gives you an unique version of hip hop music and the youth culture.
.: Top Music Articles
1). Make Your Own Beats, Instrumentals, Tracks, and Demo CDs
Many people are making an excellent living selling thier samples, tracks, and cd's, on the Internet and off, even if they're not with a major record label. Just look around on the Internet. People are paying $30 to $60 for small beat and and sound packages, $50 to $100 for small loopsets and beatsets, $100 to $300 for Instrumentals, $100's to $1,000's for complete tracks and samples, and for the few lucky ones like Jay-Z and J D.
2). Understanding The Purpose Of The Guitar Neck Shim
Some guitars will just NOT adjust properly with the standard methods available like the bridge saddles, nut filing adjustments and the ability to set the bow (or lack thereof) of the neck itself. Adding shims to the bolt on neck may be necessary to get the guitar to play properly at all locations up and down the neck.
A nut shim acts as a spacer between the nut and neck raising and lowering the distance between all of the strings at the lower end of the guitar, starting at fret 1 and moving towards the body of the guitar.
3). Ukulele Tab: Learn To Play Morning Has Broken On Your Ukulele
An ukulele is used mostly to play chords to songs. But you can also play melodies. Today you will learn to play Morning Has Broken on your ukulele!
4). 4/4 Rhythm Strumming
If you are learning how to play the guitar, the basic 4/4 strumming technique is one of the first guitar playing techniques that you must be able to master.
5). Music Production and Mixing Tips & Tricks
What makes a pro recording pro? What is the "sound" that the pros get and how can you make your recordings sound more professional?
The simple answer is - there's no simple answer. But with careful listening and a little experience you can create excellent results with modest equipment.
Good mixing starts ear
The first and most important item of.
6). Creating The Perfect Structure For Your Song
You know what they say about rules? Actually they say lots of things about rules but here's two - rules were made to be broken, and you have to know what the rules are before you can break them. While Judge Dredd may not agree with the first, the second is certainly true and nevermore so than in writing a song.
The song structure may not be the first thing you think about when you start writing.
7). Visual Kei As a Music World Vision
Visual Kei appears to be frequently used in videos and grab audience’s attentions. Visual Kei followers are characterised by a rather stunning, although freak appearance of a striking make-up and elaborate costumes, causing a shock effect.
To recall, for instance, Merlyn Manson, who is among few to follow the style in the US. The trend is popular among modern bands, irrespective of rumours, suggesting that the style suffered no popularity in the USA and Europe.