How to Start Your Own Record Label

Musicians are artists in the purest form. But every successful musician that you hear is brought to your ears by a record label. Record labels are the institutions that bridge the gap between musicians and their listeners, so they form a very important part of the music industry. But to start an independent record label, one needs more that just a love for music; you need business acumen. Because at the end of the day it is a business, and you need it to be profitable to sustain it. Here's how to start your own record label.

Music in today's digital world has been completely transformed. No longer does a listener have to trudge along to a music store and fish for his favorite artist among a stack of others. Now you can get all the music you want through the Internet. This makes the job of record labels relatively easier, though starting a record label is more competitive now.

Here are nine basic steps on how to start a record label:

1. Plan: Like any other business, a record label also requires considerable amount of planning and more importantly, a business plan. You don't just jump into a river unless you know how to swim, so you cannot start a business without a business plan. This plan will contain your sources of finance, your financial details, the size of your label and other such things. Covering your finances in detail is a crucial step in case you plan to approach people to invest their money in your record label. Without such a plan in place, it is highly inadvisable to start your own record label.
2. Type of Record Label: When you decide to start and run your own record label, you need to decide what kind of a business it will be. You will either be the sole owner, or you will be in business partnership with one or more other persons. Alternately, you can even opt for a limited liability company, which is a completely different entity from the owners or partners. If you have decided to go along with a partner, make sure that you can trust him/her. Many businesses have failed because the partners have fallen out with each other. It's probably best not to mix your personal life with your professional unless you're absolutely certain that it is the only way to go.
3. Name and Logo: Now that you have a partner and a business plan, you need to come up with a name and a logo for your independent record label. Choose a name that is unique and does not infringe on anyone else's rights. Also ensure that your name clearly portrays the kind of record label you are and the genre of music you wish to present.
4. Licenses: You also need to apply for a business license and in case you aim to sell your music directly to the public, then you also need a retail license. This is the most important aspect as without such licenses your record label will be illegal. Do not forget to file the necessary tax forms.
5. Studio Hunting: Now the next step for you is to find a studio in a great location with great equipment and make it yours. Either lease it, rent it or just buy it. This is going to be your own recording studio so make sure it's up to speed.
6. PR is the Key: Along the way, keep in mind that the only way people will hear about you is if you advertise and promote your label. Hire a Public Relations professional and constantly monitor his progress to ensure that your reach is unmatched. Use online methods as extensively as you possibly can.
7. Decide on a Genre: Talk to people in the know. Music distributors, shop owners, artists and journalists. Find out what music is the rage in the market and decide on your brand of music. You cannot randomly pick out musicians from any genre. Ensure that their brand of music matches your targeted audience.
8. Pick out Talent: This is it. You have learnt how to start your own record label. Now you need to find your artists. Locate them and sign them up to your label. Make sure you know what the artists want before you sign any agreements, because if the artist feels stifled his productivity will suffer, which ultimately means that your record label will suffer. You have to find the right balance.
9. Have Fun: Now that you've figured out how to start and run your own record label, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy yourself. Keep in mind that you're doing something that millions of others would love to be doing, so make the most of the opportunity that you've brought upon yourself.

I hope, this article has helped you understand how to start your own record label. But remember, the music industry is very volatile and hence, starting a record label successfully needs more than just hard work. What one also needs is a large amount of luck. The trick is to not lose hope and persist in the pursuit of your dreams. If you have the right spirit you will sooner or later hit the big time.