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Owning and running a music company seems exciting, but not that many people actually know how to start a record label.

The idea of running one certainly looks sexy, enticing and thrilling, from the outside. In some ways, it can be, but too many young entrepreneurs jump right in without thinking long and hard about what the job actually entails, why they’ve decided on this course of action, and all the many, many pieces that make up a functioning record label.

Read below and then consider again if starting and running a record label is really for you.

What You Need to Know Before Starting a Record Label

There is so much you should know before starting a record label, and quite a lot of it is covered by this article, but what isn’t often mentioned is that running a company like a label is extremely hard work. It requires long hours, dedication, persistence, and the confidence to keep going, no matter what roadblocks may pop up. Many people quit simply because they don’t find success fast enough.

What exactly is a record label and what do they do?

Hugh McIntyre

A record label is a company or organization within the music industry that specializes in discovering, signing, promoting, and distributing music recordings. Essentially, it serves as an intermediary between artists and the public. Record labels play a crucial role in the music ecosystem, providing artists with the resources, expertise, and infrastructure needed to reach a wider audience and commercialize their music. They act as a bridge between musicians and the music market, handling various aspects of the music production and distribution process.

The primary functions of a record label include scouting and signing talent, financing and overseeing the recording and production of music albums or singles, marketing and promoting the releases to reach the target audience, and distributing the music through various channels, including physical copies, digital downloads, and streaming platforms. Additionally, record labels often provide artists with support for artist development, music video production, and tour planning. They may also negotiate contracts with artists, manage royalties, and handle copyright and licensing matters.

Record labels come in different sizes and specialties. Major labels, often owned by large media corporations, have substantial financial resources and global reach. They tend to work with established artists and have extensive marketing and distribution capabilities. Independent labels are smaller and more specialized, often focusing on specific genres or emerging artists. They offer more creative freedom to artists and can be more nimble and responsive to market trends.

Is Owning a Record Label Profitable?

It can be profitable, but it’s very hard to get to that point, especially as an indie record label. The majors are all making a profit, but they have the biggest and most successful acts on their rosters, and they have business practices in place that ensure the money keeps coming. As someone just starting out, profit will be very hard to come by, and it may never appear, at least from just sales and streaming sums.

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Are Record Labels Dying?

Yes and no. An entire article could be written on this topic (and may have). For many decades, it was essentially necessary for any band or musician to sign with a major label in order to make a living with their art. That is no longer the case, and in the past twenty years or so indie labels have become much more powerful. Some unsigned or self-signed acts have been able to make a splash as well.

So, are labels dying? No, but the power and place they held in the music industry for a long, long time have changed significantly.

What Percentage Does a Record Label Take?

Typically, a record label will give a band what’s called an advance, which is money for them to record an album. It may be as high as $50,000. Once the songs or a full-length album is recorded and released, the group doesn’t earn a cent until that advance is recouped by the company. Then, the record deal between the two parties is enacted, and all royalties earned from that point on are split between them. What percentage each receives differs widely based on the act, but the musicians themselves can collect anywhere between 15% and 65% of royalties moving forward.

How much does it cost to start a record label?

Hugh McIntyre

The cost of starting a record label varies from company to company, and there is no fixed amount that one needs to spend, as it depends entirely on the approach you choose. You have the flexibility to start small and invest very little or even nothing initially, or you can opt for a more ambitious and expensive endeavor, spending tens of thousands of dollars.

Some entrepreneurs have managed to start labels with as little as a few hundred dollars, utilizing digital distribution platforms and working from home. On the other hand, a more traditional and elaborate label with physical releases, marketing campaigns, and studio facilities could cost significantly more.

Rough estimates suggest that the average cost to start a record label falls in the range of $10,000 to $50,000. This amount covers expenses like licensing, artist signings, marketing, distribution, studio equipment or time, and overhead costs.

Questions You Must Ask Yourself Before Starting a Record Label

Okay, we’ve quickly gone over the most basic of basics. Now there are a few questions you should ask yourself before officially launching your record label. The answers to these queries will help you find direction and be a better entrepreneur.

Can you just start a record label?

Hugh McIntyre

Yes! Technically you can start a record label without going through any legal hoops or spending money upfront. In its simplest form, all you need to do is declare that you have started a record label. This can be as straightforward as creating a website, establishing a social media presence, and designing a logo to represent your label’s identity.

The initial steps of setting up a basic online presence can be relatively easy and cost-effective, but keep in mind that this approach is more of a self-proclaimed or informal label, and it may lack the legitimacy and legal protections that come with official registration.

As you progress and decide to operate as a legitimate business, launching artists and releasing music, you’ll want to look into the legal aspects of running a record label. This is when you might encounter expenses and challenges.

To operate a record label more professionally, you may need to consider legal issues such as contracts with artists, copyright and licensing agreements, royalty payments, and compliance with music industry regulations. These areas can become more complicated and may require legal counsel, which could lead to increased expenses.

Who Is This Record Label For?

The question of “Who Is This Record Label For?” is crucial to answer before embarking on the journey of creating a record label and entering the music business. It has become increasingly common for unsigned artists to establish their own record labels. This provides them with a platform to operate more professionally and gain several advantages when it comes to finances and taxes.

There are also those who aspire to launch their own record label with the intention of collaborating with other talented artists. Their objective is to sign promising musicians, nurture their growth, and effectively promote and release their artistic work.

While it is possible to start as a label for oneself and later transition to working with other acts, it is a good idea to decide on a clear plan initially and adhere to it, at least until whichever option you go with ends up working out.

What Will You Do In-House?

When establishing a business, it is crucial to determine the tasks that will be handled in-house, both by the owner and any potential staff. The decision to keep certain efforts within the company or outsource them depends on various factors.

Some aspects, such as managing social media, creating and maintaining a website, and promotional activities, can potentially be handled internally. Although, it is worth considering that employing professionals in these fields may lead to more successful outcomes.

On the other hand, certain tasks demand a specific skill set or expertise that might not be readily available within the company. For example, legal matters or pressing vinyl albums necessitate specialized knowledge, experience, and tools. In such cases, seeking external help from experts becomes essential to ensure the quality and legality of the business operations.

When making these determinations, you must assess your new label’s finances and determine what tasks can be managed in-house and which ones require outsourcing, if you can afford them at all. Flexibility is crucial in this decision-making process, as the business may evolve over time, and resources might change.

What might be outsourced at the start could become feasible to handle in-house as the company grows and generates more revenue, or perhaps vice-versa. Conversely, situations may arise where outsourcing becomes more practical due to various circumstances.

What Genre(s) Will You Focus On?

Genre doesn’t mean what it used to in today’s music industry, but it’s still good for you to pick a general style and stick with it, at least in the beginning. What kind of music do you love most? Pop? Electronic? Hip-hop? Pop punk? It can be whatever you want, but make sure you’re really a fan, as you’ll be listening to a lot of that type of tune in your working life.

What Are Your Goals?

Ask yourself why you’re starting a record label and what you’d like to accomplish by doing so. Are you passionate about finding new talent, developing it, and sharing that musc with the world, or are you just looking for a way to work in the music business? It’s not that there’s a wrong answer, but be honest with yourself.

Also, it’s good to have concrete goals, such as reaching a Billboard chart with one of your acts or one day signing a distribution deal with a major.

Are You Okay Not Getting Rich With This?

As is stated above, it’s very, very difficult for underground record labels to make a lot of money, so if you’re looking to get rich, this probably isn’t your best bet. Many young people believe they will become wealthy if they sign the right act and work hard, but the music business is fickle and notoriously hard to crack, so ask yourself, are you okay with not making a ton of money through this venture? You should say yes…and then strive to be the greatest out there. Monetary rewards will follow if you’re doing great work.

Do You Have Access to Artists Who’d Sign With Your Label?

If you’re planning on starting an EDM record label, you need to make sure you have acts to sign. So…are you involved in the DJ world? Are you friends with many musicians and others working specifically in that arena? Do you regularly spend time with those creating the kind of art you’d want to release on your label? If not, you have a major problem, and you need to find a way into that world before officially launching your company.

Do You Have Music Business Experience?

Reading about how the music industry works online is a great start, but nothing can beat real-world experience. Do you have any of that in the music space, or do you just dream about being a major label bigwig? Perhaps you should start by finding an internship, getting an entry-level job, or even volunteering to help an act you love.

If you’re just starting out, you can gain experience and insight into how the music industry works doing almost anything. You don’t have to work only for a label, so look around for opportunities at booking agencies, PR firms, blogs and magazines, venues, management companies, and so on. You may find that what you really want isn’t to run a record label of your own after all!

Building Your Record Label

Okay, so now you’ve asked yourself some tough questions and provided honest answers, and possibly even taken a job or internship with some company in the music world. If you’re still convinced that what you want to do most is run a record label, there’s a good chance that it might be your destiny. So go ahead and create one!

Is it hard to run a record label?

Hugh McIntyre

Running a record label can be a challenging endeavor. The music industry is highly competitive, making it difficult for new labels to break into the market and gain recognition. Financial risk is also a significant factor, as investing in recording, production, marketing, and distribution can lead to losses if artists or releases don’t perform well. Managing artists and maintaining positive relationships while protecting business interests is a delicate task.

Additionally, navigating the legal and regulatory aspects of the industry, understanding copyright laws, and complying with licensing requirements adds to the complexity. Adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape and effectively promoting music in the age of streaming platforms can further pose difficulties.

Despite the challenges, the reward lies in helping artists achieve their musical aspirations and connecting their creations with the audience. Success in running a record label often demands perseverance, innovation, and a profound passion for music and the artists involved.

Choose a Name

The name of your record label is incredibly important, as sometimes your brand is all you have. Your name should help you stand out, be instantly recognizable, in line with the kind of music you’re putting out into the world…and belong to you and you alone. Do your research and make sure no one has taken it or anything like it!

Aesthetic

You might not realize it, but aesthetics are crucial to running a successful company. If you’re already following other record labels, you’re familiar with the look of everything attached to their brands, and you should pay close attention to ensure yours is consistent and strong as well. Your aesthetic includes a logo, the colors, and the font you’ll use on everything from your social channels to your website to any documents connected to your work. Don’t steal anything, because you want to look and feel completely different, but try to find inspiration in your competition.

Website and Social Media

Once you have both your name and your aesthetic decided on, it’s time to claim your online presence. Buy your domain name and secure your pages on all social media channels. Even if you’re not ready to launch, the sooner you ensure you own all of this (so no one else can take them), the better.

Trademark

It’s not enough to simply decide the name you’ve chosen for your record label is yours, you have to trademark it. Yes, this is an extra step and more work, but there’s going to be a lot of that when it comes to running your own company. Do your research when it comes to how to trademark a brand and move forward quickly before someone scoops you!

Register With a PRO

We could talk at length about what PROs are and what they do, but those are topics for another article. PROs are performance rights organizations, and every musician and record label needs to work with at least one, whether it be BMI, ASCAP, or others. Spend some time looking into what they offer and speak to those who work with all of these organizations to see which feels like the best fit for your fledgling company.

Find A Distributor

Building a successful record label requires music distribution. As you embark on this journey, you need to find the time to educate yourself about both digital and physical music distribution. While starting with digital distribution is common, you might not want to overlook the resurgence of physical formats like CDs, cassettes, and vinyl, which are gaining popularity again.

Begin by researching online music distributors, as they play a pivotal role in getting your label’s music and the work of the signed artists onto prominent platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, and various others. Pick one you like that comes with a good reputation and stick with it for a while.

If you aspire to offer physical releases like CDs, cassettes, and vinyl, you then also have to find a reliable partner company capable of manufacturing these products. Producing physical formats can be more expensive and carries some risks. That said, physical releases can also enhance revenue streams and cater to collectors and music enthusiasts who appreciate tangible media.

Additionally, consider exploring distribution options that extend to retail stores, either through local brick-and-mortar locations or online storefronts. Having your music available in physical retail spaces can help build credibility for your label and attract potential fans who prefer traditional shopping experiences, though it’s probably not something you need to worry about right away.

Find Artists To Sign

Finding talented musicians to sign to your record label is a crucial aspect of building a successful and cohesive roster of artists. There are various avenues where you can discover potential signings, and each offers unique benefits in identifying the right fit for your label.

  1. Digital Platforms – Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok are treasure troves of undiscovered talent. Artists who have built a significant following on these platforms showcase their work and gain exposure, making them excellent prospects for your label. Engage with these up-and-comers, listen to their music, and assess their popularity and engagement with their audience.
  2. Live Performances – Attending concerts and music festivals allows you to witness artists’ live performances firsthand. It provides valuable insights into their stage presence, charisma, and ability to connect with the audience. Identifying local acts with a strong live performance can be a stepping stone to nurturing rising talent.
  3. Networking and Word of Mouth – Engaging with music industry professionals, fellow musicians, and at industry events can lead to valuable recommendations. Word of mouth is a powerful tool in discovering artists who might not have gained widespread online visibility yet.

While seeking potential artists, you should make sure that their style and music align with your taste and the brand you want your label to represent. A cohesive and consistent image across your roster can help define your label’s identity and attract a specific target audience. Consider artists who share a similar musical direction, vision, or thematic elements, as this alignment enhances your label’s authenticity and credibility.

Equally important is assessing the compatibility between you and the musicians or bands you intend to sign. Establishing a good working relationship is a must for a fruitful collaboration. Schedule meetings or video calls to discuss their aspirations, creative process, and long-term goals. Ensure that you share a similar vision for their musical career and that your label can provide the support and resources they need to succeed.

Signing an artist is more than just a business arrangement; it’s a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and shared objectives. Take the time to get to know the artists personally and gauge their work ethic, communication style, and willingness to collaborate. A strong connection and shared goals will foster a harmonious working relationship and increase the likelihood of both the artist’s success and the overall growth and reputation of your new record label.

Understand Record Label Contracts

Understanding music contracts is something you really want to make time to do if you’re planning on running a successful record label. Even with legal representation, comprehending the intricacies of these agreements is smart to protect both your label’s interests and those of the artists you sign.

Music contracts come in various forms, such as recording contracts, publishing deals, distribution agreements, and licensing contracts. Each type addresses different aspects of the artist-label relationship. Familiarize yourself with the key clauses that impact your label and the artists, and regularly communicate with your legal counsel to ensure clarity and protection.

When dealing with music contracts, pay close attention to crucial elements like royalty rates, contract duration, intellectual property rights, marketing responsibilities, advances, exclusivity, and distribution arrangements. It is essential to have all agreements documented in writing and signed before working with any artist, no matter how friendly you may be with them.

A transparent and fair contract forms the basis of a healthy and mutually beneficial partnership between the label and its artists. Take the time to negotiate terms that align with the best interests of all parties involved, creating a solid foundation for a successful relationship within your record label.

Register Your Record Label Legally

Ensuring the legal legitimacy of your record label is an important step, and while it may not be necessary from the very beginning, doing so early on is a smart idea. There are various legal structures to consider for your new company, each with its own benefits and implications for your new venture. The most common legal structures for a record label are a partnership, a limited liability company (LLC), or a corporation.

  1. Partnership – If you are starting the label with one or more individuals, a partnership may be an attractive option. It is relatively straightforward to set up and involves sharing the responsibilities, profits, and liabilities among the partners. A downside is that each partner is personally liable for the label’s debts and legal obligations, which could pose a risk to personal assets.
  2. Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Forming an LLC is a popular choice for many record labels. It offers liability protection for its owners (known as members), meaning their personal assets are generally shielded from the label’s debts and legal troubles. LLCs also offer flexibility in terms of management and taxation. Just know that forming an LLC involves some paperwork and ongoing administrative responsibilities, such as annual filings and recordkeeping.
  3. Corporation – Establishing a corporation can provide even greater liability protection for owners, known as shareholders. A corporation is considered a separate legal entity from its owners, which means the shareholders’ personal assets are typically protected. Corporations can also raise capital by selling shares, making it an attractive option for larger record labels with significant financial needs. That said, forming and maintaining a corporation involves more extensive legal requirements and can be more expensive than other options.

Choosing the right legal structure for your record label depends on various factors, including the size of your label, your long-term goals, potential risks, and the number of stakeholders involved. If you are unsure about which option is best for your company, consulting with a business attorney or financial advisor is highly recommended.

Creating Your Record Label's Team

When you first start out, you may very well be doing absolutely everything at your record label yourself, but if you want to grow, you’ll need to recruit a team eventually. Major labels have departments for everything, including A&R, marketing, radio, PR, websites, and more. Of course, you don’t need all of these functions right away, but anything you can’t do yourself, you’ll either have to find someone who will work for cheap (assuming you aren’t flush with cash) or perhaps you can hire an outside company to pick up these tasks for you.

Lawyers

One thing you really shouldn’t do for yourself is anything involving the law. This is perhaps the only area where you can’t mess up! Lawyers will draw up contracts between you and the artists you want to sign, so you’ll want someone who is familiar with this kind of work. Unfortunately, hiring a Music Lawyer is a huge expense, but you shouldn’t skimp here and look for ways around paying the bill.

Distribution

Thankfully, music distribution is easier than ever to acquire for the tracks your artists will make, as the vast majority of musicians choose to release their tunes online, and only the biggest acts still sell CDs and vinyl in stores. In the early days of your record label, you should be fine with a simple digital distributor like CDBaby, TuneCore, LANDR, or many others. You can still have physical products made, but keep those items for your online store and for when your artists tour.

Marketing/Advertising

This is likely an area you’ll need to spend some real time educating yourself about before you know what you’re doing. A lot of marketing and advertising is done online these days via social channels, and for the most part, the platforms have tried to make things simple…but as the owner of a record label, the acts you’ve signed will demand so much more from you than the basics. Study what other musicians and the companies behind them are doing to promote their latest releases and then try to find out how they made these marketing marvels happen.

Marketing and advertising are, in some ways, the simplest parts of the job, but only at a base level. If you want to really succeed, you’ll need to think outside the box and become an expert in these fields.

Radio Promo

Until you become large enough to hire someone who knows the radio world to spend a good chunk of their time pitching Programmers and those who decide what to put on air, this is probably another “department” you’re going to need to outsource. Radio is still a great way for up-and-coming acts to reach new fans, especially when it comes to alternative and college stations…but it’s a lot of work just to get a few plays. Yes, there are Radio Promoters that do this work for you, but, as with all things, it’s going to cost you.

Social Media

Social media is probably something that you and your artists can handle on your own, and it usually falls under the marketing umbrella. In fact, while you’ll want to assist the musicians signed to your record label in ensuring they have a social calendar and that they’re posting enough to properly promote their work, you may want to let the artists themselves do a lot of the heavy lifting. It’s important that social posts feel authentic to whoever is uploading them, and fans can usually detect when that’s not the case.

Public Relations

Like radio, public relations, or PR, is another task that can eat up so much of your time that you may need to hire an outside Publicist or PR firm to do this work for you. It is sadly not as easy as responding to a few emails and writing a pitch or two–just ask anyone who does this for a living.

PR is a must in today’s music world, and you’ll want to look for a company that has experience working with artists that are similar to the ones on your roster. Keep your expectations low, but do everything you can to assist your musicians and the PR team to make sure everything is ready and that they have whatever they need to make your latest campaign a success.

Producers

Some record labels sign Producers to work exclusively with the artists on their roster, though this isn’t common practice in the American music industry. You can take it upon yourself to recruit a Producer who shows real talent and promise, and then both partner them with the acts signed to your company or take a cut of everything they do with other musicians, but this is separate from what many well-known companies do, and it might be something better left for when you’re a bit more established.

In the first stages of running this new creation, it might be in your best interest to either let your acts produce their own tunes or source them elsewhere.

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