How to Run Your Own Record Label

These days, running a record label means doing it all yourself. With all the new technology and information out there, it is much easier to run your own record label than to go running to the major labels, or even to the established indies. You biggest commitment is time. Your biggest assets are passion and motivation. If you have those three things, you can run your own label yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Phone
• Several friends willing to put in some time
• About $5000 in funding
• Database program

1. Thoroughly know who/what you are selling. Amass (or write, if they don’t have any) press materials on your artists (press kit, press releases, reviews, publicity pictures).
   
   Additionally, have a one-line description that adequately describes each artist: who they are and the type of music they perform. Also, be sure each artist has an elevator pitch (a 30-second description meant to “sell” an artist in 30 seconds). Record labels work in sales, essentially, so you need an effective sales pitch for each artist you represent.
2. Set up a network of people “in the biz” by contacting your friends and scouring the Internet for venues, radio stations and every imaginable communication output pertaining to music available (podcasts, webzines, hardcopy magazines).
   
   If your friends are willing to help out, start a street team with them – they will be responsible for getting the word out “on the street” about you. If your friends can't commit to being part of the street team, contact local colleges and high schools.
3. Create an intern program within your label by going through colleges to recruit. It's a great opportunity for students to learn the music industry from the ground up, but be sure to have a program set up with all the work requirements before posting any ads. If you don't know what you need, you can't ask someone to work for you for free while you flounder around figuring it out.
4. Call anyone you know affiliated with the music industry and ask for references. People in music have been around the block; they are the best resources for the good venues and the most supportive publications.
5. Keep a detailed industry database of who is/does what at radio, publications and venues. You should also have a separate database of the creative end: managers, agents, producers, engineers, mastering houses, duplication services and other potential artists for collaboration.
6. Start sending letters to venues to explain who you are and who/what you represent. Follow up at least twice on every effort you make, whether it’s a phone call, letter or email. Take notes on your conversations. The more personal you can be, the better. People like to know you pay attention to what they say, so keep your memory sharp and your notes sharper. Start building relationships. The music industry is based on them.
7. Attend industry conferences and network. This business is more about who you know than anything else. The more people you meet, the better. You always want to have your name circulating in a good way.
8. Know that you will not get a lot of sleep, you will be rejected more times than accepted, and that you will believe in your product more than anyone else. And that’s okay, as long as you are passionate about what you are doing. Nothing sustains a record label longer than passion for what you do.

Tips & Warnings

• Be nice to everyone, no matter what. The music business is a very small world.