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Step 1
Pick your genre. Decide what genre of music you want to sign. Generally speaking, a record label does not sign more than one type of genre. If you have a name in mind, you can choose a genre to match.
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Step 2
Choose your name. Make sure that you have researched the name and that is not in use, and that you use something that is catchy. You'll definitely want this name to be memorable when people hear it!
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Step 3
Obtain your business license. Start off as a sole proprietor if you do not have the means to become an LLC (limited liability corporation), which takes a bit more paperwork and money. An LLC will have more tax benefits, in terms of being able to separate your personal and business assets, and works well if there is more than one person involved in the formation of the record label. You'll need to speak with a lawyer and check local, state, and federal regulations to ensure compliance with all of them.
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Step 4
Find and sign your artists. This is as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. You can attend local concerts and lurk in the crowds to find people that you think sound good, and would be good for your record label image. Otherwise, you'll want to host interviews for local bands to come to you, and you can set up your requirements and contracts. Speak to a legal team here to find out what you need to do in order to protect yourself as a business owner, and the record label itself, along with the band or artists you are signing. The artists will want to be sure they are safe with you, but you will definitely want to be sure that you are safe in the event that something goes awry with the artist.
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Step 5
Market and promote your label. There are many ways to do this, and many of them are free. Use social networking and the web as a massive tool for reaching your desired audience. The more people that people know about the bands you signed, and the more people know about your record label, the better off you in are in terms of money, and being able to sign other artists.
