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Who Else Wants to Learn How to Start A World Wide, Profit Pulling Record Label?
By Ty Cohen
Virtually every recording artist, started out on a small independent label. They recorded their own music, started their own publishing companies, produced their own masters, did their own promotions until they landed their first major label recording contract. Just to mention a few artists who started their careers on an independent label, Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, Neil Diamond, The Beatles and many more. So, as history continues to show us, you can start your own Indie record label, for a small amount of money, which ran properly can produce monumental, lucrative results. However, it is important to keep in mind that starting your own Indie record label can be one of two things: a smooth running, economical and very successful venture or a money sucking, complicated ordeal. The choice is yours. Personally, I would choose the former. I am going to map out some strategies on how to succeed in the Indie record label industry. Specifically, in the areas of promotion, publicity and the industry as a career choice.
You never should equate a record deal to success, because it is only a step that helps large recording organizations filter out new artists in the music business. Big recording companies spend millions of dollars on a few dozen new artists, in the hopes that one of them will become a hit with the mainstream. They do not care which band makes it, merely that one or two do. If you are selected as one of the dozen and do not make the final cut. Then you will be branded in the industry as "old news" by the recording industry, making it impossible to recover and to be picked up by another label. The odds are not worth it.
Instead of taking such a high risk, bet on a sure thing. Release your music on your own CD on your own label. You will be establishing yourself as someone who is serious in the music industry, by demonstrating that you will do whatever it takes to get your music out to the public. Not to mention, that selling your own, self-financed CD can actually get you a better record deal if your independent release is somewhat successful. If you can prove that you have a fan base, which have purchased your self-made albums, then you take away some risk for the record company and give yourself some leverage during negotiations. Having a strong fan base will also make it easier for record labels to market your music to. Better yet, if you bar-coded your CD and managed to get it into record stores, the record companies may seek you out. Now about that CD...
For starters, don't settle for the cheapest CD or package you can find. Presentation is everything in this business. The appearance of your disc and the graphics will make an impression on your buyers, who will be comparing your release against major record labels. If you personally don't know of anyone with CD duplicators, then speak with any of the hundreds of musicians on via the internet who have or can steer you in the right direction. While you're at it, ask them where they had their album graphics done. High quality album presentation may mean the difference between being picked up by the DJ or going into the DJ's trash.
Once, you have your CD and album designed, it is time to market it. Do not blindly send out your CD to record labels and distributors in the hopes of getting signed. More than 90% of all CD's will go unopened and end up in the garbage. That is why contact must be made and approval received in advance for the record label to accept your submission. If you do not somehow find contacts and decide to just blindly send your CDs out, you will only be throwing your money away; therefore, if that is the case why bother with spending money on the packaging. In order to find contacts, either find them yourself or find someone who knows someone who knows someone, you get the point. Another way is to e-mail various stations, briefly tell them about yourself and your record and ask if they would like you to send them a copy of your CD. If they respond, then you made contact. This also means that your CD will have a better chance of being heard.
Next, create an excellent website to promote your music. Develop a website that will require participation of the viewers. That is what will keep people coming back to your site. Share your insights with your sites viewers. Give your site a sense of value and originality. Take a look at the resource available from http://www.SellMusicOnlineLikeCrazy.com for more info on selling your music online.
Finally, do not make the mistake of thinking you know everything about the industry. What works for some may not work for others. Therefore, do not assume there is one way to do something. Think about the number of who succeed and accomplish what they desire compared to those who are still trying to succeed. Accept no one's advice as an absolute, rather as another idea. Ultimately, you will be making the decision, so it would behoove you to gather as many ideas and input as possible. You may need to try several ways first, before you find the way that fits. Keep trying. You can start and have a successful Indie record label company.
Have fun and good listening!
About the Author
Ty Cohen is the acclaimed author of over a dozen best-selling music industry "How to" books and courses. Grab a copy of Ty Cohen's latest book title by visiting http://www.MusicBooksByTy.com and to learn more about starting or turning your existing record label into a world wide, profit pulling record label visit:
http://www.TheUltimateRecordLabel.com/landing_page.htm Start A Record Label Today!
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