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The Keys to Your Own Record Label
Do you have an eye for talent? Are you sick of sitting back watching the talents fly on by, knowing that if you only knew how to start an independent record label that you would be the one raking in the cash? Well, you have come to the right place. I am going to reveal to you all the secrets that you want to know behind how to start a record label.
You Too Can Start an Independent Record Label
It's no big secret, the trick of how to start a record label definitely involves some cash and most definitely involves some talent. If you want to know the secret to how to start and run your own label then here it is, talent. You have to have something to sell your business pitch with. It doesn't matter what your particular genre is, you need to get out there and discover your first million. Yep, I am talking about dollars.
Schmoozing for Gigs
If you want to get gigs, then you are going to have to do some schmoozing with club owners, bar owners and people of that nature. This means you are going to have to appear as professional and convincing as possible. You are going to have to come prepared with all the gear you need to successfully market yourself so you can book gigs and get paid.
Start Your Record Label with a Plan
Are you ready to learn how to start and run your own record label? Well, every business owner needs one important thing in order to start their own business and that is a business plan. A business plan is important for not only yourself but it is a necessity if you want to get any type of financing or solicit investors. If you have never written a business plan then I am going to give you a step by step instruction on how to start an independent record label beginning with the plan.
The Marketing ABCs of How to Get a Record Deal
Every aspiring musician out there desires to know the secrets of How to get a record deal. I know, I know, there are so many record labels out there; it is so hard to know what every one of them is looking for. Fortunately, there is one common thread that they all share. They are all looking for someone who is marketable!
After You Book the Gig
One of the most crucial things you can do for yourself and your band is to promote the gigs that you book. After all, getting that gig was hard work, now what you need to focus on is exposure. The only person who is going to market for you is you. Over the next few minutes I am going to give you some tips on how to market and promote after you get gigs.
Independent Music Promotion Ideas
If you are an independent musician, then I know that coming up with great music promotion ideas is one of your main goals. Gone are the days where musicians and artists have to rely solely on record deals to make the big bucks. With the rise of online music promotion on the Internet, the possibilities are literally limitless.
What to Include on Your Music Promotion Website
One of the powerful tools you can have as when attempting independent music promotion is a website. This is a given. There is absolutely no excuse for a musician, in this day and age, to not have a website. You website is how you will reach the world. This is how you will market yourself to every single person you come in contact with. The internet and your website will be two of the most powerful music promotion resources you will have.
Online Music Promotion for Newbies
Are you tired of playing miniscule gig after miniscule gig only to generate pennies? Are you tired or working that second job, just to scrape up enough dough to put gas in the van to get to gigs? Maybe you are one of those people who feel the have exhausted every option there is? Well, if that sounds like you, then you have come to the right place. Have you considered or even explored online music promotion?
Music Promotional Ideas: An Email List
What is the use for a website if no one ever comes to it? There is no use for one. People keep telling you to get a site and get a page, do this and do that. But one of the most important things you can do for your site and for your music is build a solid, opt-in email list because it will be one of your best musician resources.
Music Contract Lies, 101
Brace yourself, because the music industry is full of lies. But what industry doesn't have its share of truths, lies and exaggerations? I am sure there isn't one without issues. But you are in the music industry so you need to be aware of some of the issues that pertain to you, especially when dealing with music contracts and recording contracts. Being naive is something that can hurt you the most.
Who Needs Music Contracts?
Whether you are a newbie to the music industry or a seasoned professional, you are going to run across music contracts, no matter what! Record companies, managers, agents, songwriters, musicians, bands, independent artists, producers, directors will all have to deal with music business contracts at one time or another, you can count on it. The only question is, will you be prepared.
How to Save Money on Music Contracts
How much would you estimate an entertainment lawyer would charge hourly to draft music contracts for you? Would you guess $50, $150, $100 or even $200 per hour? Think again! Try $300 or more, an hour! Unless you are absolutely loaded, I am going to safely assume that you don't have that kind of cash lying around to blow on lawyer's fees. This is especially true for people just beginning in the music industry.
Can You Write a Music Contract From Scratch?
The real question is do you know how to write music contracts from scratch or even at all? I am going to assume that your answer is no and that is why you are here. Your typical music business contracts are extremely thorough and full of jargon and terms that the average person would not be familiar with. But there is no reason to be worried because you do have options.
Communicate Professionally in the Music Industry
If you are looking to get out of the independent music scene and seek a record deal then one of the best assets you can have is to know how to communicate with music contacts. The music industry is full of professionals so mastering the art of communicating professionally is the key.
Press Releases for Promotion
Sometimes, when you are dealing with independent music, you are going to have to do a little self-promotion. Have you ever thought of writing a press release? Well, if you don't know how to write, that is ok too, you can have someone help you. Getting your press release published in a major paper may be difficult but start with smaller papers and magazines to begin with.
Schmoozing is Networking!
Schmoozing, Networking, hanging out, whatever you want to call it, it's crucial in the music industry. Don't be afraid of networking, it's not as hard as you would imagine. The best way to become skilled at networking and to make connections is to just hang out.
Making Music Contacts to Further Your Career
I cannot stress how immensely important it is to make music contacts in this fast-paced music industry. Whether a record deal is your goal or independent music is more your gig, you still need to meet and network with as many people as possible. The resources for doing just this are enormous and endless, so take advantage of them all.
Getting Your Independent Music Heard
You are absolutely ecstatic because you have written all your songs, produced the music and your CD is complete!! You find yourself jumping for joy and then it dawns on you--People have got to hear this! But how? When? Where do I begin? This is the thought of many people dealing with an independent music career. And luckily independent music in the music industry can succeed!
Contracts with Artists
When leaning how to start and run an independent record label, you are going to come across the business side more importantly, contracts. In any given contract with your artist, the main thing to consider is what you are going to commit to do for them. Also, you want to define what you want them to give in return. For example, you may be able to offer a commitment as to how many singles or albums you will release and when.
How Do I Get My Demo Heard?
Just how do I go about getting my demo heard? This is a famous question among aspiring musicians looking for a recording contract. Honestly, the bigger the label, the lesser your chances become of them listening to the demo you send them.
Music Contracts: Business is Business
Business is business and that really is that bottom line. This applies to all businesses especially those that involve the music industry. Whether the business is between a trusted friend, an acquaintance or someone you just met, the same rules apply.
The Independent Record Label Dream
Owning your very own record label is a dream that will become a reality for many. Anyone can do this! From the artist who just wants their music heard, to the manager, promoter or producer who is sure they have found the "next big thing." Maybe you are sick of trying to secure another release with some other label. So, why not make your own label a brand in itself. Sometimes you just need someone to get you on the right track when deciding how to start an independent label.
Music Contracts 101: Two Key Parts
In relation to music contracts there are often two areas, the amount of produce and advancements, that artists need explained. These two areas will be mentioned in every music business contract so it is crucial you have a firm grasp on their definitions. Over the next few paragraphs, I am going to define and discuss the importance of these two areas.
Exploring Demo Deals
Demonstrational recording deals are not to be confused with actual recording contracts. These deals are made with either an investor or usually a record label itself. They can be considered a prerequisite to music contracts. These occur when the money is fronted for you or your band to enter in the studio and record your demo tape. The flip side of this type of deal is that it is generally treated as an advance of services meaning the money will eventually be recouped one way or another.
Music Contracts & Royalties Defined
Artists often wonder how their royalties are going to be computed when they sign music contracts. This is truly an important question because basically determines how much money is going to end up in their pockets. Recording contracts are meticulous and somewhat confusing so I will try to explain royalties to you as simple as possible.
Five Ways to Market Your Band
If you are a musician then you are a business yourself. You are in the business of marketing yourself or figuring out how to promote your CD. This requires a lot of work and sometimes it may seem endless. You are constantly trying to solicit new "customers" for your business, your fans. Not only do you want your fans to enjoy your music but you also would love to turn some profits in the process. Marketing is going to be your best musician's resource out there and you should take full advantage
Recording Contracts and Your Rights
Your rights when it relates to recording contracts and the ones you are giving up are important to understand for any newly signed artist. This will be identified as your "Grant of Rights" clause in your new music contract. Please make sure you have a solid understanding of this and all it entails.
Recording Contracts Can Be Confusing
Over the next few minutes, we are going to review three important areas that you might find covered in recording contracts. Recording contracts can be quite overwhelming, especially if you have had no experience with them. You will find that they are lengthy and extremely detailed. They cover many areas and these are just to name a few, the word record, term and option.
Budgeting Your Independent Label
When calculating how to start a record label, you will need a budget. A simple way to break things down is by using categories, Income and Expense. Keep it simple because I am going to gather that most of us aren't accountants. Remember though, these are only your expected costs and profits. There will always be unexpected costs that are beyond our control so set aside some funds for these.
It's Not What You Know but Who You Know
Many people are under the impression when deciding how to start an independent record label that they need a large amount of experience and education about the music industry. Although this is not a bad thing, networking seems to play an even larger role in this industry. As the old saying goes, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." In this music biz this seems to ring true a thousand times over.
Music Promotional Ideas
The most commonly asked question to the A&R Reps is how can I get noticed by the people the man? The answer is that your efforts need to start locally and work your way out. Following are some very useful tips, suggestions and music promotional ideas that should be applied in your plan of attack for getting noticed.
The Timeline of Your Own Record Label
If you are trying to learn how to start and run your own record label then you have come to the right place. Positioning your record label, along with producing and selling your first records will take time. But how quickly things progress along will depend on how much time and dough you are able to put into the label itself. It also depends on what genre and format of music you are releasing.
Top Eight Tips for Indie Artists
Over the next few minutes, I am going to go over some music promotional ideas, offer advice on selecting musician resources and show you how to promote your CD without emptying out your wallet. Independent artists have the upper hand and no longer have to worry about being signed to a major label to make it.
Indie Artists and the Digital Age
Let me start with this, getting rich in the music industry now a days is possible. With all the music promotional ideas and musician resources out there on the web you can be a success. The only question is, will you take full advantage and become rich as well? You no longer have to depend on someone (meaning major labels) who doesn't get your music to discover you and make you a success.
Independent Labels of All Shapes and Sizes
While exploring how to start an Independent record label, you will find that they appear in all shapes and sizes. Depending on who you are and what your expectations may be, you can decide how large or small your label is. Deciding how to start and run an independent label is totally up to you and that is the beautiful thing about owning your own label.
Indepenedent Artists and Radio Station
You have finished planning and recording now you want to know how to promote your CD to radio. No problem, you have come to the write place for some ideas. Promoting your CD to radio may take a little time and will take lots of organization so get ready.
Goal Setting for the Aspiring Musician
Goal setting is often a difficult subject because it requires planning and organization. Planning for the future doesn't have to be tedious and stressful. Believe me, goal setting and planning for the future can only help you to achieve those dream of music industry success!
In the Music Industry: It's Not What You Know...
How many times have you heard the old cliche, "It's not what you know, its who you know? Well, I know I have heard it a thousand times. And in no place can this ring truer than in the music industry. Music contacts are priceless for everyone trying to make it in the music industry.
Careers in the Music Industry
There are tons of other jobs in the music industry besides being a musician. It is often found that these jobs are less commonly discussed. Obviously now everyone in the music industry is an artist or performer. Maybe you don't play but love music and a career in the industry is really what you desire. Or maybe you do play but would rather be a professional. Let's discuss these other roles and what they involve.
Benefits of a Mentor in the Music Industry
Mentoring is a connection that is established with a person who is a specialist in their area. The mentor is always more experienced than the mentee. The mentor shares their experiences, and the lessons they have learned. But the relationship benefits both the mentor and the mentee.
Get the Most Out of Goal Setting In Your Music Career
As you may know by now, goal setting for your music industry career might be one of the best steps you ever take. Some people love planning and some people dread it but regardless of which category you fall into, you want to make the most out of it.
Are You Ready for a Record Deal?
Is it a waste of time to try and get a record deal in the music industry today? Well, that is a question that each independent music artist must answer themselves. But, if you are one of those people who would love a record deal for whatever reason, then read on. Like most things, if you don't go about things in the right way you can waste a lot of time, energy and cash with no result. A lot of the time, you are trying to reach the wrong music contacts or going about it all wrong.
The Business Side of the Music Biz
What do you know really know about the business side of music? The music industry is not just glitz and glamour for the successful. There is a serious business side to it and if you aren't educated, then you can get yourself into trouble. I know you think that when you are rich and successful that you can just pay for a lawyer to deal with all that.
Three Basics for Success in the Music Industry
The music industry is full of talent that may never find success. It is unfortunate that it may take years to get a record deal, even if you're awesome! And in the independent music world, it still takes hard work to succeed, even with the increased amount of opportunities for this group.
Identifying Which Music Industry Avenue is for You!
So, now you are an independent music act with top quality unique demos, a thread of media clips, an extremely presentable demo kit and an ever-growing fan-base. Now all you need to do is connect with the right music contacts in the music industry and you should be on your way!
Agents and Managers: What They Are & What to Expect
A manager offers a service to you that involves zoning in on your fortes and weak points. They can direct you to the type of instruction you need, depending on your current experience and talent. They can aid your independent music path, support you in your goal setting and point you in the right direction, especially when you are so overwhelmed you aren't sure where to start.
Independent Music Marketing Without Selling Out
Is it true that in the world of independent music that marketing is considered a sell-out? Well, whether that is a stereotype or completely true, it does not matter because it is not a sell-out, at all! If you are an Indie musician who wants to taking an anti-corporate stance or huge labels in general leave a bad taste in your mouth you can still market in the music industry with out being left with the feeling of selling out. There are other music contacts to be made and other ways of getting y
What Constitutes a Recording Contract?
Recording contracts, frequently referred to as record deal, is a legal agreement between a record label and an artist or group, it is as simple as that. This is simply where a performer makes an album or albums for the label to vend and endorse.
Recording Contracts: A Simple Breakdown
Let's be realistic, labels expect to make a profit and their profits result from the terms of music contracts or recording contracts. That is why it is crucial that you are savvy in the world of music business contracts. Over the next few minutes, I am going to breakdown the major parts of recording contracts so you have a greater idea of what is contained within them.
Music Contracts and Clauses
There is no perfect music contract for every single situation. First and foremost, it is important that you have a wide variety of music contracts to choose from and that you and all parties involved understand the content within each specific music contract. There are hundreds and hundreds of music contract clauses to pick from but we are going to review some of the standards that should always be included. If need be, you can add clauses or take away where is needed.
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