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!
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