This article is astoundingly useful for potential music artists who want to set up their own record label. First, the article provides multiple novels that guide music artists on how to start their record label in the music industry. Next, the article recommends the reader to intern and work for either a record label, a record distributor, a radio station, or a record store. Then, the article instructs the reader to form a business plan which is a document setting out a business’s future objectives and strategies. Finally, the article advises the reader to finance the recording by obtaining loans from friends or family, and hiring an accountant to review the business plan. For more information on how to set up your own record label in the music business, click the link here: https://www.loopmasters.com/articles/2720-10-Steps-To-Setting-Up-Your-Own-Record-Label
Ruben Saenz
To start off this article it ask the question “how do I set up my own label” which is answered by reading the following books and just to name a few it mentions Getting Radio Airplay: The Guide to Getting Your Music Played On College, Public and Commercial Radio, How to Make and Sell Your Own Recording, and Guide to Releasing Independent Records. Getting your foot into the industry is also important so, the article suggest being an intern OR working part time at record studios, radio stations, or even your local record store. The last thing I want to mention in the article would be the section that talks about how to finance your recordings. It gives us a few steps to take in financing a record label/new recording which are select a book called “how to start a small business,” get an accountant to review your business plan, keep records of your income and band expenses, grants can be rewarded to individual artist or non-profit organizations, and talk to as many bands or small record labels as you possibly can.
Here is a link to the roles for the record labels in the music industry. https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-is-a-record-label-2460614
Controlled composition clauses are interesting because they most importantly allow the label to put a limit on how much they must pay for each controlled composition. I learned from Mclane and Wong Entertainment that labels put a limit because they often don’t receive money back from advances, recording costs, and so on. An issue for the artist could be the same rate of each song on the album and certain songs are written by other people and don’t want the reduced rate.
Lynn Nguyen
First off, I like how the website is formatted. For me, I find it informative that I am able to know the diversity of the companies employees. I believe the TMO Internship Program is a helpful guide into pursuing something much further into music business. Another thing I find helpful is the music business guide. In particular, the music related insurance. Personally I didn’t know insurance was really needed with music, but for precautions I understand why.
Here is a link that goes more into depth about music related insurance. https://futureofmusic.org/article/research/health-insurance-and-musicians
Kalyn Randolph
This website is a good source on how to set up your own label and how to get started in the music business. In class, Dr. Renard is always suggest books that he has read that are really good for someone trying to learn about the music business in specific realms and in a more general perspective. So when this website suggested reading these different books, it made sense. It is very important to get a different perspective and different outlooks on how the business goes and better yet how to start your own label. This source gives you a step by step on things to do to get started; it also gives you step by step on how to finance the recordings because with a record label you have to have money to be able to finance the different recordings being produced in your record label.
Here is a link on more information on how to start your own record label https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-start-a-record-label-2460782
Devin A. Saucedo-Rivera
From a layout perspective, I appreciate that this website has a step-by-step process on how to start up a record label. Of course, these are just recommended steps and there are many other ways one can go about starting their label. In addition to these steps, there are plenty of books one can use as resources. However, though these may be helpful, some are from the 1990s so I am unsure and curious as to how the information and steps have changed over the course from 1998 to 2019. Since the times have changed since 1998, I researched a record label owner’s firsthand experience starting their label, but instead, I found this article on whether or not is it still a good idea to start a record label.
I liked this article because it gives you step-by-step instructions on how to start your own record label. It is very easy to read but still gives the steps in detail. It was fun reading through the article and seeing the connections between it and the things that have been discussed in class such as reading certain books on the industry and interning/working at music-related businesses. Much like all of the other articles we have read from the Texas Music Office, it was very informative and would be extremely helpful to anyone looking to work in the industry, especially if you are looking to start your own label.
This article lays out the steps on how to start a record label of your own. the first steps are to intern somewhere in the music supply chain either for a label, radio station, or a distributor. The article also recommends books on how to start and run a small business. It stresses to reach out to people with more expertise to guide and review the steps you’re taking like an accountant that’s experienced in the music industry. Another important step is actually talking to distributors, talking to stores, and getting quotes for the amount of records your label plans to release.
This article is very useful to artists that are just starting and this is a way to provide them information on how to start there own business as a upcoming artist. The way that this article is set up is in a step by step process in what you are going to do first. I really like fact that the article gives you many other resources not just one to guide you to find your answer. They even recommend books to you so that your can get to start your own small business.
This article is set up in a similar way https://www.loopmasters.com/articles/2720-10-Steps-To-Setting-Up-Your-Own-Record-Label
Noah Shepherd-Hayes
Once again, another article that streamlines a process that normally would seem too complicated. I really appreciate the section on financing a recording, as that always seems to be the setbacks for many artists and would be artists. Something I hadn’t thought about before this article, was the idea and practice of making a business plan. Here is a nice PDF with a business plan for musicians: https://www.saskmusic.org/uploads/ck/files/funding/fundingtool_BusinessPlansArtist.pdf
Austin Donnelly
This step by step guide to starting your own record label was very enlightening. I appreciated the amount of resources it provided at the beginning of the article. I also like how the information was specific to Texas. Below is an article about how Del Valle ISD in Texas started a record company for it’s students: https://www.kxan.com/news/education/del-valle-isd-to-launch-student-run-record-label/
Benjamin S. Martinez
This article explains how to start of a record label step by step. This is very helpful because every time this topic is brought up it always put out to be difficult and only a picked few get it done. Yet, in this case it is put out to be just a few steps and a couple of readings and you can get apart of the music business. I also like how they added the books to read and what questions to ask people in the industry for you. This in my eyes is a little kit on how to start the label and I honestly don’t understand why they put it out for free.
Here is a website that shows the record labels in Texas. https://www.musicpage.com/pages/markets/lists?category=label&page=2&state=TX
Lauren (Miles) Leija
I enjoyed reading this article because it provided insight on the steps to create and set up your own record label. The most interesting step to me was writing a business plan, and I didn’t realize it was necessary to start strategically planning that early on. I also didn’t realize how crucial it is to read so much literature prior to starting a label. The music industry opportunities in San Antonio are quite limited, so I feel like there are only a few places in San Antonio where interning would be possible. Here is an article that provides an interesting opposing perspective regarding the creation of a record label. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/why-you-probably-shouldnt-start-a-record-label/
Lauren Miles
I enjoyed reading this article because it provided insight on the steps to create and set up your own record label. The most interesting step to me was writing a business plan, and I didn’t realize it was necessary to start strategically planning that early on. I also didn’t realize how crucial it is to read so much literature prior to starting a label. The music industry opportunities in San Antonio are quite limited, so I feel like there are only a few places in San Antonio where interning would be possible. Here is an article that provides an interesting opposing perspective regarding the creation of a record label. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/why-you-probably-shouldnt-start-a-record-label/
This article makes me wonder just how many people have tried to start their own record label with the right background research or resources and then immediately fallen on their face because of it. This article has two extremely important steps that should never be skipped. The first is the necessity of a business plan. Without knowing what you are planning on doing in terms of budget and the types of projects that you have the capability of tackling, the record label will lose money very very fast. It takes a carefully crafted business plan to set the foundation for a successful record label. This even applies for pre-existing labels as well, who still need to have a business plan that plans for at least a year in the future. The other important point is to work with an experienced accountant on your business plan so that you can reduce your chances of making mistakes. This is a link to a website that gives steps to making a business plan(not specific to record labels): https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/281416
Bao Luong
Setting up your own label, is something most creative director of music should be interested in. To make a label is a very different thing to me rather then just making music. Making music is a very small step into the music indsutry but the big step is the business aspects of it. Which is where record deal label comes in and help artist built an image or develop them into a star. In order to create a label there many steps involved like work for a record deal label before to gain experience and see how it’s operated. Go make loans for your company to fund the record label and deal for artists. Biggest of all is their accounting plans for the company, here is the website that will help me go into the point of how much money record label invest in their company and artist : https://www.ifpi.org/how-record-labels-invest.php
Sydnie Gudson
This article did a fabulous job of clarifying and simplifying the seemingly intense and intimidating process of setting up your own label. Although the instructions may seem to be too simple, I think it is a great starting point, and allows the reader to get a better grasp on the process. I do appreciate how the article heavily emphasises preparedness and planning because it does give a more realistic edge to it. Overall, the information is helpful, but I do wonder how accurate the extra readings provided are because most seem to be from the 90’s and the early 2000’s.
After reading about the beginnings of a record label, I wanted to look into what to do afterwards, so here are some tips: https://promo.ly/8-genius-record-label-marketing-tips-for-smaller-labels/
Aaron Villarreal
Starting your own record label is a lot like starting your own business, only the risks of it falling through are much greater. The reason banks are so reluctant about lending start-up labels money is that a label’s success is not definite; they fall through all the time. Another reason labels fall through is the lack of people. Artists are going to aim for the bigger labels because they know they’ll have a better chance there than some start-up that hasn’t established roots yet. Here’s an article on the difference between independent labels and major ones:
I like how this read was a how to get started because I’m sure most of us in this class are striving for our own record label. I found the interesting part about the banks and how they are very reluctant to give out loans. Which makes since because it could either be a one hit wonder or just crash and burn. No one wants to make a deal that’s a make or break moment. What I want to know more about is if it’s just as easy to talk to a band and interview them with all the questions or if there was a simpler way to get in contact with bands. Another thing I want to know is how long would it take to make your own label as well as if there was a specific time to bring up a new label to the game.
Here is another article about getting started https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-start-a-record-label-2460782
Patricia King
I really appreciate the practical steps given and straightforward style of this article. Although I’m sure there is way more to it, these steps provide a well-informed starting point. Personally, step one is quite daunting, so I decided to start looking into step two. I began by searching for entry level music industry positions in the area, hoping to find something I might be able to apply for now or in the future. Most entries available involved teaching or performing, rather than business. I even found a few restaurant positions (ha) in my search. Overall, it seemed the most practical positions offered came from radio station searches. Here is what the search came up with. https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNTghQIG6TS8G5XPsIC7uUNKHjxa7A:1569897334353&ei=druSXZKQFea1tgXg_oiIBA&q=radio+station+jobs+san+antonio&oq=radio+station+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.4.0l2j0i20i263j0l3j0i20i263j0l3.2942.12537..16354…4.0..0.260.1675.16j1j1……0….1..gws-wiz…….35i39j0i273j0i131j0i67j0i131i67j0i10i67j0i10.aVw2sV6eDQU&ibp=htl;jobs&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj-_7amhPrkAhUREawKHe4sAScQiYsCKAF6BAgJEBM#fpstate=tldetail&htidocid=eTAcIPMViv2SeEynAAAAAA%3D%3D&htivrt=jobs
This is a great article for anyone interested in starting a label. This article provides us with some steps which start off by doing research and reading up on certain books. The main premise of this article is to really do your own research and work hard by interning at businesses relevant to music. You have to create your own business plan and once that’s done you can then reach out to professionals to help you with logistics. I love that this site provides you with accountants in your areas if you can’t afford one. Being organized with expenses and important documents is also the key component to start a successful label.
I found an article that interviewed a few independent label owners on how they went about it: https://mixmag.net/feature/10-independent-label-owners-tell-us-how-to-go-it-alone/5
Tyra Brown
When it comes to starting your own business there is a lot of preparation to achieve such a goal. This article is key to getting ahead to this tough and competitive business. When you’re first starting in the business a lot of the “investment” comes from family and personal accounts. Which makes sense the investor is not gonna wanna waste their time and money on someone who they haven’t seen in action.
This article provided a lot of good information on how to start your label. It also mentions why it is challenging to start your label for many reasons. There are many things to consider before putting time into a startup; Like money, distribution, promotion, etc. All of these aspects are vital to a successful label, and if something is lacking it can bring down everything. Read more about what it takes to start your own label: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/before-you-start-a-record-label-2460874
Kemi Babalola
It’s interesting that this article highlights several books to read before starting your own record label. I think some of the best knowledge you can come across are in books that are well thought out and comprehensible for every reader. One of the books that stood out to me is the book that is by Donald Passman, because it has been recommended to me. I haven’t had the chance to read it, but since it has came up again, I must be missing out on valuable information. Her is a link that recommends several other books to learn more about the music industry. https://www.edmprod.com/top-music-industry-books/
Mariah Almeida
When thinking about how to set up your own label, you might think, ‘where do I even start? ‘. Reading through this article helps give the reader some ideas of what needs to be done in doing so. To sum everything up, you need to have a plan and a goal in order to get your label started. This article goes further by listing some steps and what is needed to go into a good plan. It also includes where you can start some research and get your foot in the door with music. My greatest take away from the article is to get your foot in the door with music and learn as much as you can. Research and put time into your plan because the more you put into it the more you will get out of it. While the article is really helpful already, It also lists some books that will help out even more on creating your own label. While the music side is important, it also mentions reading about starting a small business. It seems important to know about business because you basically are a small business trying to transform yourself into a bigger business. With out it, you will never be organized enough to get yourself of the ground and become the big name that you want to be.
Here is a link that gives more information on how to get your foot in the door and what to expect in the music industry: https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2015/09/09/the-young-persons-guide-to-getting-into-the-music-industry/
Savannah Garcia
This article was easy to read and cut to the chase about starting your own music label. Though I think it is important to be passionate about music and everything that pertains to it, I feel that it is even more vital to understand the business aspect of it and take the necessary precautions to maintain a career in this field. Because success in this career is never guaranteed, banks tend to deny loans, so it is better to ask for money and funds from family, friends, or even some bands that are willing to help. Yes, this can be daunting or intimidating because some people see asking for money unprofessional, but it is often the only way.
Here is an article I found on how to effectively ask for donations. https://www.qgiv.com/blog/how-to-ask-for-donations-in-person/
Orlando Rodriguez
This article is an amazing step-by-step guide on making your own record label, completely summarized in an easy to understand text. One thing I really appreciated were all the different references that they provided in the beginning, to read and get a better understanding of knowing what to do when opening up your own record label. I also appreciated that the article took an approach of a business plan. This was a great article for anyone interested in trying to open up their own record label.
heres another article that is easy to understand, explaining how to open a record label in a different approach: https://howtostartanllc.com/business-ideas/record-label
Shawn Garcia
When it comes to starting your own label, the article provided really helps identify where to start and what knowledge to gain first in order to accomplish in sustaining a record label if wanting to starting one. The links to readings are a great start obviously but what really caught my attention was how to finance a record recording, as money is big factor when it comes to making it in the music industry. but one thing which the article makes the reader aware of is that banks would be very reluctant to loan money to somebody who wants to start a record label as they are very speculative because of the chance of fail being great. The only assuring thing to count on when building a record label would be family members or the bands that would representing themselves. But the article really pushes on reading informational books which can open a person’s mind on starting a business like a record label for instance.
This article will for sure be useful for anyone interested in investing in their own label, whether it be a music artist, producer, band manager, etc. This website contains much valuable information and includes books and references about starting your own record label. After the recommended books there is a step by step list of do’s and don’ts, and expands into detail about finance and other important factors of creating your own label. For example, it is stated that the one starting their own label should look towards family members or even bands for funding, because large companies will not want to invest in an upcoming artist due to high chance of failure. However there is still funding to be obtained elsewhere. Here is an article for further reading on starting a record label from scratch.
I enjoyed this fun read about setting up your record label! I am hoping one day that I can have my record label, but the most concerning is that there is no mention on how to gain clientele and to build from the ground up with the individuals and groups you are representing. I decided to look further into this and found an article that goes more in-depth about clientele and how to achieve a strong, reliable record label.
The following link is given below: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/music-producer3.htm
Coleman Strauss
This article is a great resource for starting your own label in Texas. There is a list of useful books that will help jumpstart your journey into starting your own label. The steps provided seem like useful tips. Starting a label with no money isn’t very feasible, but this site has suggestions for financing your project. Attached is a more generic guide on how to start a label —> https://www.loopmasters.com/articles/2720-10-Steps-To-Setting-Up-Your-Own-Record-Label
Kayla Burford
This article was very informative for anyone looking to start a record label or just any type of music business. It included the steps on how to get in a position to start a label and what to do when you get to that point. I think the most important part of the article was about financing because the actual creation of the label is the fun part but you must also know how to actually run the business from all aspects. This article listed a few books that can help you get started and I really appreciated that. When talking about finance the first step it said to do was go to a library or bookstore. I thought that was very important because I think although experience is very important, knowledge is the best resource you can provide when trying to start a business. Below I have attached an article about some important books that are being read throughout the music industry. https://musically.com/2015/07/29/15-music-industry-books-must-read/
Shawn Horne
From my understanding this is simply a basic framework of how to setup a record label or frankly any business really. I did not gain any new knowledge from this business plan guide/how to make a record label. As I see it you still need 1. An idea which will spark interest. 2. A solid business plan to put said idea into action. 3. Capitol from bank loans, friends and fam, or VC. Below is an older article from Sept 2002 but it discusses a few “pitfalls” to be aware of when making a record label. I feel that even thought the article is relatively old it is still relevant.
The Guide to Getting Your Music Played On College, Public and Commercial Radio, How to Make and Sell Your Own Recording, and Guide to Releasing Independent Records, these are just a few books that may help in the venture of starting your own record label. According to the article educating yourself on the things, and skills you’ll need is the first step towards starting your label. Once you have learned the necessary knowledge and made a team, you need to create a business plan to put your ideas and knew found knowledge into action by getting some sort of loan whether you get the financing through equity financing or debt financing.
Here are 6 kinds of equity financing that could be good options when first starting out.
However if you are using equity financing you’ll essentially be selling part of your company.
The way this is formatted and broken down, it makes starting a record label seem easy. It is very helpful, but realistically we all know it’s not even remotely easy.
The steps to beginning your own music label is similar to that of simply creating your own business. You should educate yourself first with research in order to see what you are really about to start. Then, interning or working for a record label or the music business in general will give the person sufficient experience and widened knowledge. Something that is very important is the business plan. This is needed in order to have a successful and organized business. Starting a record label is a good amount if work but something that will pay off in the end with hard work and dedication.
This article was an interesting read. The broad instructions to starting a label are great, because you can mold them to work for you. I’m sure it requires a whole lot of tremendous work but if you’re passionate enough to do it, you should go for it. These are some pros and cons for owning a record label. https://blog.reverbnation.com/2018/09/13/pros-and-cons-of-starting-your-own-label/
Sarah Foy
As always, the Texas Music Office offers extremely helpful information as they break down another process that before seemed far too complex for the average person. While the process still wouldn’t be easy, TMO provides great guidelines for someone who is interested in starting their own record label. From book recommendations to internship suggestions and tips on how to write a business plan, this article covers most of the bases on starting a record label. One tip that I found interesting was the suggestion to ask independent label buyers in local record stores to see which distributors they enjoy working with and which ones they don’t. I think this feedback could be very beneficial when it comes to setting up your own label.
This section of the website is helpful as it provides a very general, but still very important, guideline to get a recording business off the ground. Once we learned the content in Thursday’s lecture, this is more of a detailed recapitulation of that same topic. I find it interesting, but not surprising, that the site recommends interning or working at record-affiliated businesses. It is telling that knowledge gained from a few courses still isn’t substantial enough experience to start a label as compared to real work in the field.
Texas music office never fails to have amazing resources for musicians in the music industry, as well as those wanting to pursue a career in it. The article contains a structured guide on how to begin a record label , such as starting a small business, developing a business plan, as well as interning in your area of interest. These tools are sure to help any upcoming artist get started in the business and to ensure they are on the right track to success. Here is another helpful article I found that includes advice from a music artist in the business, and includes ideas about starting a record label as well : https://medium.com/@funkydl/10-pieces-of-music-industry-advice-directly-from-one-artist-to-another-fe0b885f31c9
Carlos Garza
One aspect of this website that I really enjoyed is how it informs you to think ahead in the future before you go head first into making a record label. It even takes into account calculating the cost of rent for operating the label two years ahead and to use this cost to layout the amount of revenue needed to survive in the industry. The website also provides steps and information on how to finance said record label, along with tips such as talking to other bands or artists to view their input on how they accomplished being where they are today. It also informs the reader that most banks are reluctant to fund starting record labels through loans due to the high fail rate, and that most start ups get funded through friends or family, which for people like me is difficult to do as asking for help, especially financially, is something that is hard to do. Below is an article that provides more information and helpful steps on starting a label. https://medium.com/@adamcolefreedman/how-to-start-a-record-label-101-part-1-c0404e8d88e9
Gregory Fuentes
The Texas Music Office is a fantastic resource for credible books to read on the industry and starting a label, financing tips, and useful tips for having a business plan. The mentors in those books and the advice they give are how most people become motivated to take concrete steps towards starting a label. Many of the things we will read are basically common sense but necessary if we want long term results. I’ve attached a link to an interview of Interscope Records co-founder, Jimmy Iovine, who gives his own guidance on making it as a label.
This section of the website is extremely informative and helpful if you are starting from the ground up in the music industry. I really liked how it gave you different affordable ways to accomplish certain tasks if you were low on money. This section was kind of a one stop shop with links on exactly what to read and then a step by step guide to help you strategize your entrance into the industry. Here is a really interesting website that tries to sell a “record label in a box” for newcomers: https://www.dittomusic.com/record-label-in-a-box?
What I find interesting about the article is actually something they sort of skipped over. They mention interning or working entry level jobs in the recording industry, but didn’t mention the main reason to do this is to have connections. Without having connections in the music industry or starting with established artists, your label is already dead before it’s started.
My link this week is an interview with producer Kenny Beats who talks about starting a producing career. He got his start by playing one of his beats for rappers ScHoolboy Q and Ab-Soul while illegally selling them cannabis.
This article clarifies how setting up one’s business label is establishing and learning how to run a business. There is never a guide on the “right” way to create your business, and many times it is difficult to know where to begin. This article was helpful because it creates an outline of how to efficiently create a record label from interning for a record label and learning how the business works to keeping track of expenses and income of your own business. Of course one needs money to make money so exactly how much does one needs to start up a record label and what are all the expenses involved? How much “investment” is safe? How much is considered “risky”? The link below breaks down the expenses. https://www.profitableventure.com/cost-starting-a-record-label/
Zach Beesley
For those of us who are interested in music and wanting to record or make music, this is extremely helpful. It gives the bacis beginings of how to go about that. It gives information on where to work and for how long before starting to look for financing. It’s not easy getting started in the music business and this gives a start to someone wanting to get into the music business. This article gives those basic steps, it is not meant for an all inclusive direction but it gives good, solid information on how to get started.
China’s music industry has the potential to grow. But the big problem with the industry is the censorship. They want to project a specific type of image and other cultures and countries may not respond very well to that. This article explains how China has tried to censored hip hop. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.papermag.com/china-hip-hop-censorship-2527770612.amp.html
This article is astoundingly useful for potential music artists who want to set up their own record label. First, the article provides multiple novels that guide music artists on how to start their record label in the music industry. Next, the article recommends the reader to intern and work for either a record label, a record distributor, a radio station, or a record store. Then, the article instructs the reader to form a business plan which is a document setting out a business’s future objectives and strategies. Finally, the article advises the reader to finance the recording by obtaining loans from friends or family, and hiring an accountant to review the business plan. For more information on how to set up your own record label in the music business, click the link here: https://www.loopmasters.com/articles/2720-10-Steps-To-Setting-Up-Your-Own-Record-Label
To start off this article it ask the question “how do I set up my own label” which is answered by reading the following books and just to name a few it mentions Getting Radio Airplay: The Guide to Getting Your Music Played On College, Public and Commercial Radio, How to Make and Sell Your Own Recording, and Guide to Releasing Independent Records. Getting your foot into the industry is also important so, the article suggest being an intern OR working part time at record studios, radio stations, or even your local record store. The last thing I want to mention in the article would be the section that talks about how to finance your recordings. It gives us a few steps to take in financing a record label/new recording which are select a book called “how to start a small business,” get an accountant to review your business plan, keep records of your income and band expenses, grants can be rewarded to individual artist or non-profit organizations, and talk to as many bands or small record labels as you possibly can.
Here is a link to the roles for the record labels in the music industry.
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-is-a-record-label-2460614
Controlled composition clauses are interesting because they most importantly allow the label to put a limit on how much they must pay for each controlled composition. I learned from Mclane and Wong Entertainment that labels put a limit because they often don’t receive money back from advances, recording costs, and so on. An issue for the artist could be the same rate of each song on the album and certain songs are written by other people and don’t want the reduced rate.
First off, I like how the website is formatted. For me, I find it informative that I am able to know the diversity of the companies employees. I believe the TMO Internship Program is a helpful guide into pursuing something much further into music business. Another thing I find helpful is the music business guide. In particular, the music related insurance. Personally I didn’t know insurance was really needed with music, but for precautions I understand why.
Here is a link that goes more into depth about music related insurance.
https://futureofmusic.org/article/research/health-insurance-and-musicians
This website is a good source on how to set up your own label and how to get started in the music business. In class, Dr. Renard is always suggest books that he has read that are really good for someone trying to learn about the music business in specific realms and in a more general perspective. So when this website suggested reading these different books, it made sense. It is very important to get a different perspective and different outlooks on how the business goes and better yet how to start your own label. This source gives you a step by step on things to do to get started; it also gives you step by step on how to finance the recordings because with a record label you have to have money to be able to finance the different recordings being produced in your record label.
Here is a link on more information on how to start your own record label
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-start-a-record-label-2460782
From a layout perspective, I appreciate that this website has a step-by-step process on how to start up a record label. Of course, these are just recommended steps and there are many other ways one can go about starting their label. In addition to these steps, there are plenty of books one can use as resources. However, though these may be helpful, some are from the 1990s so I am unsure and curious as to how the information and steps have changed over the course from 1998 to 2019. Since the times have changed since 1998, I researched a record label owner’s firsthand experience starting their label, but instead, I found this article on whether or not is it still a good idea to start a record label.
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/17/music-producers-making-100k-a-year-selling-their-melodic-beats-online.html
I liked this article because it gives you step-by-step instructions on how to start your own record label. It is very easy to read but still gives the steps in detail. It was fun reading through the article and seeing the connections between it and the things that have been discussed in class such as reading certain books on the industry and interning/working at music-related businesses. Much like all of the other articles we have read from the Texas Music Office, it was very informative and would be extremely helpful to anyone looking to work in the industry, especially if you are looking to start your own label.
Here’s an article about the books being read by people around the music business:
https://medium.com/@glennpeoples/the-books-being-read-by-people-around-the-music-business-4ed170d0b79a
This article lays out the steps on how to start a record label of your own. the first steps are to intern somewhere in the music supply chain either for a label, radio station, or a distributor. The article also recommends books on how to start and run a small business. It stresses to reach out to people with more expertise to guide and review the steps you’re taking like an accountant that’s experienced in the music industry. Another important step is actually talking to distributors, talking to stores, and getting quotes for the amount of records your label plans to release.
Another good resource on how to start your own record label. –> https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-start-a-record-label-2460782
This article is very useful to artists that are just starting and this is a way to provide them information on how to start there own business as a upcoming artist. The way that this article is set up is in a step by step process in what you are going to do first. I really like fact that the article gives you many other resources not just one to guide you to find your answer. They even recommend books to you so that your can get to start your own small business.
This article is set up in a similar way
https://www.loopmasters.com/articles/2720-10-Steps-To-Setting-Up-Your-Own-Record-Label
Once again, another article that streamlines a process that normally would seem too complicated. I really appreciate the section on financing a recording, as that always seems to be the setbacks for many artists and would be artists. Something I hadn’t thought about before this article, was the idea and practice of making a business plan. Here is a nice PDF with a business plan for musicians: https://www.saskmusic.org/uploads/ck/files/funding/fundingtool_BusinessPlansArtist.pdf
This step by step guide to starting your own record label was very enlightening. I appreciated the amount of resources it provided at the beginning of the article. I also like how the information was specific to Texas. Below is an article about how Del Valle ISD in Texas started a record company for it’s students:
https://www.kxan.com/news/education/del-valle-isd-to-launch-student-run-record-label/
This article explains how to start of a record label step by step. This is very helpful because every time this topic is brought up it always put out to be difficult and only a picked few get it done. Yet, in this case it is put out to be just a few steps and a couple of readings and you can get apart of the music business. I also like how they added the books to read and what questions to ask people in the industry for you. This in my eyes is a little kit on how to start the label and I honestly don’t understand why they put it out for free.
Here is a website that shows the record labels in Texas.
https://www.musicpage.com/pages/markets/lists?category=label&page=2&state=TX
I enjoyed reading this article because it provided insight on the steps to create and set up your own record label. The most interesting step to me was writing a business plan, and I didn’t realize it was necessary to start strategically planning that early on. I also didn’t realize how crucial it is to read so much literature prior to starting a label. The music industry opportunities in San Antonio are quite limited, so I feel like there are only a few places in San Antonio where interning would be possible. Here is an article that provides an interesting opposing perspective regarding the creation of a record label. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/why-you-probably-shouldnt-start-a-record-label/
I enjoyed reading this article because it provided insight on the steps to create and set up your own record label. The most interesting step to me was writing a business plan, and I didn’t realize it was necessary to start strategically planning that early on. I also didn’t realize how crucial it is to read so much literature prior to starting a label. The music industry opportunities in San Antonio are quite limited, so I feel like there are only a few places in San Antonio where interning would be possible. Here is an article that provides an interesting opposing perspective regarding the creation of a record label. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/why-you-probably-shouldnt-start-a-record-label/
This article makes me wonder just how many people have tried to start their own record label with the right background research or resources and then immediately fallen on their face because of it. This article has two extremely important steps that should never be skipped. The first is the necessity of a business plan. Without knowing what you are planning on doing in terms of budget and the types of projects that you have the capability of tackling, the record label will lose money very very fast. It takes a carefully crafted business plan to set the foundation for a successful record label. This even applies for pre-existing labels as well, who still need to have a business plan that plans for at least a year in the future. The other important point is to work with an experienced accountant on your business plan so that you can reduce your chances of making mistakes. This is a link to a website that gives steps to making a business plan(not specific to record labels): https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/281416
Setting up your own label, is something most creative director of music should be interested in. To make a label is a very different thing to me rather then just making music. Making music is a very small step into the music indsutry but the big step is the business aspects of it. Which is where record deal label comes in and help artist built an image or develop them into a star. In order to create a label there many steps involved like work for a record deal label before to gain experience and see how it’s operated. Go make loans for your company to fund the record label and deal for artists. Biggest of all is their accounting plans for the company, here is the website that will help me go into the point of how much money record label invest in their company and artist :
https://www.ifpi.org/how-record-labels-invest.php
This article did a fabulous job of clarifying and simplifying the seemingly intense and intimidating process of setting up your own label. Although the instructions may seem to be too simple, I think it is a great starting point, and allows the reader to get a better grasp on the process. I do appreciate how the article heavily emphasises preparedness and planning because it does give a more realistic edge to it. Overall, the information is helpful, but I do wonder how accurate the extra readings provided are because most seem to be from the 90’s and the early 2000’s.
After reading about the beginnings of a record label, I wanted to look into what to do afterwards, so here are some tips: https://promo.ly/8-genius-record-label-marketing-tips-for-smaller-labels/
Starting your own record label is a lot like starting your own business, only the risks of it falling through are much greater. The reason banks are so reluctant about lending start-up labels money is that a label’s success is not definite; they fall through all the time. Another reason labels fall through is the lack of people. Artists are going to aim for the bigger labels because they know they’ll have a better chance there than some start-up that hasn’t established roots yet. Here’s an article on the difference between independent labels and major ones:
https://iconcollective.com/indie-vs-major-record-labels/
I like how this read was a how to get started because I’m sure most of us in this class are striving for our own record label. I found the interesting part about the banks and how they are very reluctant to give out loans. Which makes since because it could either be a one hit wonder or just crash and burn. No one wants to make a deal that’s a make or break moment. What I want to know more about is if it’s just as easy to talk to a band and interview them with all the questions or if there was a simpler way to get in contact with bands. Another thing I want to know is how long would it take to make your own label as well as if there was a specific time to bring up a new label to the game.
Here is another article about getting started
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-start-a-record-label-2460782
I really appreciate the practical steps given and straightforward style of this article. Although I’m sure there is way more to it, these steps provide a well-informed starting point. Personally, step one is quite daunting, so I decided to start looking into step two. I began by searching for entry level music industry positions in the area, hoping to find something I might be able to apply for now or in the future. Most entries available involved teaching or performing, rather than business. I even found a few restaurant positions (ha) in my search. Overall, it seemed the most practical positions offered came from radio station searches. Here is what the search came up with. https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNTghQIG6TS8G5XPsIC7uUNKHjxa7A:1569897334353&ei=druSXZKQFea1tgXg_oiIBA&q=radio+station+jobs+san+antonio&oq=radio+station+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.4.0l2j0i20i263j0l3j0i20i263j0l3.2942.12537..16354…4.0..0.260.1675.16j1j1……0….1..gws-wiz…….35i39j0i273j0i131j0i67j0i131i67j0i10i67j0i10.aVw2sV6eDQU&ibp=htl;jobs&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj-_7amhPrkAhUREawKHe4sAScQiYsCKAF6BAgJEBM#fpstate=tldetail&htidocid=eTAcIPMViv2SeEynAAAAAA%3D%3D&htivrt=jobs
This is a great article for anyone interested in starting a label. This article provides us with some steps which start off by doing research and reading up on certain books. The main premise of this article is to really do your own research and work hard by interning at businesses relevant to music. You have to create your own business plan and once that’s done you can then reach out to professionals to help you with logistics. I love that this site provides you with accountants in your areas if you can’t afford one. Being organized with expenses and important documents is also the key component to start a successful label.
I found an article that interviewed a few independent label owners on how they went about it: https://mixmag.net/feature/10-independent-label-owners-tell-us-how-to-go-it-alone/5
When it comes to starting your own business there is a lot of preparation to achieve such a goal. This article is key to getting ahead to this tough and competitive business. When you’re first starting in the business a lot of the “investment” comes from family and personal accounts. Which makes sense the investor is not gonna wanna waste their time and money on someone who they haven’t seen in action.
Here are some more helpful tips when it comes to starting in the music business. https://youtu.be/qUvcfQpiDdI
This article provided a lot of good information on how to start your label. It also mentions why it is challenging to start your label for many reasons. There are many things to consider before putting time into a startup; Like money, distribution, promotion, etc. All of these aspects are vital to a successful label, and if something is lacking it can bring down everything. Read more about what it takes to start your own label: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/before-you-start-a-record-label-2460874
It’s interesting that this article highlights several books to read before starting your own record label. I think some of the best knowledge you can come across are in books that are well thought out and comprehensible for every reader. One of the books that stood out to me is the book that is by Donald Passman, because it has been recommended to me. I haven’t had the chance to read it, but since it has came up again, I must be missing out on valuable information. Her is a link that recommends several other books to learn more about the music industry.
https://www.edmprod.com/top-music-industry-books/
When thinking about how to set up your own label, you might think, ‘where do I even start? ‘. Reading through this article helps give the reader some ideas of what needs to be done in doing so. To sum everything up, you need to have a plan and a goal in order to get your label started. This article goes further by listing some steps and what is needed to go into a good plan. It also includes where you can start some research and get your foot in the door with music. My greatest take away from the article is to get your foot in the door with music and learn as much as you can. Research and put time into your plan because the more you put into it the more you will get out of it. While the article is really helpful already, It also lists some books that will help out even more on creating your own label. While the music side is important, it also mentions reading about starting a small business. It seems important to know about business because you basically are a small business trying to transform yourself into a bigger business. With out it, you will never be organized enough to get yourself of the ground and become the big name that you want to be.
Here is a link that gives more information on how to get your foot in the door and what to expect in the music industry: https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2015/09/09/the-young-persons-guide-to-getting-into-the-music-industry/
This article was easy to read and cut to the chase about starting your own music label. Though I think it is important to be passionate about music and everything that pertains to it, I feel that it is even more vital to understand the business aspect of it and take the necessary precautions to maintain a career in this field. Because success in this career is never guaranteed, banks tend to deny loans, so it is better to ask for money and funds from family, friends, or even some bands that are willing to help. Yes, this can be daunting or intimidating because some people see asking for money unprofessional, but it is often the only way.
Here is an article I found on how to effectively ask for donations.
https://www.qgiv.com/blog/how-to-ask-for-donations-in-person/
This article is an amazing step-by-step guide on making your own record label, completely summarized in an easy to understand text. One thing I really appreciated were all the different references that they provided in the beginning, to read and get a better understanding of knowing what to do when opening up your own record label. I also appreciated that the article took an approach of a business plan. This was a great article for anyone interested in trying to open up their own record label.
heres another article that is easy to understand, explaining how to open a record label in a different approach: https://howtostartanllc.com/business-ideas/record-label
When it comes to starting your own label, the article provided really helps identify where to start and what knowledge to gain first in order to accomplish in sustaining a record label if wanting to starting one. The links to readings are a great start obviously but what really caught my attention was how to finance a record recording, as money is big factor when it comes to making it in the music industry. but one thing which the article makes the reader aware of is that banks would be very reluctant to loan money to somebody who wants to start a record label as they are very speculative because of the chance of fail being great. The only assuring thing to count on when building a record label would be family members or the bands that would representing themselves. But the article really pushes on reading informational books which can open a person’s mind on starting a business like a record label for instance.
Here is more information on how to start a record label.
https://www.loopmasters.com/articles/2720-10-Steps-To-Setting-Up-Your-Own-Record-Label
This article will for sure be useful for anyone interested in investing in their own label, whether it be a music artist, producer, band manager, etc. This website contains much valuable information and includes books and references about starting your own record label. After the recommended books there is a step by step list of do’s and don’ts, and expands into detail about finance and other important factors of creating your own label. For example, it is stated that the one starting their own label should look towards family members or even bands for funding, because large companies will not want to invest in an upcoming artist due to high chance of failure. However there is still funding to be obtained elsewhere. Here is an article for further reading on starting a record label from scratch.
https://medium.com/@adamcolefreedman/how-to-start-a-record-label-101-part-1-c0404e8d88e9
I enjoyed this fun read about setting up your record label! I am hoping one day that I can have my record label, but the most concerning is that there is no mention on how to gain clientele and to build from the ground up with the individuals and groups you are representing. I decided to look further into this and found an article that goes more in-depth about clientele and how to achieve a strong, reliable record label.
The following link is given below:
https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/music-producer3.htm
This article is a great resource for starting your own label in Texas. There is a list of useful books that will help jumpstart your journey into starting your own label. The steps provided seem like useful tips. Starting a label with no money isn’t very feasible, but this site has suggestions for financing your project. Attached is a more generic guide on how to start a label —> https://www.loopmasters.com/articles/2720-10-Steps-To-Setting-Up-Your-Own-Record-Label
This article was very informative for anyone looking to start a record label or just any type of music business. It included the steps on how to get in a position to start a label and what to do when you get to that point. I think the most important part of the article was about financing because the actual creation of the label is the fun part but you must also know how to actually run the business from all aspects. This article listed a few books that can help you get started and I really appreciated that. When talking about finance the first step it said to do was go to a library or bookstore. I thought that was very important because I think although experience is very important, knowledge is the best resource you can provide when trying to start a business. Below I have attached an article about some important books that are being read throughout the music industry.
https://musically.com/2015/07/29/15-music-industry-books-must-read/
From my understanding this is simply a basic framework of how to setup a record label or frankly any business really. I did not gain any new knowledge from this business plan guide/how to make a record label. As I see it you still need 1. An idea which will spark interest. 2. A solid business plan to put said idea into action. 3. Capitol from bank loans, friends and fam, or VC. Below is an older article from Sept 2002 but it discusses a few “pitfalls” to be aware of when making a record label. I feel that even thought the article is relatively old it is still relevant.
https://www.soundonsound.com/music-business/running-your-own-record-label-part-1
The Guide to Getting Your Music Played On College, Public and Commercial Radio, How to Make and Sell Your Own Recording, and Guide to Releasing Independent Records, these are just a few books that may help in the venture of starting your own record label. According to the article educating yourself on the things, and skills you’ll need is the first step towards starting your label. Once you have learned the necessary knowledge and made a team, you need to create a business plan to put your ideas and knew found knowledge into action by getting some sort of loan whether you get the financing through equity financing or debt financing.
Here are 6 kinds of equity financing that could be good options when first starting out.
However if you are using equity financing you’ll essentially be selling part of your company.
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/types-of-equity-financing-for-small-business-393181
The way this is formatted and broken down, it makes starting a record label seem easy. It is very helpful, but realistically we all know it’s not even remotely easy.
Here’s an article about the costs of starting a record label: https://www.profitableventure.com/cost-starting-a-record-label/
The steps to beginning your own music label is similar to that of simply creating your own business. You should educate yourself first with research in order to see what you are really about to start. Then, interning or working for a record label or the music business in general will give the person sufficient experience and widened knowledge. Something that is very important is the business plan. This is needed in order to have a successful and organized business. Starting a record label is a good amount if work but something that will pay off in the end with hard work and dedication.
Here is a link that dives deeper into owning your own label and what it is all about: https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/record-label1.htm
This article was an interesting read. The broad instructions to starting a label are great, because you can mold them to work for you. I’m sure it requires a whole lot of tremendous work but if you’re passionate enough to do it, you should go for it. These are some pros and cons for owning a record label. https://blog.reverbnation.com/2018/09/13/pros-and-cons-of-starting-your-own-label/
As always, the Texas Music Office offers extremely helpful information as they break down another process that before seemed far too complex for the average person. While the process still wouldn’t be easy, TMO provides great guidelines for someone who is interested in starting their own record label. From book recommendations to internship suggestions and tips on how to write a business plan, this article covers most of the bases on starting a record label. One tip that I found interesting was the suggestion to ask independent label buyers in local record stores to see which distributors they enjoy working with and which ones they don’t. I think this feedback could be very beneficial when it comes to setting up your own label.
Here is an article that talks more about starting a record label:
https://medium.com/@adamcolefreedman/how-to-start-a-record-label-101-part-1-c0404e8d88e9
This section of the website is helpful as it provides a very general, but still very important, guideline to get a recording business off the ground. Once we learned the content in Thursday’s lecture, this is more of a detailed recapitulation of that same topic. I find it interesting, but not surprising, that the site recommends interning or working at record-affiliated businesses. It is telling that knowledge gained from a few courses still isn’t substantial enough experience to start a label as compared to real work in the field.
Attached is a link to a handful of open internships in San Antonio at the moment.
https://www.internships.com/music/san-antonio-tx
Texas music office never fails to have amazing resources for musicians in the music industry, as well as those wanting to pursue a career in it. The article contains a structured guide on how to begin a record label , such as starting a small business, developing a business plan, as well as interning in your area of interest. These tools are sure to help any upcoming artist get started in the business and to ensure they are on the right track to success. Here is another helpful article I found that includes advice from a music artist in the business, and includes ideas about starting a record label as well : https://medium.com/@funkydl/10-pieces-of-music-industry-advice-directly-from-one-artist-to-another-fe0b885f31c9
One aspect of this website that I really enjoyed is how it informs you to think ahead in the future before you go head first into making a record label. It even takes into account calculating the cost of rent for operating the label two years ahead and to use this cost to layout the amount of revenue needed to survive in the industry. The website also provides steps and information on how to finance said record label, along with tips such as talking to other bands or artists to view their input on how they accomplished being where they are today. It also informs the reader that most banks are reluctant to fund starting record labels through loans due to the high fail rate, and that most start ups get funded through friends or family, which for people like me is difficult to do as asking for help, especially financially, is something that is hard to do. Below is an article that provides more information and helpful steps on starting a label.
https://medium.com/@adamcolefreedman/how-to-start-a-record-label-101-part-1-c0404e8d88e9
The Texas Music Office is a fantastic resource for credible books to read on the industry and starting a label, financing tips, and useful tips for having a business plan. The mentors in those books and the advice they give are how most people become motivated to take concrete steps towards starting a label. Many of the things we will read are basically common sense but necessary if we want long term results. I’ve attached a link to an interview of Interscope Records co-founder, Jimmy Iovine, who gives his own guidance on making it as a label.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwzi4YHyQ48
https://www.interscope.com/
This section of the website is extremely informative and helpful if you are starting from the ground up in the music industry. I really liked how it gave you different affordable ways to accomplish certain tasks if you were low on money. This section was kind of a one stop shop with links on exactly what to read and then a step by step guide to help you strategize your entrance into the industry. Here is a really interesting website that tries to sell a “record label in a box” for newcomers:
https://www.dittomusic.com/record-label-in-a-box?
What I find interesting about the article is actually something they sort of skipped over. They mention interning or working entry level jobs in the recording industry, but didn’t mention the main reason to do this is to have connections. Without having connections in the music industry or starting with established artists, your label is already dead before it’s started.
My link this week is an interview with producer Kenny Beats who talks about starting a producing career. He got his start by playing one of his beats for rappers ScHoolboy Q and Ab-Soul while illegally selling them cannabis.
https://genius.com/a/how-kenny-beats-became-hip-hops-favorite-producer
This article clarifies how setting up one’s business label is establishing and learning how to run a business. There is never a guide on the “right” way to create your business, and many times it is difficult to know where to begin. This article was helpful because it creates an outline of how to efficiently create a record label from interning for a record label and learning how the business works to keeping track of expenses and income of your own business. Of course one needs money to make money so exactly how much does one needs to start up a record label and what are all the expenses involved? How much “investment” is safe? How much is considered “risky”? The link below breaks down the expenses.
https://www.profitableventure.com/cost-starting-a-record-label/
For those of us who are interested in music and wanting to record or make music, this is extremely helpful. It gives the bacis beginings of how to go about that. It gives information on where to work and for how long before starting to look for financing. It’s not easy getting started in the music business and this gives a start to someone wanting to get into the music business. This article gives those basic steps, it is not meant for an all inclusive direction but it gives good, solid information on how to get started.
This article talks a little more about how to get started.
https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2015/09/09/the-young-persons-guide-to-getting-into-the-music-industry/
China’s music industry has the potential to grow. But the big problem with the industry is the censorship. They want to project a specific type of image and other cultures and countries may not respond very well to that. This article explains how China has tried to censored hip hop. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.papermag.com/china-hip-hop-censorship-2527770612.amp.html