Running a Label... Part II

Tactics

If you are a musician yourself, it is always better to start putting stuff out on other people's labels and then move onto your own once you have a bit of recognition. Getting excepted by a distributor will be HARD, and its getting harder. They want to work with people that have some kind of profile, not just a competent record. Distributors are steadily disappearing and your back catalog and balance due tends to disappear at the same time. Independent record stores are evaporating. On the other hand, the Internet is still exploding for Independent labels, and promotion has never been easier. Independent music may be down and it may be up again in a few years.

Cuts and Style

You will need a bunch of slamming tracks. Decide what you want the label to cover. Often, records are bought without having heard them, based on reputation, previous releases or curiosity. Erraticness or unpredictably will hurt your sales, as will blandness and predictability. Get an angle, work it. Think about what you look for in a label or record when you buy.

Capital and ambition

You will need some money to start with. You will make some money, but it will be hard work. If you just wish to make money, get a job, it will be easier.