{"id":88131,"date":"2021-10-06T12:08:14","date_gmt":"2021-10-06T11:08:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?p=88131"},"modified":"2021-10-20T10:56:39","modified_gmt":"2021-10-20T09:56:39","slug":"how-to-start-a-label-online","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/how-to-start-a-label-online\/","title":{"rendered":"How to start a label online"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Indie labels are booming right now. But how do you start a record label? We\u2019ve gathered a few tips.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dreaming of starting your own record label<\/a>? Good news: there\u2019s never been a better time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The accessible age of music streaming means setting up a label is no longer an expensive, complicated dream. But whilst starting a record label online<\/a> may be more attainable than ever, it does take careful planning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So start today. Let\u2019s explore what steps you need to take to start a record label company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Building a record label \u2013 getting inspired<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Being a good record label is not just about selling records to fans. First, spend some time thinking about the basics: what kind of label would you like want to run? The joy of not being part of a major record label<\/a> is your brand can be whatever you want it to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps there’s a particular genre of music you\u2019re passionate about, however niche; you might want to sign artists on a location basis. An indie record label can also simply consist of you releasing your own music <\/a>as an artist label, with the bonus of having a professional brand set up to sign other artists in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What should I name my record label?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Start researching record label name ideas and start considering the branding for your website and social media<\/a>. Look into the legal process behind contracts and performing rights organisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then you can register your company, which sounds complicated, but in most cases can be set up online and there\u2019s a wealth of free information available to help. Fees will vary depending on where in the world you are. You\u2019re starting a business, so consider hiring an accountant.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to sign an artist to your label<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Time to gather your artists. Start small \u2013 approach musicians, producers <\/a>or bands you\u2019ve met locally or online, and your musical friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You need to make signing to your label an attractive proposition for artists. After all, you\u2019ll be taking a cut of their royalties, and at a time when distributors like RouteNote can put unsigned artists\u2019 music online for free<\/a> without the need of a label, you\u2019ll need to offer something that the artist can\u2019t achieve alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artists need to know they\u2019re joining a dedicated, professional team who will back them all the way. They\u2019ll need to pull their weight promoting their music<\/a>, but they’ll want to be convinced you’ll give them enough time and creative space to make music whilst you handle the paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How do labels distribute music?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve signed your artists, you need to start releasing their music. There’s many ways for indie labels to release music, from vinyls <\/a>and CDs to the biggest market of all \u2013 getting their music out online. By that, we mean out everywhere<\/em>, onto as many streaming sites and stores as possible; onto YouTube<\/a>; across social media sound libraries for people to use in their TikToks <\/a>and Reels<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To release music online, you need a good digital music distributor. Enter RouteNote<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best music distribution for labels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beware of distributors with hidden fees and extra charges <\/a>for things like adding new artists or allowing access to YouTube Content ID. No matter how many artists you have on your books \u2013 three or three hundred \u2013 and how many stores you upload music to, RouteNote won\u2019t charge you a penny more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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