Are you a music lover? Do you enjoy discovering new bands? Maybe you create music, and you want to share your unique sounds with others. If so, then starting your own record label is a business you should consider. First, you need to learn how to start a record label.
Global music industry revenue totaled $26.2 billion in 2022, an increase of nearly 10% compared to 2021 revenue. Most of that money was drummed up by large record labels like Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group. However, more than one-third comes from independent record labels. Today, artists and listeners alike are looking to join the independent record label arena, and we can help by forming your new record label LLC for free (plus any state fees).
Starting a record label comes with a deep playlist of perks. Here are some of the benefits of starting this kind of business:
Nurturing, promoting, and distributing music can be a real moneymaker, but it does take experience. Many people who start a record label have a music background and experience in the industry. They also know what it takes to develop amazing artists and build audiences.
Starting a record label takes strategic planning. To be successful, an owner needs connections, influence, and money. The best way to develop a new record label is with a solid business plan as a foundation.
A business plan explains how a company will run, and how it will make money. The plan usually includes various sections that explore the record label’s goals, marketing, and finances.
More specifically, a record label business plan should include:
When you’re ready to go, use this resource to start writing a business plan.
The next decision you’ll make as a business owner is how to structure the company. There are different kinds of structures, but most record label owners choose a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC), while some choose a corporation.
The main difference between an LLC and a sole proprietorship is that an LLC gives liability protection. That means if the record label ends up in debt, your personal assets are protected. A sole proprietorship doesn’t provide that, and a lawsuit against your label is essentially the same as a lawsuit against you personally.
Another difference is that a sole proprietorship is free to set up, but there’s a cost to apply for LLC status. The filing fee varies by state and ranges from $50 to $500+. Tax breaks are different too, so it’s a good idea to speak with an accountant to learn the specifics about business taxes and structuring.
When you’re ready to establish LLC status, you can work through the steps created by your state government or use a business formation company. We can handle the formation process and more for you.
If you’re ready to officially start your business, let us take care of the formation paperwork.
Starts at $0 + state fee
Before you get your record label started, get a handle on your startup costs. Starting a small label based out of your home could be as cheap as a few hundred dollars. Add in a website, marketing budget, staff, and recording equipment and you could shell out hundreds of thousands.
Here’s a good list of costs to consider:
If you can’t cover your own startup costs, you’re probably wondering where to get the money for your record label. To help, here’s a list of choices to consider:
Analyze your business’ production costs and find the break-even point with our free break-even analysis calculator.
Ready to name your business? Maybe you’ve had a name in mind for years or maybe you’re still working on one. Either way, before you can officially set up a record label, it needs a name.
Most states require you to check a business name’s availability (usually through the Secretary of State’s website) to make sure no other business has the name already.
It’s also a good idea to research a matching domain name so your record label’s website will mimic the company name. These days, you are going to need an online presence to promote your music and host clips and teasers.
You can develop this domain into an online downloadable eCommerce music store that could well be the very backbone of your marketing machine — think merchandise with your logo and label name, in addition to selling the music your label produces. In other words, there are more potential revenue streams than just the music.
Get your domain today so you can secure your online name before someone else beats you to it — find my record label domain name now!
Now it’s time to work through a few administrative tasks to set up your record label.
Ready to outfit your studio? Here’s a sampling of what you’ll need to get started:
Digital audio workstation Microphones Studio monitors Cables Microphone stands Bass traps | Diffusers Acoustic panels Monitor isolation pads Studio monitor stands Studio chairs Reflection filters |
To reach fans, you’ll need a sound marketing plan. You may not have a large budget when you start, but there are several do-it-yourself marketing steps that work with little to no money. Work through this list to get started:
Another thing to consider as you learn how to set up a record label is what kind of label to start. Most entrepreneurs don’t have the budget to start a major label, but there are many different niches you could fill with a smaller indie label.
As a smaller label, think about what kind of music you’d like to promote. Usually, a small record label sticks to a single genre like rap, rock, pop, or country. Or, some small record labels are regionally focused and work with a wide variety of artists in their geographical area.
Startup costs can be on the high side and the business is competitive. But if you have the experience, connections, and ambition, the music industry has the potential to deliver high rewards.
The music industry is constantly evolving and the fans are, too. That gives you an opportunity to create authentic music that today’s listeners crave. We can help you achieve your dreams of starting a record label. Start your LLC with ZenBusiness for free today — all you’ll pay is your state’s required fee.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
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