How small record labels handle live shows?

BrandRecordingCo · 24th June 2008

Hey guys,

I am just curious as to how smaller indie record labels handle live shows for their artists? How do they let the band sell cd's and merch and still insure that they get a percentage of the sales? Also, do most indie record labels take a percentage of the tickets/door? If so, how does this work and how much do they usually take?

I am doing some research on small indie record labels, mainly for fun and just out of boredom and have wondered about this?

Thanks!

apfEID · 24th June 2008

Most very small labels give bands a cut of the records pressed as compensation, 10-20% depending on the size of the pressing.

Then the band tours and sells those themselves and keeps it 100%, and if they sell more, they buy them from the label at an agreed upon rate.

This is at least how I've seen it done in the punk, metal and noise scenes.

T-shirts made by the band are sold by the band solely, T-shirts made by the label are a different story.

This is at the tiny end of the scale though.

MarkRB · 24th June 2008

Most little labels that I know of let the band have a supply of stock at cost and all profits from "Merch" go in the bands pocket.

Seems fair to me, but I do live in london where it can cost a band £50 - £100 to play.

Grumblefoot · 25th June 2008

Paying to play is a shitty concept, I feel bad when bands have to do this.

Disjointed · 25th June 2008

paying to play is a very shitty concept... "why dont you guys come and play here to bring in ppl to make me money, and you pay me too" -capitalism at its finest..

if the said small label has a booking manager as well (they book the shows)... then they (the label) might get 20% of the cut, for non-established bands, and 15% for established bands..

just from what i have seen in the past...

gl

24th June 2008	#1
BrandRecordingCo Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 504 Thread Starter	How small record labels handle live shows? Hey guys, I am just curious as to how smaller indie record labels handle live shows for their artists? How do they let the band sell cd's and merch and still insure that they get a percentage of the sales? Also, do most indie record labels take a percentage of the tickets/door? If so, how does this work and how much do they usually take? I am doing some research on small indie record labels, mainly for fun and just out of boredom and have wondered about this? Thanks!

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24th June 2008	#2
apfEID Gear interested Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Kearny, NJ Posts: 28	Most very small labels give bands a cut of the records pressed as compensation, 10-20% depending on the size of the pressing. Then the band tours and sells those themselves and keeps it 100%, and if they sell more, they buy them from the label at an agreed upon rate. This is at least how I've seen it done in the punk, metal and noise scenes. T-shirts made by the band are sold by the band solely, T-shirts made by the label are a different story. This is at the tiny end of the scale though.

24th June 2008	#3
MarkRB Banned Joined: Aug 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 2,551	Most little labels that I know of let the band have a supply of stock at cost and all profits from "Merch" go in the bands pocket. Seems fair to me, but I do live in london where it can cost a band £50 - £100 to play.

25th June 2008	#4
Grumblefoot Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 565	Paying to play is a shitty concept, I feel bad when bands have to do this.

25th June 2008	#5
Disjointed Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2006 Location: the catacombs Posts: 745	paying to play is a very shitty concept... "why dont you guys come and play here to bring in ppl to make me money, and you pay me too" -capitalism at its finest.. if the said small label has a booking manager as well (they book the shows)... then they (the label) might get 20% of the cut, for non-established bands, and 15% for established bands.. just from what i have seen in the past... gl