Starting and Indie Label in US

[midnightsun]

Help.... I want to do it right the first time. I need to develop an understanding of the basics before hiring the lawyers.

After speaking with several entertainment lawyers and getting completely different recommendations, and realizing that I am going to have to spend a chunk of money I came to the realization that I need some basic education.

I am looking for recommendations of publications, business consultants, and/or personal experience. I found a series of articles in Sound of Sound from 2002 called "Running your own Record Label" that was great but it mainly pertained to the UK.

Thanks for any thoughts or advice.

[Paul David]

First: DO NOT DO THIS!!! ARE YOU CRAZY??? DO YOU LIKE THROWING MONEY DOWN THE DRAIN??? WHAT IS SO BAD ABOUT INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE???


Second: If you really care more about making music than money and you have a lot of talented artists, money, and free time on your hands (Hey who doesn't) then read a book called 'Legal Aspects of the Music Industry'. The first chapter 'Anatomy of a record label' should be a real eye opener.

Best of luck to ya.

[midnightsun]

Originally Posted by Paul David

First: DO NOT DO THIS!!! ARE YOU CRAZY??? DO YOU LIKE THROWING MONEY DOWN THE DRAIN??? WHAT IS SO BAD ABOUT INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE???


Second: If you really care more about making music than money and you have a lot of talented artists, money, and free time on your hands (Hey who doesn't) then read a book called 'Legal Aspects of the Music Industry'. The first chapter 'Anatomy of a record label' should be a real eye opener.

Best of luck to ya.

Thanks for the opinion. I will get the book you recommended.

I tried to check our your website. The music was cool and it looks like you have a great setup.

[Paul David]

You're welcome, in all seriousness I can't think of a more worthwhile career than making music. I wouldn't trade it for any other job in the world.


I also think that independant labels are the way of the future. Check the archives for some cool insights from Mike Shipley (shipshape) on his new label. It's all about partnering with artists, not enslaving and pimping them... Finally, someone in this biz is thinking win/win.


Thanks for the compliments, I need to pull those pics down though. Those are just random studio shots I found online. I thought it was a cool design, but now I'm thinking it's borderline false advertisement... Whoops.

[Mario-C.]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/082...lance&n=283155

there are a bunch of books like this you might want to check out

[Bob Olhsson]

Here's my 2 cents:

http://marsh.prosoundweb.com/index.p...423341e0dde4a5

Here's another great resource. It applies to ANY genre!
http://www.rapcointelpro.com

[pan60]

Originally Posted by midnightsun

Help.... I want to do it right the first time. I need to develop an understanding of the basics before hiring the lawyers.

After speaking with several entertainment lawyers and getting completely different recommendations, and realizing that I am going to have to spend a chunk of money I came to the realization that I need some basic education.

I am looking for recommendations of publications, business consultants, and/or personal experience. I found a series of articles in Sound of Sound from 2002 called "Running your own Record Label" that was great but it mainly pertained to the UK.

Thanks for any thoughts or advice.

if their is something i can help you with as you move forward give me a call.

[midnightsun]

I appreciate all of the thoughtful input.

Well, Pan60 it is getting lighter by the day. Why don't you made it back up here someday and we could walk the Midnight Sun Run!!!

[Paul David]

Check your PM's and let me know what you think.


Peace, Paul