Don ’ t be a Dependent Independent Label
The Independent label can be a great business option nowadays because of the advent of the Internet . It requires astute planning and realistic goal setting . Many independent find they ’ re opting for the challenge for the wrong reasons . One reason would be to hope for a Major Label to take interest in your independent . There are many myths regarding how a small label has great success and the Major label couldn ’ t resist but to make an offer to acquire the independent . Although this can happen , often it does not . Most independent become large enough on their own to be major and then partner with a distributor such as SONY , Warner Bros . or Universal Music Group . What usually happens in my opinion is independent labels start out with the wrong priorities . Many want to achieve radio airplay before obtaining local recognition performing in local venues . Others want to have a lofty video believing it will attract many viewers although it is often as difficult to achieve consistent radio airplay as it is to obtain video airplay on television . What an independent should care about is what has always worked for decades ; plan a local tour and build your tour by adding venues and expanding territory . By forging an intimate relationship with a few hundred people at each venue each week , in a couple of years an Independent can gain a strong fan base of up to 50,000 faithful consumers . This translates to over $ 200,000 a year ; an independent label can grow from there . Having too many artists is also a problem . Most independent labels sign talent without remorse . Signing an artist is a commitment not to take too lightly . It is as important to sign the right artist for your company . If your company doesn ’ t earn much in the beginning it becomes prudent to only sign artist that can create their own music . It is an extra expense to pay producers to create songs . Just as problematic can be signing producers as part of the company because the company sometimes has to spend money to fulfill obligations promised to the producer . However , signing producers is light years better and more economical than outright paying producers for songs . The ideal team would be a self-produced recording artist that is a singer-songwriter , have your own recording and rehearsal studio , do you own marketing to local venues pursuing bookings , but have a plan to expand territory radius . Get heavily involved in internet marketing by using social networking websites , and blogs to post videos and bulletins about upcoming shows . And there ’ s more to do , but most important , make sure you have a three year plan . This will make your independent label strive and be truly independent !
Yum yum ! Ernest Manigo , Jr .,
The Main Course Staff Writer Ernest Manigo , Jr .,
6 Independent Artist Magazine www . indieartmag . com