rnb259
New member
Can any body point me in the direction, or tell me what i have to do to get me started, is there a certain criteria i have to meet?
Besides good music and all!
Besides good music and all!
bknot1
Hustle Magic!! We Got It.
go read or buy How to Start A Record Label... it tell you how to do both..
also goto this link..i found in a search http://www.alexandermagazine.com/recordingeq/weeklytip/05tip08-1cd.asp
also goto this link..i found in a search http://www.alexandermagazine.com/recordingeq/weeklytip/05tip08-1cd.asp
BeatsBuY
New member
I'm going to tell you what I've learned by trial and error.
Well, first of all start small. There's nothin worse then getting a lot of partners, adding money to the pot, and then people back out mid way. And keep your overhead low. if you have a basement in your house, make it a studio instead of renting another spot. Start small and then expand...
I've heard a lot of Indie Record Labels and production companies fold because of bad business partners and ways. So, invest in your self. Get the stuff you need to get started. Start recording clients and charge a good price. But, know what your doing. Get a good name out there. Be sure you are ready to take in clients.
I started with a old 8 track reel to reel and a mixer. Nothin big. Then I went to college for music. After college I saved money to get hardware to step up my game. And just kept adding on as I recorded clients. And a good rule of thumb is to have a part time job on the side when you first start out. Then when you get your name out there and have projects out there, you will have the clients to keep you busy full time. It took me about 4-5 years to make this a full time job. But, I also was in college during those 4 years and when I graduated, I had my business open and ready to go full time. I employed myself. The tightest thing is to remember when you gave a resume to a company and didn't get picked up and then years later you hire an employee from that company or become a partner (or even buy it). I remember that I almost bought a studio and told the owner "Man I remeber when I sent you my resume."
You need to get a small business license. And get published with ASCAP or BMI for your publishing company. And also publish yourself for a writers publishing. Also, only get people to work with you that you trust (employees).
And most important, have all paper work together and business down tight. First impressions are everything. What I mean is don't under sell yourself. If clients don't show up to a session and don't call or anything, charge a no-show fee. People will take advantage of you if you let them slide. That's like you not going to work when they don't show up. If someone doesn't show up for a session, you lost money. at least with a no-show fee, you still make some money. I had a client not show up 3 days in a row. And he just felt like not showing up. I lost money for 3 days. It's like me not going to work for 3 days. That's like $400 lost. I tell clients this is my full time job, so respect that. This year I'm telling clients that don't pay, never show up, and don't pay what I'm worth that I'm closing shop and they have to find another studio. Keep the professional clients that pay what you are worth and show respect.
Give receipts. Keep track of what you take in and spend.
There's a lot more involved and I'll give those later. Just giving my experience so you don't have to go through it.
And also, look for clients that are serious and not in it for just a hobby. When you do projects, know that it's going somewhere. That the album will be sold, and get out there. You don't want to record clients that will have music just for them and not release it.
Oh ya, this is a hard industry. Know your competition. And find something that can give you an edge to stand out. It's mostly in your production and quality. If you got that, you have an edge...
Good luck and let me know if you have any questions...
http://www.soundclick.com/beatsbuy
http://www.beatsbuy.com
Well, first of all start small. There's nothin worse then getting a lot of partners, adding money to the pot, and then people back out mid way. And keep your overhead low. if you have a basement in your house, make it a studio instead of renting another spot. Start small and then expand...
I've heard a lot of Indie Record Labels and production companies fold because of bad business partners and ways. So, invest in your self. Get the stuff you need to get started. Start recording clients and charge a good price. But, know what your doing. Get a good name out there. Be sure you are ready to take in clients.
I started with a old 8 track reel to reel and a mixer. Nothin big. Then I went to college for music. After college I saved money to get hardware to step up my game. And just kept adding on as I recorded clients. And a good rule of thumb is to have a part time job on the side when you first start out. Then when you get your name out there and have projects out there, you will have the clients to keep you busy full time. It took me about 4-5 years to make this a full time job. But, I also was in college during those 4 years and when I graduated, I had my business open and ready to go full time. I employed myself. The tightest thing is to remember when you gave a resume to a company and didn't get picked up and then years later you hire an employee from that company or become a partner (or even buy it). I remember that I almost bought a studio and told the owner "Man I remeber when I sent you my resume."
You need to get a small business license. And get published with ASCAP or BMI for your publishing company. And also publish yourself for a writers publishing. Also, only get people to work with you that you trust (employees).
And most important, have all paper work together and business down tight. First impressions are everything. What I mean is don't under sell yourself. If clients don't show up to a session and don't call or anything, charge a no-show fee. People will take advantage of you if you let them slide. That's like you not going to work when they don't show up. If someone doesn't show up for a session, you lost money. at least with a no-show fee, you still make some money. I had a client not show up 3 days in a row. And he just felt like not showing up. I lost money for 3 days. It's like me not going to work for 3 days. That's like $400 lost. I tell clients this is my full time job, so respect that. This year I'm telling clients that don't pay, never show up, and don't pay what I'm worth that I'm closing shop and they have to find another studio. Keep the professional clients that pay what you are worth and show respect.
Give receipts. Keep track of what you take in and spend.
There's a lot more involved and I'll give those later. Just giving my experience so you don't have to go through it.
And also, look for clients that are serious and not in it for just a hobby. When you do projects, know that it's going somewhere. That the album will be sold, and get out there. You don't want to record clients that will have music just for them and not release it.
Oh ya, this is a hard industry. Know your competition. And find something that can give you an edge to stand out. It's mostly in your production and quality. If you got that, you have an edge...
Good luck and let me know if you have any questions...
http://www.soundclick.com/beatsbuy
http://www.beatsbuy.com
Last edited:
rnb259
New member
How do i go about all this?
1. i got clients, and the equipment thing is already in full effect
2. not alot of hands in this cookie jar, its a company run by me, no middle or added men needed!
3. How do i go about the business license?
4. How do i go about the publishing side of things?
5. i love the respect part about the job, already took care of that, plus im definitley going to put the down payment rule into effect a.s.a.p.
6. im already beating the competition, trust me when i say this, and they've been at it longer than me! But right now its time to even the playing field, i want it all, no exceptions!
7. i think im ready for this, matter of fact i know i am, hit me with ya knowledge man!
1. i got clients, and the equipment thing is already in full effect
2. not alot of hands in this cookie jar, its a company run by me, no middle or added men needed!
3. How do i go about the business license?
4. How do i go about the publishing side of things?
5. i love the respect part about the job, already took care of that, plus im definitley going to put the down payment rule into effect a.s.a.p.
6. im already beating the competition, trust me when i say this, and they've been at it longer than me! But right now its time to even the playing field, i want it all, no exceptions!
7. i think im ready for this, matter of fact i know i am, hit me with ya knowledge man!
BeatsBuY
New member
Ascap
First register for a DBA (FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME) at your City Hall. This is for personal and home business, websites, and Indie labels. When you register your name, you can do business legally (sell, buy, and charge for productions). You also can make a business banking account and get your tax ID. It's about $100 and you renew every year.
You need to register your business before you can do ASCAP publishing. You need a tax ID. After you have registered your business name. You can file to be a publishing company. Go to http://www.ascap.com and print (pdf) the company publisher application. http://www.ascap.com/about/howjoin.html
You need to fill out the application perfectly with no errors. So make sure you have all your info correct. Call 800-95-ASCAP and get step by step info on how to fill out the form correctly. This will save you time and you won't get your application returned to you.
It takes about 2 to 4 weeks to get registered with ASCAP, so have this on the top of your list to do.
With ACAP you can get your royalties for productions (TV, radio, internet) and proformances.
If you are an artist you should register for writer publishing also. This is on the same web page as the publishing company application. http://www.ascap.com/about/howjoin.html
First register for a DBA (FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME) at your City Hall. This is for personal and home business, websites, and Indie labels. When you register your name, you can do business legally (sell, buy, and charge for productions). You also can make a business banking account and get your tax ID. It's about $100 and you renew every year.
You need to register your business before you can do ASCAP publishing. You need a tax ID. After you have registered your business name. You can file to be a publishing company. Go to http://www.ascap.com and print (pdf) the company publisher application. http://www.ascap.com/about/howjoin.html
You need to fill out the application perfectly with no errors. So make sure you have all your info correct. Call 800-95-ASCAP and get step by step info on how to fill out the form correctly. This will save you time and you won't get your application returned to you.
It takes about 2 to 4 weeks to get registered with ASCAP, so have this on the top of your list to do.
With ACAP you can get your royalties for productions (TV, radio, internet) and proformances.
If you are an artist you should register for writer publishing also. This is on the same web page as the publishing company application. http://www.ascap.com/about/howjoin.html
rnb259
New member
Wow!
Is this all, i could have sworn there was more to it than this. man this is easy, ima get on this today.
any other things, like how do taxes play into this and what type of business should i be looking to start?
Is this all, i could have sworn there was more to it than this. man this is easy, ima get on this today.
any other things, like how do taxes play into this and what type of business should i be looking to start?
BeatsBuY
New member
Ya, when you got your stuff together and know step by step what to do, It's not hard. For the taxes part I'm gonna have to look into that. I have an accountant do that stuff. You have to make a certain amount to worry about taxes and all that. When I started out, I didn't have to really pay taxes to much. But, as your business grows and you make more money, the more you pay taxes. If you have a webite and you sell items and services, you have to account that into taxes. I'll get you more info...
rnb259
New member
thanks man
im trying to get all this started a.s.a.p.
im trying to get all this started a.s.a.p.
C
chalin27
New member
Your in VA arent you. I'm sure you can get an accountant appointed by the states business association. They like do accounting for alot of small business folks. My brother is our accountant he handles alot of business matters. Makes it easier for me to just concentrate on my craft.
rnb259
New member
Naw, im in Maryland
But thanks on the heads up, i learn something new everyday with you guys!
But thanks on the heads up, i learn something new everyday with you guys!
Trumpspade
I'M BLESSED.......
^Bump
I thought this was a good thread that Beatsbuy showed a great deal of knowledge, Good Look!
Rnb did you ever get it up and running?
How many of you other cats do this full-time?
I thought this was a good thread that Beatsbuy showed a great deal of knowledge, Good Look!
Rnb did you ever get it up and running?
How many of you other cats do this full-time?
rnb259
New member
not yet...
But i am in the process right now, so all of ya'll pray for me!
But i am in the process right now, so all of ya'll pray for me!