starting my own record label

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vulcanofga

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i need some info on starting my own label. i have a studio in my home and i'm starting to get a lot of people wanting me to help them record and market thier music. i have a band coming out this weekend to lay down some originals and they want me to produce and help market the cd's.is it a good idea for me to have a label?if so how do i do it? also is it true that i can mail a copy of the recording to myself and have a valid copy right?if so do i put a copy right message on the recording when i mail it?what do i put on it ? i see a P and a C on most recordings what does that mean? i know this is a detailed subject and i'm asking a lot and if it has already been covered i am sorry. please help. monty..
 
Check out the Feb. 2001 issue of "RECORDING" magazine, it has a small article on this subject. Where are you in GA?
 
thanks i'll check it out. i work in mableton and i live in mableton. how bout you?
 
I live outside of Helen. I'll be moving to Athens in a couple of months though. Helen.. he he...how lame!!! :)
 
Starting Publishing

There are a lot of issues regarding publishing that can not just be covered in an article. I would suggest purchasing the latest book on the subject. John Braheny is supposed to be writing a new version of his songwriting book which covers the business of publishing and etc.
 
A few good books that I can suggest reading are:

1. "This Business of Music" by Shemel/Krasilovsky
2. "Start and Run your own Record Label" by Daylle Deanna Schwartz
3. "How to make & sell your own recording : the complete guide to independent recording" by Diane Sward Rapaport
4. "All you need to know about the music business" Donald S. Passman
5. "Everything you'd better know about the record industry" by Kashif


These books plus any articles that you can find will give you a good start into the world of starting and running a label. The subject of starting a label is too complex to be limited to one post or one article. This decision is just as important as starting any other business, and should be approached with just as much or more seriousness. If you are really serious about starting a real label, check out these books. You will find most of these in your local library. It would also be a good idea to find a couple good, simple books on starting your own business. For a quick read, I recommend starting with the Diane Sward Rapaport book (#3) then Schwartz (#2) then (#1) then the rest.

Rev E
 
thank you all so much on the book sugestions! i am really wanting to do this. monty
 
Well there, no need for me to respond, Rev E has made some excellent suggestions, all those books are not just things you read for a bit of info, but mandatory if you are planning to do what you stated.

On think you should keep in mind. This is a difficult and ruthless industry. If you want to set up a label, you are setting up a business. The only way to succeed is hard work, more hard work, study, innovation, followed by hard work

Good luck!
 
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