Q&A for How to Start a Record Label

You have to learn how to market and sell yourself. The best artists don't necessarily ever see the top. The best sellers never leave the top, irrespective of talent.

I'd say biting off more than you can chew. Like anything else, you can run at a bunch of different options and divide your time and energy among them, or you can embrace one option you feel strongly about and give it all of your attention. The latter will take some patience but it makes for a much stronger and balanced foundation for your venture and a more fulfilling experience.

No, not really. There are many older artists who are making it big. If your music is good enough, then people will buy it, no matter your age.

Instead of a list, I suggest searching separately for each piece of equipment you want. That way, you can find ones you like. But if you do want a list, type it into the search engine; for example, "list of best studio equipment for making music."

Determine what that kind of record label needs; when you find a way to give it to them, they will pick you.

You just need a business license so you can report your income for taxation purposes. Expect to pay anywhere from $50-$200 for this (it varies by state). If you're giving out free music initially you don't need a business registration.

Do parallel compression. First, route your drum tracks into one stereo auxiliary track. Duplicate that track and stick a compressor plugin on it. Bring the threshold down a bit, increase the ratio and gain - basically, compress it a good bit so it sounds like all the air has been vacuumed. Mix the two auxiliary tracks to where you want it.

You can start anywhere, whether that's in your hometown, or in a big area like New York or Los Angeles.

The cost to start professional studio can range from low thousands to millions. Start with determining how much you have and what you can get for that price range that will give you a good quality level of production. You can always upgrade your equipment, but until you get some equipment you won't be able to start.

Yes, but it will affect how well you do it. You would be better off being the best at what you do and working with people who are the best at what they do.

It certainly can, but it's not necessary. The basic fundamentals of success owe more to perseverance, luck, financial backing, raw talent, and networking rather than having sat in on a class. That being said, taking different courses related to music, business, or marketing can all help you in different ways when it comes to starting a record label, and being in the classroom is a prime opportunity for making networking connections.

It's less about where you start and more about how you start: a solid foundation will hold even in a larger city.

Yes, but it's very tricky. You have to develop a trajectory of what exactly you want to accomplish (within "x" period of time) and then work backwards and organize from that point.

Although it depends on the state that you live in, the basics are fairly universal. You need to let the state-level business & taxing authorities know that you plan on conducting business in the state. Choose and register your business name with the state (which can usually can be done online - search for "Business Tradename Registration"). If you're going to be a "Sole Proprietorship," you're all set! All your income/expenses will be reported on your normal 1040 form on a "Schedule C". If you're going to be an LLC, S Corp, or traditional corporation, you will need to work out the taxes separately.

Thanks to recent intellectual property laws, your logo is your property from the moment you make it! However, for further protection you can go to Copyrighted.com which offers free copyrighting services!

The record label doesn't usually supply instruments. That responsibility is the band's or the recording studio you would do business with.

Of course! Eminem signed himself to his own record label, Shady Records. You could also just independently release music, which would be the same process, only you wouldn't need a business license.