I decided to combine my two blogs Straight From The Vault and Center of The Indie Label Universe into one blog (makes sense) and move it to Wordpress. You can follow it here:
And my updates on Indie label news et al on twitter here
Thursday, April 30, 2009
WE HAVE MOVED
I decided to combine my two blogs Straight From The Vault and Center of The Indie Label Universe into one blog (makes sense) and move it to Wordpress. You can follow it here:
And my updates on Indie label news et al on twitter here
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Group 6's Helpful Sites
U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration's homepage. It features many of the resources, links, documentation and insight into the steps necessary and the choices ahead of you when starting your own small business.
Distribution: Starting a label
The British Broadcasting Company put together a basic but helpful how-to on starting a label, with considerations, descriptions and documentation to help you get started.
Record Label Resource Directory
A great resource of contacts, radio stations, promoters, publicity and
whatnot to help you get your artists to the next level.
RCRD LBL
RCRD LBL is a network of ad supported online record labels and blogs offering completely free music and multimedia content from emerging and established artists. This is a cool web site where your label or artists can join.
12 Solid Steps to Starting A Record Label The Right Way
This web site covers the 12 steps of starting a label, from the business model to paying artists.
Session 2: The Business Plan
This site will help you become familiar with a business plan and goes through the process of writing one. Something every new company needs to know.
One Stop Business Licensing and Permitting Center
This website is exactly what it says it is. It's a one stop shop for all of your start up needs. It includes checklists, forms, FAQ's, even a page dedicated to share why other businesses fail. One of the major benefits of this page is that it helps you to decide what to chose as your business entity. This is run by the state of Alabama, yet every state has one that is unique to that state and its requirements.
STARTING A RECORD LABEL
This site is tailored to helping individuals starting their own label. It includes many links that will guide you through the process in area's such as, choosing a name, choosing a lawyer, writing a business plan, copyrights and trademarks, types of deals to offer, this list goes on. This site starts at conception to start up and has all of the information one would need for starting their very own record label.
Running and Independent Label: Artist House Interview
This website features an interview with Michael Caplan, president and co-founder of OR Music. He discusses how to run an independent label and some trials and tribulations he encounters. Though he has the taste of a major label, he enjoys to attention he is able to give 4 or 5 artists per year at his indie label. One of his biggest difficulties is getting radio airplay and the cost of doing business.
Deals That Await Successful Independent Music Labels
This article by Christopher Knab, an independent music business consultant, explains the type of deals an independent label may encounter when collaborating with a larger label. The article
describes deals including P&D, Distribution Only, Fulfillment, Piggyback, Production, Joint Venture, and Equity Deals. Licensing by major labels, licensing to major labels, and rights buyouts are also explained.
The U.S. Small Business Administration's homepage. It features many of the resources, links, documentation and insight into the steps necessary and the choices ahead of you when starting your own small business.
Distribution: Starting a label
The British Broadcasting Company put together a basic but helpful how-to on starting a label, with considerations, descriptions and documentation to help you get started.
Record Label Resource Directory
A great resource of contacts, radio stations, promoters, publicity and
whatnot to help you get your artists to the next level.
RCRD LBL
RCRD LBL is a network of ad supported online record labels and blogs offering completely free music and multimedia content from emerging and established artists. This is a cool web site where your label or artists can join.
12 Solid Steps to Starting A Record Label The Right Way
This web site covers the 12 steps of starting a label, from the business model to paying artists.
Session 2: The Business Plan
This site will help you become familiar with a business plan and goes through the process of writing one. Something every new company needs to know.
One Stop Business Licensing and Permitting Center
This website is exactly what it says it is. It's a one stop shop for all of your start up needs. It includes checklists, forms, FAQ's, even a page dedicated to share why other businesses fail. One of the major benefits of this page is that it helps you to decide what to chose as your business entity. This is run by the state of Alabama, yet every state has one that is unique to that state and its requirements.
STARTING A RECORD LABEL
This site is tailored to helping individuals starting their own label. It includes many links that will guide you through the process in area's such as, choosing a name, choosing a lawyer, writing a business plan, copyrights and trademarks, types of deals to offer, this list goes on. This site starts at conception to start up and has all of the information one would need for starting their very own record label.
Running and Independent Label: Artist House Interview
This website features an interview with Michael Caplan, president and co-founder of OR Music. He discusses how to run an independent label and some trials and tribulations he encounters. Though he has the taste of a major label, he enjoys to attention he is able to give 4 or 5 artists per year at his indie label. One of his biggest difficulties is getting radio airplay and the cost of doing business.
Deals That Await Successful Independent Music Labels
This article by Christopher Knab, an independent music business consultant, explains the type of deals an independent label may encounter when collaborating with a larger label. The article
describes deals including P&D, Distribution Only, Fulfillment, Piggyback, Production, Joint Venture, and Equity Deals. Licensing by major labels, licensing to major labels, and rights buyouts are also explained.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Group 4’s 10 Helpful Links
Submitted by Christina Adams, Austin Davis, Becky King, and Matt Schithuis
Fans Pre-fund Releases - This tool allows musicians to get fan support in pre-funding album releases by announcing what they need in order to follow through with the release and allowing fans to pledge a donation amount.
Sell Things That People Want - This site provides good information about marketing music, stating that fans are no longer buying music because they want to hear it, necessarily, but because they want to own that physical product and feel involved as a community with others. Input from indie label, Asthmatic Kitty.
Releasing EP Before Signing - Providing advice for college students starting an indie label, this site includes valuable information on marketing, sponsorships, management, and income.
How To Start A Record Label - This site offers suggestions on developing a business plan, licensing, promotion, and pressing new products upon getting involved with the upstart on a new record label.
Starting An Independent Label and Getting Artist to Sign - When starting a new record label, this site would be helpful in figuring out how to acquire new artists to sign to the label. How to start on a small budget, having a well-rounded business plan, setting up financial accounts, and developing a sound marketing strategy are points covered in the article.
Before You Start A Record Label -- This site goes more in depth as far as distribution, promotion, and actually working with the bands that are affiliated with your label.
6 Steps To Starting An Indie Label - Again, this article provides necessary steps in building up your new record label. It stresses the importance of funding and trademarks and registering a domain name.
Tips For Starting an Independent Label -- This article discusses the importance of making full use of your connections within the industry, or pulling all of the strings that you possibly can, and keeping overhead to a minimum.
Ask The Experts: How To Start an Indie Label - This article offers advice on the degrees and technical skills that are imperative to your success when starting a record label.
How to Start and Run the Ultimate Profit Producing Record Label - This is an outline by Ty Cohen, public speaker and former owner of Platinum Millennium Publishing. It offers a constructive timeline and plan for starting the ultimate profit producing label.
Fans Pre-fund Releases - This tool allows musicians to get fan support in pre-funding album releases by announcing what they need in order to follow through with the release and allowing fans to pledge a donation amount.
Sell Things That People Want - This site provides good information about marketing music, stating that fans are no longer buying music because they want to hear it, necessarily, but because they want to own that physical product and feel involved as a community with others. Input from indie label, Asthmatic Kitty.
Releasing EP Before Signing - Providing advice for college students starting an indie label, this site includes valuable information on marketing, sponsorships, management, and income.
How To Start A Record Label - This site offers suggestions on developing a business plan, licensing, promotion, and pressing new products upon getting involved with the upstart on a new record label.
Starting An Independent Label and Getting Artist to Sign - When starting a new record label, this site would be helpful in figuring out how to acquire new artists to sign to the label. How to start on a small budget, having a well-rounded business plan, setting up financial accounts, and developing a sound marketing strategy are points covered in the article.
Before You Start A Record Label -- This site goes more in depth as far as distribution, promotion, and actually working with the bands that are affiliated with your label.
6 Steps To Starting An Indie Label - Again, this article provides necessary steps in building up your new record label. It stresses the importance of funding and trademarks and registering a domain name.
Tips For Starting an Independent Label -- This article discusses the importance of making full use of your connections within the industry, or pulling all of the strings that you possibly can, and keeping overhead to a minimum.
Ask The Experts: How To Start an Indie Label - This article offers advice on the degrees and technical skills that are imperative to your success when starting a record label.
How to Start and Run the Ultimate Profit Producing Record Label - This is an outline by Ty Cohen, public speaker and former owner of Platinum Millennium Publishing. It offers a constructive timeline and plan for starting the ultimate profit producing label.
Group 5's Helpful Links
Legal Zoom -Offers many legal services, including advice and options on how to form a business. Your business can even be formed straight from their site.
Public Relations Ideas -Provides tips and pointers on how to properly get good public relations in various mediums. Covers everything from blogging to press kits.
United Record Pressing -This site is especially good for labels wanting to release vinyl. Located in Nashville, United Record Pressing will not only press your record, but are equipped to include a free digital download package with it.
Curly and Spike Custom Merch -A merchandise site that allows you to put your band's name on everything from standard t-shirts and buttons to Zippo lighters.
MorphiusDisc Manufacturing -Offers CD duplication, website design, and a range of other services associated with pressing an album. They also do artwork and mastering.
Record Label Resource -A complete crash course of what it takes to run a label. Also includes lists of newspapers, college radio stations, alternative weekly papers, distributors, booking agencies, and almost everything else you might think of.
Lala -One of the newest in digital streaming technology, lala allows users to stream an album once and then they have the option of buying it. Great way for bands to be discovered.
Talk Music Biz -Tips for indie artists and labels on lots of topics like marketing and indie label set up. Includes videos for each topic discussed.
Indie On The Move -Includes a venue database in which members of the site rate and review venues they have played. Also helps acts book tours without the help of a booking agent.
Media Web Source -Has articles on various music business topics and help for bands/labels putting together press kits and other promotion tips.
Public Relations Ideas -Provides tips and pointers on how to properly get good public relations in various mediums. Covers everything from blogging to press kits.
United Record Pressing -This site is especially good for labels wanting to release vinyl. Located in Nashville, United Record Pressing will not only press your record, but are equipped to include a free digital download package with it.
Curly and Spike Custom Merch -A merchandise site that allows you to put your band's name on everything from standard t-shirts and buttons to Zippo lighters.
MorphiusDisc Manufacturing -Offers CD duplication, website design, and a range of other services associated with pressing an album. They also do artwork and mastering.
Record Label Resource -A complete crash course of what it takes to run a label. Also includes lists of newspapers, college radio stations, alternative weekly papers, distributors, booking agencies, and almost everything else you might think of.
Lala -One of the newest in digital streaming technology, lala allows users to stream an album once and then they have the option of buying it. Great way for bands to be discovered.
Talk Music Biz -Tips for indie artists and labels on lots of topics like marketing and indie label set up. Includes videos for each topic discussed.
Indie On The Move -Includes a venue database in which members of the site rate and review venues they have played. Also helps acts book tours without the help of a booking agent.
Media Web Source -Has articles on various music business topics and help for bands/labels putting together press kits and other promotion tips.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Group 2's Helpful Sites
Rap Coalition's Intelligence Program - This site is a great resource for artists looking to distribute their own music. Pressing, street teams, artist development, and foreign licensing are just a few of the topics discussed.
BBC Humberside: Setting up a label - Find out the do's and don'ts of getting your label off the ground, according to top industry professionals.
Music Biz Academy - This link will take you to a list of 25 things to know about distribution. It covers everything you need to know, from finding distribution, to keeping your distributor happy.
Artist House Music - Whether you are an artist who wants to get signed to a label, or an entrepreneur who wants to start a label, watch the videos on this site to understand the functions of a label.
Record Label Resource - This site offers an incredible wealth of music business information and music industry contacts. It's perfect for those starting an independent record label.
Guerrilla Music Marketing Suggestions - If you are in need of some unusual, but effective marketing strategies for artists, check out this site.
Customer Licensees - ASCAP discusses common music licensing terms that will come in handy for those new to the music industry.
Business Owner's Tool Kit - If you want to start a business, but don't have any money, check out this site for tips on financing your endeavor.
Business Incorporation - This site explains the most common business structures, and aids in the registering of your business.
Digital Music Business - Get tips on how to succeed in the digital music business from industry professionals.
BBC Humberside: Setting up a label - Find out the do's and don'ts of getting your label off the ground, according to top industry professionals.
Music Biz Academy - This link will take you to a list of 25 things to know about distribution. It covers everything you need to know, from finding distribution, to keeping your distributor happy.
Artist House Music - Whether you are an artist who wants to get signed to a label, or an entrepreneur who wants to start a label, watch the videos on this site to understand the functions of a label.
Record Label Resource - This site offers an incredible wealth of music business information and music industry contacts. It's perfect for those starting an independent record label.
Guerrilla Music Marketing Suggestions - If you are in need of some unusual, but effective marketing strategies for artists, check out this site.
Customer Licensees - ASCAP discusses common music licensing terms that will come in handy for those new to the music industry.
Business Owner's Tool Kit - If you want to start a business, but don't have any money, check out this site for tips on financing your endeavor.
Business Incorporation - This site explains the most common business structures, and aids in the registering of your business.
Digital Music Business - Get tips on how to succeed in the digital music business from industry professionals.
Group 1's Helpful Links
Record Label Resource -- An all inclusive record industry resource. Contains everything from a Music Business Dictionary to D-I-Y Legal Resources.
About.com: Music Careers -- A beneficial resource of different how-to-guides regarding all facets of the the Recording Industry.
Music Business Toolbox -- Label Management Systems, LLC provides (for a fee) resources, services, and support to help independent labels and musicians with their business operations.
Music Marketing [dot] com -- A regularly updated music marketing blog dedicated to sharing advances and news in this unique form of marketing.
Music Boot Camp -- A CD duplication, graphic design, audio production and mastering company; the site also offers other resources and advice for DIY minded artists and labels for music production and distribution.
"Benefits to Forming an LLC," BizFilings.com -- An informative article that outlines the advantages and disadvantages of forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
A2IM -- Representative organization for the independent music sector of the industry.
U.S. Small Business Administration -- The SBA provides services and resources to aid in the upstart of new businesses, including online training, financial assistance, assessment tools, and links to state SBA resources.
U.S. Copyright Office -- Online and paper mail-in registration of copyright claims as well as a wealth of publications and FAQs designed to help make copyright registration (and the concept of copyright) easier to comprehend.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office -- Online and paper mail-in registration for trademarks as well as a trademark search service and other resources for understanding how to protect your trade/service mark (label/band name).
About.com: Music Careers -- A beneficial resource of different how-to-guides regarding all facets of the the Recording Industry.
Music Business Toolbox -- Label Management Systems, LLC provides (for a fee) resources, services, and support to help independent labels and musicians with their business operations.
Music Marketing [dot] com -- A regularly updated music marketing blog dedicated to sharing advances and news in this unique form of marketing.
Music Boot Camp -- A CD duplication, graphic design, audio production and mastering company; the site also offers other resources and advice for DIY minded artists and labels for music production and distribution.
"Benefits to Forming an LLC," BizFilings.com -- An informative article that outlines the advantages and disadvantages of forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
A2IM -- Representative organization for the independent music sector of the industry.
U.S. Small Business Administration -- The SBA provides services and resources to aid in the upstart of new businesses, including online training, financial assistance, assessment tools, and links to state SBA resources.
U.S. Copyright Office -- Online and paper mail-in registration of copyright claims as well as a wealth of publications and FAQs designed to help make copyright registration (and the concept of copyright) easier to comprehend.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office -- Online and paper mail-in registration for trademarks as well as a trademark search service and other resources for understanding how to protect your trade/service mark (label/band name).
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Group 3's Helpful Links
TopSpinMedia.com: A media technology company dedicated to developing leading-edge marketing software and services that help artists and their partners build businesses and brands. They help artists manage their catalogs, connect with fans, and generate demand for music.
MusicBizAcademy.com: They aim to teach musicians how to use the Internet to their financial advantage, whether that means using the internet to sell more CDs or to self-promote. Secondly, They aim to arm musicians with all the information they need to move their music career forward in the current age of technology.
MusicSubmit.com: Internet promotion site. They submit your music to genre-specific radio stations, online music magazines, online music directories, blogs, podcasts, indie record labels, and other electronic music media.
TheIntegritySolution.com: A premier multi-faceted public relations, marketing, promotions and event planning company. For artists, they specialize in radio/retail tracking, concert promotion, artist itinerary management, street promotions, and tour support.
MissingBeat.com: An Internet age music company that works with independent pop/rock artists to create and implement marketing programs to get their music and careers off the ground. Missing Beat uses Internet and traditional methods to gain exposure for their artists and helps them become successful.
Jsrlaw.net: Entertainment law firm based in Nashville, Tennessee representing clients in music, film, theater, television, book publishing and the visual arts. As entertainment attorneys, they represent artists, writers, producers, managers and record labels throughout the United States and abroad.
ReverbNation.com: Artists use ReverbNation as their home base for approaching marketing and promotion across the Internet as a whole — be it via social networks, blogs, or the artist's homepage. Label and Management companies use ReverbNation as a home base for digital distribution, to manage multiple artist profiles, to create music samplers for social networking sites, to recruit, manage, and track street teams, and to use powerful free email tools to promote their artists.
RecordLabelResource.com: The best resource on the internet for the independent record label. They provide free, unlimited access to an extensive music industry database, with information on CD manufacturing, CD mastering, radio promotion, entertainment lawyers, and more.
Unsigned.com: This site is dedicated to providing independent artists from solo, trio to bands, the best outlet possible to be heard globally on the Internet and is committed to being the best source of information to discover unsigned artists.
GigMasters.com: This site guides you through the entire process of searching, comparing, contacting, booking and rating performers.
101Distribution.com: Manages the digital, mobile, retail and mail order sales for more than 2,000 active releases from touring artists and record labels around the world. The company operates as the only full service distributor that offers artists a 100% payout on all net royalties in exchange for a flat monthly fee.
ArtistPR.com: Helps submit artists to thousands of top music resources in each genre including radio stations, online music magazines, directories, e-zines, and blogs.
About.com: Music Careers: This site addresses all of the areas regarding the startup of an independent record label, including financial funding, promotion, distribution, working with artists, etc., along with links to articles and frequently asked industry questions.
Artist House Music: Bryan Calhoun Video: This site features a video of Bryan Calhoun, who developed software for indie label budgeting. The interview discusses how he came up with the product idea, as well as how it will benefit indie labels that choose to use it.
E-Zine Article: How To Start An Indie Label: This site provides a basic run-down of why independent labels are founded, and describes how to search for artists once the label has been started.
Starting An Indie Label: This site addresses the considerations to be made in starting a label and obtaining distribution for the product. It describes the various types of business structures and provides a step by step guide of the business operations that the label must perform.
Start a Business: This site provides information on starting a business and the basic steps to follow.
Record Label Startup: This site goes through everything you need to know to start your own label. From writing the business plan to radio promotions and much more, this site gives a lot of great information. This site provides step by step instructions and loads of information.
Music Business:This site provides information on the business aspects of running a label. Mainly on being the producer, but also hiring managers and staff for the company as well as understanding how each position works. Also on how to make money and where it will be going.
Music Contracts: Music Contracts provides every type of contract that you may come across in the industry. It also provides legal assistance, as well as recommended books and articles.
Start your own record label: Step by step instructions for starting a label. There is also a list of tips and resources to refer to.
MusicBizAcademy.com: They aim to teach musicians how to use the Internet to their financial advantage, whether that means using the internet to sell more CDs or to self-promote. Secondly, They aim to arm musicians with all the information they need to move their music career forward in the current age of technology.
MusicSubmit.com: Internet promotion site. They submit your music to genre-specific radio stations, online music magazines, online music directories, blogs, podcasts, indie record labels, and other electronic music media.
TheIntegritySolution.com: A premier multi-faceted public relations, marketing, promotions and event planning company. For artists, they specialize in radio/retail tracking, concert promotion, artist itinerary management, street promotions, and tour support.
MissingBeat.com: An Internet age music company that works with independent pop/rock artists to create and implement marketing programs to get their music and careers off the ground. Missing Beat uses Internet and traditional methods to gain exposure for their artists and helps them become successful.
Jsrlaw.net: Entertainment law firm based in Nashville, Tennessee representing clients in music, film, theater, television, book publishing and the visual arts. As entertainment attorneys, they represent artists, writers, producers, managers and record labels throughout the United States and abroad.
ReverbNation.com: Artists use ReverbNation as their home base for approaching marketing and promotion across the Internet as a whole — be it via social networks, blogs, or the artist's homepage. Label and Management companies use ReverbNation as a home base for digital distribution, to manage multiple artist profiles, to create music samplers for social networking sites, to recruit, manage, and track street teams, and to use powerful free email tools to promote their artists.
RecordLabelResource.com: The best resource on the internet for the independent record label. They provide free, unlimited access to an extensive music industry database, with information on CD manufacturing, CD mastering, radio promotion, entertainment lawyers, and more.
Unsigned.com: This site is dedicated to providing independent artists from solo, trio to bands, the best outlet possible to be heard globally on the Internet and is committed to being the best source of information to discover unsigned artists.
GigMasters.com: This site guides you through the entire process of searching, comparing, contacting, booking and rating performers.
101Distribution.com: Manages the digital, mobile, retail and mail order sales for more than 2,000 active releases from touring artists and record labels around the world. The company operates as the only full service distributor that offers artists a 100% payout on all net royalties in exchange for a flat monthly fee.
ArtistPR.com: Helps submit artists to thousands of top music resources in each genre including radio stations, online music magazines, directories, e-zines, and blogs.
About.com: Music Careers: This site addresses all of the areas regarding the startup of an independent record label, including financial funding, promotion, distribution, working with artists, etc., along with links to articles and frequently asked industry questions.
Artist House Music: Bryan Calhoun Video: This site features a video of Bryan Calhoun, who developed software for indie label budgeting. The interview discusses how he came up with the product idea, as well as how it will benefit indie labels that choose to use it.
E-Zine Article: How To Start An Indie Label: This site provides a basic run-down of why independent labels are founded, and describes how to search for artists once the label has been started.
Starting An Indie Label: This site addresses the considerations to be made in starting a label and obtaining distribution for the product. It describes the various types of business structures and provides a step by step guide of the business operations that the label must perform.
Start a Business: This site provides information on starting a business and the basic steps to follow.
Record Label Startup: This site goes through everything you need to know to start your own label. From writing the business plan to radio promotions and much more, this site gives a lot of great information. This site provides step by step instructions and loads of information.
Music Business:This site provides information on the business aspects of running a label. Mainly on being the producer, but also hiring managers and staff for the company as well as understanding how each position works. Also on how to make money and where it will be going.
Music Contracts: Music Contracts provides every type of contract that you may come across in the industry. It also provides legal assistance, as well as recommended books and articles.
Start your own record label: Step by step instructions for starting a label. There is also a list of tips and resources to refer to.
Classical Record Industry Down 30% in '09, Harmonia Mundi Up 9%
You think the pop record industry is having a hard time of it - look at the classical music industry. Product has been devalued by labels like Naxos to be a budget line item, stores are closing, radio is disappearing, funding from the private and public sector is drying up and the audience is graying. Most labels have closed their classical division and sales are down over 30% for 2009.
Not for French indie, Harmonia Mundi. They have seen an increase in their sales in 2009 of nearly 10% by recording new music, signing new artists and getting the hell out of their way and letting them develop over several records - sounds like a winning formula. They have also developed a loyal customer base, who trusts the brand and is willing to give anything with a Harmonia Mundi stamp on it.
Read about them and listen to their NPR interview here.
Even if you don't like Classical music, you can learn a lot from their business model and practices.
Harmonia Mundi website
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