If you’re looking at starting a business in the music industry, you’ll have a lot of work to do.
The music industry is particularly competitive and all in all, there isn’t a lot of information out there compared to other industries.
Finding the best books on starting a record label is incredibly important if you’re looking at starting your own label.
Our Pick: If you want to go straight to a book, I suggest you try Daylle Deanna’s book, Start And Run Your Own Record Label.
All You Need to Know About the Music Business
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All You Need to Know About the Music Business: Ninth Edition
- Pages: 548
- Hardcover Book
- Passman, Donald S. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 544 Pages – 11/10/2015 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster (Publisher)
Donald Passman, the author, has plenty of experience in the music industry. As a result, he’s devoted his life to assisting clients to tackle the complexities of the business. This includes issues such as establishing a record label.
This book is now in its ninth edition. The book provides information relevant to the current music trends. But, it still centers on strategies that will help you thrive.
Whether you’re a songwriter or performer, this text will show you how the music business works. This way, you’ll know what to expect when starting your own label.
Start and Run Your Own Record Label
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Start and Run Your Own Record Label, Third Edition: Winning Marketing Strategies for Today’s Music Industry (Start & Run Your Own Record Label)
- Schwartz, Daylle Deanna (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages – 02/03/2009 (Publication Date) – Billboard Books (Publisher)
$18.98
Learn more on AmazonWhether you’re trying to promote new talent or marketing your own music, starting a label is not easy. This is where Daylle Deanna’s book comes in handy. For a very small investment, you’ll get to learn all the basics of creating a label.
Daylle has gone through the process of starting and operating a record label. As such, she knows all the problems you’re likely to encounter and how to cope with them.
The key issues discussed in this book are:
- Strike a balance between on and offline promotion and marketing
- Get the most of online resources
- Use digital distribution in a profitable manner
- License your recordings
Music Business Made Simple
Start an Independent Record Label (Music Business Made Simple)
- J.S. RUDSENSKE (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 262 Pages – 03/01/2005 (Publication Date) – Schirmer Trade Books (Publisher)
$17.95
Learn more on AmazonIf you’re looking to create an independent record label, this book written by J.S. Rudsenske and J. P. Denk is a great choice. The authors have provided a detailed guide of the process you need to follow to realize this goal.
You’ll learn the rights you’re entitled to when it comes to making your music and showcasing it. Some of the concepts explained in this book are:
- How to devise a business plan
- How to identify and choose talent
- The process of creating and manufacturing records by yourself
- Promotion and marketing.
Start an Online Record Label by Music Marketing Rescue
If you have been thinking of exploring the music industry, then this book has a wealth of information. It lays down all the necessary steps you will need to start your record label and the hints to help you make a profit.
For the best chance at success, getting started the right way is important. This book has all the details to get you started. Record labels are all about manufacturing, financing, distribution, marketing. Along with artist development.
As part of your business, you will have an awful lot to do. The book walks you through setting up your record label.
It covers seeking out new talent, making records, distribution of music and merchandise. It will teach you how to make a star out of your artists.
Start a Record label and Make Money by Jermane Beckford
Most people love music and some want to cash in on it, like some great names in the music industry. This book gives you pointers on how you can scale the music industry and enjoy success.
This book gives you tips on how to launch your business with zero prior experience. From this book, you will learn how to set up your business, release your songs on platforms like iTunes. You’ll also look into promotion and marketing.
There is more to learn from this book that you won’t get online. Topics like song placements, shooting videos and promoting your content on YouTube.
How to Start a Record Label
This is another reliable book you can rely on for information on how to start a record label. Written by Brian Jeffries, this book aims to help you launch a successful business.
For this reason, the text covers aspects of both the business and the music industry. You will find details such as steps to take to establish a music label and how to create a business plan. It also differentiates between the two main kinds of record labels. The book also provides advice on how to choose a specific niche market of music.
The author touches on entails the rules and regulations for running record labels. Plus, it provides strategies for how to market music on social media platforms.
Setting Up the Next Generation Record Label
The music production process has changed in the 21st century. As a result, creating a label that is able to thrive in such a competitive space can be difficult.
Gay Jr, Ken, the author, provides a detailed guide on what you can do to make your label stand out in the new music economy. In this book, he’s identified traditional systems that you can use. Along with new techniques that can be adopted by record label startups.
Fun Fact: Setting Up the Next Generation Record Label actually began as an analysis paper. With more research, the author was able to create a highly-informative ebook. A book that can help beginners and veterans alike.
The best books on starting a record label – Final Thoughts
As you’ve probably noticed, starting a record label is a lot of work. However, with the right information behind you, you can make it work.
