Ask the Experts: How to Start Your Own Independent Record Label
Question:
I want to start my own independent record label after college. What courses should I take? What major should I have?
First Answer:
Yours truly actually participated in one of the first “music industry” programs in the country, at Syracuse University. My actual major was music history, but I would suggest coupling up with business and marketing as a double major if you plan to run a company. Doubtless, there are many other schools that have these programs now, in conjunction with either a music degree or a marketing or business degree. Do your research.
I would suggest, however, that you think carefully about what kinds of skills are transferrable to other areas of business – you might want to be something OTHER than as a record company executive one of these days. Be sure you know what you’re getting into as well. The record industry may seem glamorous to those on the outside, but those “in the know” understand that it’s a highly competitive, risky, and difficult business. Make sure you really want this career and that you have the resources, personality, and qualifications to get success.
— Alison Blackman Dunham, life & career expert, columnist, personal public relations consultant, half of THE ADVICE SISTERS®, and the author of the ASK ALISON career advice column
Second Answer:
In addition to the skills based technical courses to operate the equipment needed to produce the recordings, you will also need a sound business
background. Courses on accounting, business communications, advertising,
etc. will be as important to your success as the skill needed to operate
the equipment. Many schools offer an entreuprenial program to help
individuals get their business started. You should check to see if your
school offers such a program.
You might also want to contact the local chamber of commerce. Especially in larger cities, chambers often have a group of volunteer business owners
who will mentor someone just starting out. You can gain a lot of valuable
knowledge and insight from this group.
— Linda Wyatt, Career Center Director, Kansas City Kansas Community College
Third Answer:
My first question is, why do you want to wait until AFTER college? Don’t Wait Until You Graduate! (shameless plug) Seriously, DO IT NOW! As far as courses go, solid business and marketing courses are important, not to mention persuing opportunities that allow you to communicate with people and develop solid listening skills. These are things that are not learned in the classroom, but will be VITAL to your future, regardless of what you do.
Outside of courses, if you are hesitant to start your operation too soon, what opportunities can you persue that will enable you to learn the business, while also earning an income? Don’t wait! Do it now! Your first step: so you want to start a record label. What NEED exists out there that your new company can fill? Is this a need that is not being met by anyone else? Good luck!
— Keith F. Luscher, Creative Director with Goettler Associates, Inc., a fund-raising consulting firm serving non-profit organizations nationwide, and author of Don’t Wait Until You Graduate!
Fourth Answer:
Congratulations on having a well-defined career goal and for seeking out a strategy to achieve it. There is no one path to success, so let me offer you some options. Running an independent record label is no different from running any other business. In addition to any music industry related classes, a strong foundation in marketing, sales and business classes could only serve you well.
What can you start doing now, rather than waiting for graduation? Try to connect with and research as many people as you can that are already in the business. Uncover what they did to get to where they are, what worked and what didn’t. Start with the internet, trade and music magazines, and professional music organizations to determine what got the current independent record label owners where they are today. Look to determine what was the absolute best thing that they did and what they wish they had done differently.
Another source for these answers are transcripts of interviews conducted by the media (radio, cable and television). Who are the owners of successful independent record labels today? Try to connect with these owners yourself. Interview them to see how they got to where they are today. Start applying now for internship work with a record label, to learn from the bottom up.
If you are still wondering, work with a professional coach who can guide you through the process easier and faster. I am offering a 20 percent discount on one month of coaching to anyone who mentions this article.
— Janine A. Schindler, Professional Coach and owner of the Jas Coaching Company
