Recording Engineer School

The actual setting up of your business is fairly straightforward.

Business License

First, you have to come up with a good name for your record company and do some research to see if this name is available and has not been trademarked or copyrighted by another company. You can usually do this with a quick google internet search.

You should also check to see if this name is available as an internet web address for the website that you will eventually put up (www.myrecordlabel.com). If it is – buy it right away while it’s still available.

Then you register this name with your local authority. There is usually a small filing fee to do this. Go down to your local city hall and tell them that you are starting a business. They will direct you where to go.

Different states require slightly different filing procedures. You may have to file a “Fictitious Business Name Statement” in one of your local newspapers.

Ficticious Business Name Licence

Then you should design your logo, record label, business cards and letterhead etc. Maybe open a Post Office Box if you don’t want to use your home address. Get an e-mail address and maybe a business telephone/fax number.

If you’re just going to be releasing your own material then you’ll need to find avenues for distribution, either over the internet and/or through wholesalers who will place your records in retail outlets.

If you’re going to be releasing music by other bands and artists, then you’re going to have to get contracts made up. This may entail utilizing the services of a lawyer – and they don’t come cheap. And make sure he or she is experienced in entertainment law.

You have to become a bit of a business person because you’ll be dealing with a variety of companies. For example, CD duplication plants*, printers, graphic artists and designers, photography studios, artists’ managers, booking agents, P.R. people, reporters and journalists, radio stations and many more.

Song Copyright Form

When it comes time to offer your product to the public, your internet website should be up and running. Try to make it as attractive and professional looking as possible because your credibility and reputation are on the line here.

If you have a web-savvy friend, use them. Otherwise use a pro.

And don’t forget to copyright your songs before you release them to the public. Then get a seller’s permit from City Hall.

*Footnote: The actual CD or record manufacturing process is a hard subject to address in the short form. There are many frustrations and pitfalls that can easily be avoided once you have digested this all-important lesson in our training course.

Promotion and distribution is discussed in the course along with the inner structure of the music industry. Getting your music safely onto the internet is also covered.

Peter Miller has had his own independent label since 1974 so he knows what he’s talking about.

Now go out and find the next superstar and sign them to your label. Produce their first million dollar hit and Pete will vote for you at the Grammy Awards next year! Good luck! (35 more pages in the course).