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Thinking about starting a record company? Starting a Record Company
Keith Holzman has written the definitive guide that takes you through all the steps of starting your own record label. He is an experienced music industry veteran with almost forty years as a senior executive at record companies large and small, as well as ten years as a management consultant specializing in indie labels. The Complete Guide to Starting a Record Company is a primer that takes you by the hand and guides you through what's involved in building the independent record label of your dreams. It contains vital advice —retaining lawyers and accountants, what to include in your business plan, how to construct budgets, what to look for in an artist and how to sign one, the ins and outs of artist contracts, what to seek in a distributor, and how to develop a marketing plan that can market your music effectively. It’s the essential guide to what you need to know and what you must do to start your own record company.
Table of Contents, with Information about each Chapter 1. Introduction — a brief background on the independent record business...asks questions you need to think about and answer honestly to help you decide what kind of label to build. 2. First Steps — what to look for in a lawyer and accountant...legal structure...suggested books on music business law...label naming...domain name and registration...logo and letterhead...UPC bar code. 3. The Business Plan — its purpose...what to include...what should be in the budget “numbers” section. 4. Raising Start-up Money — who to approach and how to raise capital. 5. The Art of Acquiring Talent — how to find artists and what to look for. 6. Understanding Artist Agreements — common, and not so common, deal points.
7. An Introduction to Music Publishing — why it’s a good idea to become a music publisher...what it entails...music publishing rights. 8. Staffing Possibilities — essential staff for small, medium and large labels with typical “reporting” diagrams. 9. Setting Up Your Office — space...furniture...office equipment and services...computers... indispensable software. 10. Planning the First Project — what to look for in a studio...the producer and engineer...how to budget a recording...includes a sample recording budget form. 11. Recording the First Project — a look at what happens during the recording, sequencing, and mastering process...ISRC codes.
12. The Ins and Outs of Pre-Production — what to look for in pressing and printing plants...role of production and design people...packaging...how to keep track of all the details...what goes where on a typical package...manufacturing...inventory matters...mechanical licenses...includes production charts and calendar...bill of material and photo release forms. 13. The Lowdown on Distribution —what to look for and what to avoid when considering distributors, domestic and international...digital distribution...suggested deal points...production and distribution deals. 14. The Complexities of Marketing — how to construct a marketing plan and what should be included...marketing budgets...the role of sales, radio promotion, publicity, artist tours, advertising, video, street teams, and the web...timing of releases...artist development...the one-sheet. 15. Post-Production Basics — the many tasks to be done after a release is shipped...SR form...royalty accounting...protecting masters. 16. Follow-up Marketing — staying on top of marketing...artist tours and in-store performances. 17. Ancillary Income — the many ways to make additional income by getting the most out of your efforts...licensing...publishing...non-traditional retail...compilations...AARC...Sound Exchange™. Click here to download the introductory chapter
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