How to start an online record label with no budget

Posted by Golden Warrior on February 3rd, 2021

The internet has made it possible for any aspiring musician/artist to release music without the involvement of a traditional record company. Most artists in this day and age are doing it themselves because they have realized that what the label can do they can do on their own Maybe you are sitting there and thinking “But I can I also do this”. Well, I’m here to tell you that you can. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here reading this blog post. In the following article, I will briefly explain to you how you can kick-start your own label with a low/limited budget.

Create the Product(s)

Before you can even dream of success or performing in front of large crowds and making that money, you will need to create a product. A product in this context as you might have already guessed is the music. You have to record a single, EP, Mixtape or Album to get anywhere. That is your starting point.

In order to create your music, you can either rent/buy studio time or you can set-up your home-recording studio. It’s completely up to you. Should you decide to set-up a recording studio, you will need basics such as recording mic, filter, an audio interface, a computer and monitors just to name a few.

You can purchase all the items mentioned online or at a music store near you. When your single or project is completed, it has to go through the mixing and mastering process. This is where engineers edit; adjust the sound levels in order to ensure that is ready for the hard to please buying public.

Marketing and Promotions

Most artists kick-start their marketing by promoting a single in order to build up the hype and momentum before the actual project drops (an Album for example). There is no exact formula as to how you should market a song, but in the digital age, you should be leveraging social media channels.

It’s a no-brainer; Facebook for example has over a billion users, followed by Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. Where you choose to focus your energies on will depend on your market but social media marketing is a must and it’s FREE.

There are also platforms such as Soundcloud; some music blogs allow artists to submit their profile and music; Slikouronlife, Sonic bits and Reverbnation come to mind. Securing a distribution deal used to be a difficult endeavour for the average artist.

But thank God that’s no longer the case. I mentioned SoundCloud, you can upload your music and gain followers from around the globe.

You can actually use it to test the waters and use the feedback to improve your music.

But you don’t get paid for that.

If you have a solid product that you believe can do well to generate some sales and buzz then you can approach a digital distributor. Most distributors allow artists to keep the bulk of the money (18-100%).

The advantage of working with a music distributor is that your music will be available on platforms such as iTunes, Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify just to name a few.

Most people (music lovers) are familiar with these websites and that could help generate streams/sales provided that your marketing was done correctly.

Conclusion

You don’t have to wait for a label to sign you or come knocking at your door. Because chances are they won’t unless you have done the groundwork and have managed to create a buzz around your music and brand.

Remember that music is a business and there is a reason why it’s referred to as the “music business”.

Get your house in order and don’t wait for anybody to make your dreams a reality. You can start now, today. In fact, I’m challenging you right now to get off the screen and start that label.