Establishing your own gospel record label may be easier than you ever dreamed. The definition of a record label is an entity that records and produces media in the form of CD’s or other recording formats. When your band creates its first CD and successfully sells at least one copy, then you have become the minimalist form of a record label. But what if you want to take the whole process a bit farther? Following the simple advice in this article can put you in competition with the big label giants faster than you could imagine.
Choosing the right name is important, especially for a gospel record label. Independent gospel record labels are recognized by their names and some of the more successful labels state exactly what the intent of the music produced by the label is. One successful independent gospel record label is Redeemed Soul. With a catchy name that drives right to the point, there is no doubt in the music fans mind about what type of music will be on the recordings of this company. Similar independent gospel record labels like Christian Records and Bought Records have seen similar success.
Once you have the name for your gospel recording label, you need to make it official. File the proper paperwork in your state for a Fictitious Name statement or Doing Business As statement. This little bit of paperwork is going to do several things to help you along the road to successfully owning an independent gospel record label. First, it makes the identity yours so no one can come in and take it from you. It also gives you the ability to accept payments in your record labels name, meaning increased credibility in the music recording world. Additionally, having an official name for your recording label will open many doors to furthering your labels success.
Beware of accidentally breaking the law. We all get excited when we enter into a new project and starting ones own gospel recording label is no different. Unfortunately, you might wind up paying some hefty fines if you don’t take the time to learn the local laws for your area. You may be required to obtain a business licence, a retailers licence and a tax ID number. If you are required to have these things and you are operating your recording label without them, you may be in for some terrible heartaches. Being charged with tax evasion or other crimes looks bad for any record label but it could be sudden death to an independent gospel recording label.
Now that you have a name, the know how and the legal issues all tied up, you can begin the fun part of owning your own independent gospel recording label. This is the point where you need to promote your label, sign new talent and collect the profits of your labor. Promoting your label both online and in the real world is an absolute necessity to see success as a record label owner. Luckily, much of the time you spend promoting your label can also be combined with the time you spend looking for new talent.
Visit local churches that have praise groups or choirs. Mention that you have a gospel recording label that is looking for new talent. Many times, the members of the church praise group are musicians looking to advance in their music careers by finding a recording label. Sign a beloved musician from a local church to your gospel recording label and you can bet that the folks who come on Sunday morning to listen to her sing will be the same folks who buy her first CD released on your label. By visiting several local congregations, you can quickly expand both your talent base and your customer base over the course of a few weeks time.