Be Your Own Record Label - (2024 Guide for Indie Musicians)

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In this video, we discuss what indie artists can learn from record labels. Strategies, secrets, and helpful tips to help you build and grow your music career.
Find more resources for independent record labels and DIY artists at OtherRecordLabels.com
Follow #OtherRecordLabels on Instagram
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Here are some of my book recommendations: otherrecordlabels.com/books
Marketing Strategies Online Course (Artist Version): www.otherrecordlabels.com/sto...

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Thanks for watching friends! Download my free Toolbox for Indie Artists - otherrecordlabels.com/toolbox

[@bandofpranksters]

It's so weird that there are more "how-to-make-it indie" content creators than there are truly indie artists today. It's almost like artists are now just another demographic to sell content. 😊

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Great thought. I’m an indie artist too. I like to think of it as a shift in how the industry works these days, where artists who’ve gone before can share their experiences with their peers. The industry was very opaque as early as ten years ago. Far less gatekeepers these days, which is awesome.

[@dansintribe]

exacly! teaching how to make/promote/record/mix/master music is much more money than making music in times when everyday 120k songs are out. People who realise that get o "teching train" o- course / beat /sample selling

[@saint_ofc]

Build your socials with consistent content Learn Facebook ads Release a single every 4-8 werks Get better ar your craft (singer/songwriter/producer) Repeat 🔁

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Thanks for the comment! And thanks for watching! -Scott

[@renosance8941]

Thank you... just seeing it put straightforward really takes a lot of stress off my chest. 🙏❤

[@thedailyremedy968]

Spot on-whether people like it or not its now your exposure and who you are, your engagement on social media as well as the music that will have people be exposed to your music and the 1-3 percent of your fans, if you are good at what you do, who are personally affected enough to want to support you by donation or purchasing your music

[@natalieclarke-white4758]

❤

[@Famegrowers_com]

*Fantastic content! We're in the business of helping artists get their music out there on different platforms, and we're well aware of how hard it is to reach a larger audience by own. Such videos are a treasure for any musician.*

[@CastleHassall]

good points in the threads below.. About how every time we share a link to our music videos we are actually leading people to use that app or platform etc and they cut the revenue DRASTICALLY during the apocalypse on KZbin as they know people will still put videos on it no matter how small the income is.. And most viewers don't really want to give money to the musicians they listen to but the musicians have got bills to pay and get a really rough end of the deal.. And to make matters Worse KZbin have the nerve to "visually reduce" (shadowban and delete comments we leave) profiles and comments we make if we mention our own channels in comments or try to get people to go to our channels in comments we leave on other videos as it's seen as spam, but how on earth are we supposed to raise awareness of our songs if we can't mention our songs ever.. It sucks.. I've got songs on my channel that people love in real life but my channel stopped growing and my comments keep disappearing since i spoke out against some big players in industry and politics.. But i need to be true to what i feel is right in this world.. But yes that point that we lead people to the app when we ask people to check out our songs.. That should be rewarded better by KZbin Start using other platforms more maybe? It's not easy though..i met a VERY legendary producer who was saying to me that he was thinking of stopping doing music as he's tired of having to tour to pay bills and no one is actually buying music any more so his royalties are very small despite him having produced some really classic albums in Reggae Best wishes to you all from Rolland at Castle Hassall in Scotland

[@jackrighteous]

❤ that quote about overestimating 1 year plans and underestimating 10 year plans

[@redcurrantrecords]

Funding isn't as much of an issue as an older artist, but getting new fans and releasing music that is not as much on trend is the difficult part.

[@coldhardtruth333]

Interesting

[@eliasssofficialchannel6864]

So glad this video showed up in my feed!!! I'm a singer-songwriter and I'm currently planning my comeback after 7 years without new releases and I'm extremely grateful that you made this video, thank you so much!!!

[@redcurrantrecords]

All the best

[@jeffrey322]

Many artists (of all types) make the mistake of thinking that because they've created it, people will be interested in it. However, people need a reason to be interested in a piece of product. Your video is well-rounded in presenting this concept and comprehensive. This image of making copies of a product that sit in the basement is absolutely a fact--and I have witnessed this first hand! Everything you do should have a reason and a goal.

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Thanks so much for the comment! Totally agree!

[@redcurrantrecords]

So true, I use Shazam count as a good metric of if a marketed song is something people are really interested in. So far I have only release one song with a good Shazam count.

[@wildhorsemusic1111]

Subscribed! Thank you for talking fast and not editing. I actually enjoy people talking without a bunch of clips! Totally going to use this information. I just published my first Album Quest For Tellemeriaa here on KZbin, but haven't gotten it out on any other platforms. I really need to do this. I think this video helped me get my head in the game so to speak. Thank you!

[@ItsWesSmithYo]

Great insights. 25 years in, a great 1st step is getting your head around your definition of “success” in creating vs. business. Set and pursue goals with that in mind and you will be gold.

[@Blue_diamond011]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. The music field is full of traps and dead ends that have us indie artists spending money, getting disappointed and demotivated. I'll follow your advice and see where it takes me.

[@RickyConnelley]

I put my first album out a few months back. I had no money for marketing. I just released it on word of mouth and socials. Been playing rounds in Nashville. Hoping it grows naturally. Wish I’d had a better plan starting out. Great video man.

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Nice work!

[@amancalledhawk5575]

Good luck you have to start somewhere

[@windfallenterprises2754]

Hey Scott, Thank you for sharing this valuable information. Apart from the info you are clear, concise & methodical in your approach & delivery. I can use the toolbox, which I downloaded, to help navigate my next release. Keep up the good work. I’ll be watching! Vernon

[@GeminiCove]

Always appreciate your videos/content, thank you!

[@OtherRecordLabels]

My pleasure! They're fun to make! -Scott

[@PremRohan]

I appreciate you and your service friend, thank you. Much love to you.

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching! -Scott

[@roadtorockstar7848]

Checking in!

[@montenmusic]

Great info. Wish I had full time to focus on this. Keep creating✌

[@The-Legend-of-P]

hey man! thanks for these awesome tips! I really appreciate it! These just clarify what I'm already thinking and its nice to know that it really is just a grind

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Happy to help!

[@waynebo248]

Great video. Thank you. I am working on developing my mindset beyond "just making music". This was very helpful for me. 👍🏾

[@johnnybisone3596]

Thank you for creating this - it inspired me. Well done.

[@WeaselWorks]

Thank you. This was incredibly helpful to me, and I'm in a completely different industry! So glad your video popped up for me!

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Nice to hear!!

[@cacinmodansx]

it is really helpful with all the insight and definitely to implement for my next release! really appreciate for your time to share this. thank you!

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Thank you and it’s my pleasure!!

[@cheslinscheepers2547]

Thanks your content is excellent. You are helping many artists all over the world and it is much appreciated 🙏.

[@OtherRecordLabels]

I appreciate that!

[@edduchaves4170]

Real gems! Thank you.

[@MattLeFaitMusic]

This was really good! Thanks!

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

Awesome information I’m in the process of opening my own. To release my own projects. This info is golden

[@thisislenard]

Amazing video, just found out this channel now! I'm going to be regularling coming back to learn, thanks for providing so many great resources for artists!

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Thank you!!

[@chosenonebeats]

The best video I’ve seen on this topic, subscribed

[@Frank.Zimmermann]

Thanks a bunch Scott! This is exactly what I needed! 🙏🙌

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AceEmUp4x]

Preciate the class. I turned down a deal a few years back & went independent. It’s a lot of work but it’s YOURS

[@pineconesandspaceships]

Powerful post and i love thecway you are showcssing thecreal artikal lifestyle in the islands. Respect!

[@LiftedNoise]

Thanks man 🙏 this is GOLD 🙏

[@LunaReign]

Thank you! This is awesome❤❤❤

[@slattbabii2133]

This video was very helpful. I wrote down all the notes and downloaded to toolbox. Thank You so much!

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Glad it helped!

[@stevenewtube]

Brilliant! A master class for all independent artists. I will be sharing.

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Wow, thank you!

[@mojito6629]

Awesome. Thanks!

[@ecgcesare]

Had to subscribe thank you ❤

[@ItsWesSmithYo]

This episode is gold for past and present, great experience being shared 🖤😎🍭 rave on 😂

[@reverendhortons2782]

Great stuff! Thank you so much.

[@OtherRecordLabels]

You're very welcome!

[@matthewyates2031]

I've found this extremely helpful. I deeply appreciate your time. Thank you very much. I will be watching more of your content.

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AllenSimpsonDGR8]

Thank you for articulating all this

[@OtherRecordLabels]

My pleasure

[@elel2608]

22:19 have a hierarchy for priorities on where to drive fans

[@maestralive3493]

Thank you

[@jazsebastian]

Amazing, I may need to do this.

[@OtherRecordLabels]

:)

[@pheldonmajors2999]

Thank you for everything!

[@OtherRecordLabels]

You are so welcome!

[@tonyg983_]

This information is still valid! Great insight 💯💯

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Glad you think so!

[@laruethelegend]

Bro this was amazing! Thank you 👍

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Glad you liked it!

[@krzysztofgraban]

So it takes me back to what I should have done before mastering 😊

[@OtherRecordLabels]

:)

[@phillipchristoffersen3632]

Lots of good tips!

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Thanks pal!!

[@johngreasy]

I have my own Inde Label And I Love It!

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Love to hear it!!

[@DreamingWhileAwakeMusic]

Great information and video, thanks for posting ✨🙌

[@OtherRecordLabels]

My pleasure!

[@michaeljarmstrongjr5569]

Gratitude my friend 🙏

[@OtherRecordLabels]

🙌

[@macthemessenger]

This was sooooo helpful thanks

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Glad it helped!

[@poorhouz5051]

Great Advice bro... I needed to hear this!!!! From Your Boy poorhouzzzzzzz SALUTE

[@Altarheart]

Great stuff here!

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Glad you like it!

[@SkyGlizzyRecords]

I started my own record label a few weeks ago. Signed myself on my own label. Opened up a few more doors, too quick to notice any big differences in my streams. Haven't paid and made 38 albums and went ahead and retired after my 38th album. 11 listeners on spot. And 86 subs on yt. So I just retired from making music but I own my own record 🏷 now.

[@7bonk]

Hi, I just stumbled upon your video and find it very interesting, especially because I just have some recordings nearly ready mixed and don't know what to do. My question is, if your advice fits for all countries (I am from Berlin, Germany), would be cool to hear from you ! Best !

[@ogPersonA]

Great vid, thanks!

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Glad you liked it!

[@GigiUK]

I have always been confused about publishing, like, do I have to officially start a business and create some kind of paperwork that I have to use for each of my songs? I’m sure there is paperwork. So, what is it? What does it look like? What are all of the legalities and requirements needed to be on there? If I release and upload music online do I need to create paperwork for each track? Who does it get sent to? How can such documentation protect me? Do I send it somewhere so that it’s date-stamped and kept on file at a third party location / company? I can’t just release music and be protected if I don’t register my music at another official company or if someone wishes to challenge me, then I can’t be expected to protect myself if I "started my own publishing business and I have a few pieces of paperwork in a drawer in my kitchen". To me, paperwork and protection are what confuses me and puts me off releasing music because I don’t know what publishing actually is. Do I start a business and go through the legalities with my government just so that I can protect myself even though I probably won’t be trading and making money for a long time? If I start a publishing "business", I will have to complete annual tax returns and everything else involved in running a business. So, what is the simplified way to publish and protect my work? Thank you

[@TheOneJPtv]

This is a Great video. I believe in keeping cost LOW...

[@OtherRecordLabels]

I think so too!

[@tomprice7885]

This is gold people

[@OtherRecordLabels]

❤️

[@hloniphiletshuma4134]

Hello there l have 117 gospel songs of my own l would like to sing them not to sell them but l don't know how to start or where to start 😢

[@michaelpaulrowley]

Fantastic information really appreciate this content! I have a question regarding the D.I.O independent record model, if the label you create operates as a limited liability company and the first band you are forming, promoting, and exploiting in your own. Does or rather can the band operate under Record Labels LLC for tax purposes/fund accounts or does that entity need another LLC strictly for the band, and if so how would the two operate together?

[@Creator_Veeto_PAEACP]

The problem is we dont have a platform to promote Independent Artists. We all use “their” aka the big corporations platforms instead of creating our own. Granted it takes work but there is no community without you or me.

[@MediaMusik777]

i like watching these videos , they give me hope for me and my pizza box home.

[@OtherRecordLabels]

:)

[@LearnThaiRapidMethod]

Excellent! But I’m a bit confused about your references to records, vinyls and CDs. Who buys these things nowadays? And what do you mean by manufacturing and distribution? I’d prefer you to advise on how to monetize one’s songs, performances, audio recordings, videos entirely online. And/or talk about how getting one’s music heard as widely as possible (for free?) can lead to paid gigs, tours, or other forms on income.

[@OtherRecordLabels]

I don’t know all of their names, but in the US, 43.4 million vinyl records were sold in 2022; and 33.4 million CDs sold in 2022. Source: www.riaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2022-Year-End-Music-Industry-Revenue-Report.pdf

[@travisguide4516]

Beautiful video great stufff

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Thank you kindly

[@mirecmusic]

Good info, I use the old school method when it comes to a new release.Once the song is released I concentrate on the first six weeks on heavy promotion (This after a two to three week pre promotion first) If you can't get the attention on this song in six weeks you don't have a good record. I've done it, tried it,and worked it. The people will let you know if you have a record or not. Try to promote your song to Charts not playlist. Charts tend to put your sons on the list base on sales not likes and followers. Playlist are stuck in the system where you only get paid 00.3 cents per (streaming hours not streams). Touring is good for the self contained artist how can entertain an audience with live music not all track dates. Just sharing some experiences.

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Awesome thanks!!

[@coldhardtruth333]

What platforms do we use to reach these charts?

[@kojoefante]

That’s not true about not having a good record ..

[@mirecmusic]

@@kojoefantetry it, if you put out a so so song and you are not getting good feedback in 15 to 30 days and then 5 weeks later you are not getting good song reviews and numbers it's the song.I have heard of some milking their song for over a year and still not getting good feedback. You can't market bad music people want to hear good music.Don't let your ego get in the way of fact and reason.(Not you but the artist in general ) One Love

[@kingdarkoproductions]

Top advice

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Glad you think so!

[@bartholomuscorley4468]

sub this info is great and Thanks for willing to share this, I have your website locked in also

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Awesome, thank you!

[@newgalaxies4110]

Thank you for your knowledge I like to business network with you in North East

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Thanks for watching! Visit otherrecordlabels.com to access all of my resources! -Scott

[@johnnyhamilton-xr6ep]

fire

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Thanks!

[@westnfexion]

🔥

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Thanks for watching!

[@absynthemoon]

Amazing video and know how, thanks for that. Quick question though: how this applies to an underground metal band? Cheers.

[@goatman3057]

Fair question, I can get you mangos in mango season kzbin.info/www/bejne/op7Ogn-hetWiZposi=MNvQk1JIw28dJYnw

[@CreativoMusicCol]

❤

[@matehdtau8203]

Nice

[@ornentertainment4755]

👊🏾💯

[@OtherRecordLabels]

:)

[@wretchedpinheadpuppets]

what artist name or band are you releasing music under ... I'd love to check out your work on Spotify! Thanks for video and info! Jimmy

[@salassandoval]

Okay awesome! ❤ But feom where the money comes from? How do you recover your expenses?!

[@LoveStroker]

My first EP took about 6 months to start getting regular streams. It's been slowly gaining momentum. Prepping for my first Full Length release in December!

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Awesome! Good mindset!

[@coldhardtruth333]

Did you do any marketing and what platforms did you use?

[@blowrunup9673]

I want to get a interview I’m a independent ceo and artist for Bakery Music Group I go by the name Lou Jefe

[@Standbackforscience]

This is great and all, but it would be great if there was more ideas, inspiration or examples on how to work offline too. I have no interest in using Spotify.

[@mockingbirdex3450]

Should I have two different labels due to the fact that I will have artists singing in different languages? In the same vein, should I have separate labels for instrumental music and "regular" music? Thanks a lot, love your content! :0)

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Great question! I see the pros of having two labels, and I certainly think that a label should have a "genre" or specific calling card in order to attract more dedicated fans. Having said that, one label is a lot of work, and two labels can get difficult and confusing. Perhaps start one now and then develop that for a year and see if you want to sign more acts to that label or start building your second one.... It may help to be more focused in the beginning. Hope that helps! -Scott

[@48hourrecords]

@@OtherRecordLabels having different languages and genres on your label give you a wide range of scope. just make sure you have language selection on your websites & posts

[@SpawnIsSleepy]

Why not have 1 label, but 2 branches?

[@Nitrotoast1]

As a listener i find it very impressive when a label has music in different languages and different cultures

[@mockingbirdex3450]

@@Nitrotoast1 Thanks for the feedback. :0)

[@onemiketheartist]

I release my music on band amp only

[@robertsimpson5801]

Very interesting video. I appreciate all of the information. Let me ask you for a favor, though… Make your videos viewable in the background on iOS. I’m trying to listen to your video in the background, while GPS-ing my way to a location, and it is impossible because your video will not play in the background!

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Thanks. Is that me or do you need KZbin premium to do that? I’m not sure how I allow that on my end.

[@robertsimpson5801]

@@OtherRecordLabels I think it has something to do with the settings that you put on the video. I don’t have KZbin premium, but all the other videos that I watch allow me too, swipe into the GPS app, and it reduces the window size of the video so that it is still playing while I’m GPS-ing. Thanks again for the very informative video, and for the response to my commented! Sub’d!!!

[@MoneyAli75]

Hit me at the right time thanks !

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Awesome!!

[@thequietproject]

Hi

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Hey!

[@fhajovan]

How much would it cost me to consult with you, I was shot from my neck down and paralyzed I'm standing and walking a bit now, I was dropped while I was in acomma and when I started working I started recording again and haven't reached out to anyone, I'm willing to pay you sir thank u

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Sorry to hear all that! You can book a call here anytime. Http://otherrecordlabels.com/claritycall

[@trackmusic252]

And don't forget the industry pay-for-play to

[@Janchaimo1966]

❤😊🤔👍🙏🎶☺️

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Thanks for watching!

[@ricobowen312]

Is this an interview from the 90s?

[@OtherRecordLabels]

Thanks for watching Rico!

[@elel2608]

8:30 keep expenses low

[@CastleHassall]

What happened to the whole thing of musicians being cool and not being analysts or businessmen/women/undecideds/whatever the thing is they are, just being cool.. No offence but i think we're forgetting what makes us cool in the first place and that counts for more than anything, for people who are looking to escape into some songs, in this too often cr@ppy world.. i think I'm going to stop trying to promote myself and just start trying to enjoy what i loved about being a musician back when i started and i was sure i would be playing in stadiums with my friends in a few years if we just kept at it Best wishes to you if you are reading this and lots of love to you if you need to feel any love and it's been a cr@ppy day or tough times.. Keep on being you, no matter how hard they try to grind it out of us.. from Rolland at Castle Hassall

[@coldhardtruth333]

Right it’s killing creativity ., I can’t be up to date on all social media, write and record my songs, promote, merchandise, press, etc etc . There’s no way .

[@Fred_Free]

Good content, but you have set the compressor wrong (slow attack, fast release and too much makeup gain). 😎

[@cekirdekci32]

Record store??? 😁No record stores left.

[@aaronmarkham4424]

My goal would not be album sales. As the artist, I won't make a dime off of the album, so why should I care if a label makes money off if it. My question is, why should I even bother with a label, convince me why I should ever consider using a label? What the benefit for me if I sign, to hand all profits over to them? Labels are writing my songs. They aren't arranging my songs. They have nothing to do with my writing process, so why should I share anything with a label?

[@afterhoursworld]

Bro, thank you so much, I can't wait to come back to this video and share my success that you would have helped with this info, especially the distribution plug with 3tonemusic.

[@hustletownrecords8068]

The only artists now a days that are making money thanks to music platforms like Spotify are the ones on the top Billboard charts. No profit in music these days

[@olegushakov5074]

this is another marketing video, come on