This is a general overview of some of the major decisions and planning an artist must make. Some topics covered include independently releasing records, proving marketability and gaining support. Also discussed is how to approach a release date and distribution problems.

The following piece focuses on basic etiquette in the music industry or the business world in general for that matter. Professionalism is highly valued especially when you are dealing with uptight businessmen.

Starting a label is starting a business. To own a successful business, one must start off with a demanded product. Throw that in with professionalism, work ethic and perseverance and you have the core ingredients to a successful business.

It's a common story among first time rappers to have their albums sitting on the shelves. Understanding the management's perspective and going into the industry with realistic expectations can prevent that from happening.

 

Diana Rappaport is the author of "How To Make and Sell Your Own Recording" and "The Musician's Legal and Business Guide". In this article she details the calculations that record labels are so fond of so it is in the artists best interest to familiarize him/herself with them. 

Let's face it, sometimes thinking about what you want to do next month is hard, not to mention what you might do next year or in five years. But the graveyard of the music business is chock full of cadavers (representing bands and musicians) who couldn't think beyond the next six to twelve months of their careers. The odds of doing anything significant in the music business are long from the start, but artists who can't think beyond the short term have it thousands of times harder.