Record Labels

Looking For A Record Deal...Read This First!

In the U.S. alone there are hundreds of Record Label Companies. Independent Record Labels make up the majority of these…some great…some not so great. Then there are the Major Labels who make up the other percentage. (Sony, RCA, Universal, Etc.)

Any business minded individual can open up an Independent Label. A business license, tax I.D. number, a computer and some various contracts and your under way…an owner of your very own company. Of course, money, time and more money will help. By definition...if you own the rights to the glass masters from which the music is pressed...you are a Record Label.

Most Independents will not go all out and seek national distribution to sell CD’s right away…nor should they. National distribution should be left for the Majors who have the capital to spend on developing an artist or band and the thousands of dollars to spend on marketing, promotion, touring, and distribution.

Instead… will mainly focus on the artists or bands hometown area. Concentrating or expanding the fan base in the local community where the artist or band originates. Often Independent Labels work out consignment deals with retailers for local CD distribution and promote from within local college and radio stations. Eventually building enough of a local base to start looking outward for national distribution, song licensing, or developing a national touring act…but it should always start at home.

A Record Label may be operated from a small office with a single individual to a large company with multiple divisions…management, marketing, distribution, A&R…you get the picture. Most will have major contacts throughout the industry to collaborate and pool resources.

A Record Label may only have a handful of Artists or Bands they represent and promote while others may have hundreds of Artists and Bands in which to work with. A Record Label may only have an interest in specific genres of music or maybe “just Solo Artists” or “just Bands”. Also keep in mind…that just because they are a Record Label does not mean they are accepting demo tapes or submissions, so be sure to check with them beforehand. Many Record Labels will have a submission form to fill out and or specific requirements which have to be met. I can’s stress enough…shop carefully and ask lots of questions when shopping for a record deal. If you’re ready to shop for that record deal and in search of a recording contract we have put together a Ohio Record Labels will mainly focus on the artists or bands hometown area. Concentrating or expanding the fan base in the local community where the artist or band originates. Often Independent Labels work out consignment deals with retailers for local CD distribution and promote from within local college and radio stations. Eventually building enough of a local base to start looking outward for national distribution, song licensing, or developing a national touring act…but it should always start at home.

A Record Label may be operated from a small office with a single individual to a large company with multiple divisions…management, marketing, distribution, A&R…you get the picture. Most will have major contacts throughout the industry to collaborate and pool resources.

A Record Label may only have a handful of Artists or Bands they represent and promote while others may have hundreds of Artists and Bands in which to work with. A Record Label may only have an interest in specific genres of music or maybe “just Solo Artists” or “just Bands”. Also keep in mind…that just because they are a Record Label does not mean they are accepting demo tapes or submissions, so be sure to check with them beforehand. Many Record Labels will have a submission form to fill out and or specific requirements which have to be met. I can’s stress enough…shop carefully and ask lots of questions when shopping for a record deal. If you’re ready to shop for that record deal and in search of a recording contract we have put together a Free Directory of Ohio Record Labels to get you started. One of these labels could be your ticket and will have the resources to help you at a local level.

If you feel Ohio’s not enough…no need to worry. We are currently updating our database and will soon be able to provide you with a National List of over 1,000 Record Labels. This list includes all the Major Labels and well as Independent Record Labels located right here in the USA. Music genres, location, and contact information will be included.

We trust we have succeeded in answering some of your questions concerning Record Labels and anticipate the information provided will guide you towards success.

Home