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Record Labels

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.). Read what some A&R reps have to say about signing a Major Record Deal.

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 first off…nor should they. National distribution should be left to the labels 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…the smaller Independent Labels, who make up the majority of Ohio Record Labels, will mainly focus on the artists or bands hometown area. Concentrating on creating 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 first.

A 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 label may only have a handful of Artists or Bands they market and promote while others may have hundreds of Artists and Bands in which to work with. A 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 label does not mean they are accepting demo tapes or submissions, so be sure to check with them beforehand. Many 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 label.

If you’re ready to shop for that label and in search of a recording contract, or maybe just a place to sell your music, 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 and possibly even at a national level. Music genres, location, and contact information are included in many of the listings.

I hope we have succeded in answering some of the questions you may have had about Record Labels. We're looking forward to seeing your music on one of them!