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The independent record label

Snoogans775	Date: June 8, 2007 @ 7:04 PM Now, I know that there's plenty of reasons for a person to not/really want to join any kind of label, but I am curious about something. I am preparing to distribute 500 copies of my CD through CDBaby and gigs. Would I greatly benefit from declaring my own record label, or is it a waste of time? and if so, what would be the best way to do this?
leedsquietman	Date: June 8, 2007 @ 7:46 PM the taxman would say it's a good idea for such a small venture, especially if it barely profits you if at all, you might want to think about - cost of company registration and cost of getting a UPC code is going to be pushing 1200 dollars. Then you need to set up a business bank account, which is also a ballache and you may have a hard time being approved for one. Now this may prove to be a good investment if you plan on releasing several CDs over the years or promoting other people's work via your label. And even after that, setting up distribution deals (CDBaby, MusicPill are great for small individual releases but their admin costs are not cost effective for multiple releases over a period of time) and publishing deals need to be considered. Most independent artists on smaller labels still have publishing deals and don't do the 'mail to yourself' copyright. I think registering copyright of your songs is more important than setting up a label as a priority.
zedsalt	Date: June 9, 2007 @ 10:35 AM I don't really see any great benefit or detriment, to be blunt. You can file a "fictitious name" or "DBA" statement with your county clerk for pocket change, practically. Distributing through CDBaby, I think a free UPC code is part of the package. Your sales at gigs wouldn't be tracked by Soundscan, but that's true for the overwhelming majority of acts.
officernarc	Date: June 10, 2007 @ 12:07 AM yeah, it really doesn't matter, to tell the truth. i mean, sure it might sound a bit more professional telling people you're on so-and-so records - though if you're looking to hook up with a distributor who isn't cd baby, it might be a little easier.
ebarbarella	Date: July 2, 2007 @ 4:29 PM we have our own record label but its the same, you dont need one to sell your own cds. you only need a barcode, you can get one here @ DMusic