by Christopher Scum

Created on: March 20, 2007

Does your Band really need a Label to make it in the music business?
Tips for being in an independent band.

Just a heads up I'm writing to competent musicians. If you are just starting out in your first band take all the time limits I give and triple them.
In the 60's 70's, 80's and even the 90's bands looked at getting signed to a label as the end all to be all. For many it was. They would capture the attention of a major label and the

next thing they were touring in support of their album which was being distributed all over the country, and in many cases the world.
So every band with a dream made up very professional promotional packs, which was generally their demo, a Bio, pictures, news articles, list of where they played and sometimes a long list of personal references. Very glossy. They then sent these out too every label they could afford to. More musicians went by the wayside, unnoticed than actually made it to the big leagues.
There was just too much competition, too many bands and not enough labels. So in the late 70's early 80's independent labels started popping up everywhere. This was mostly bands that had enjoyed moderate success wanted to put their earnings back in the business by literally betting on other bands. If a friends band really had it going on and was seen as a potential hit, chances are the label would stick their neck out and sign them. Set them up with a tour and distribution. If the label guy's own band was doing well enough, they might even cover recording expenses for his friend. Of course that friend better be more than just a good buddy he better have music that's going to sell albums and pack some shows. Otherwise the label takes the hit. That's why so many independent labels are here today gone tomorrow.
These day's there are thousands of small independent labels. Half the musicians that put a CD release out want to call themselves record labels. These are guys to be careful of. Kids just out of high school with a little of daddy's money but absolutely
no idea how the business works. They're predestined to go belly up, don't go with them.
Presently it makes as much sense to be your own record label, in other words just remain an independent band than spend all your time trying to get on some two bit label that's just going to waste your time.
If you got the sound you're absolutely sure you want than you should spend at least 6 to 8 months playing local shows, practicing in your garage, and writing. If you can somehow record

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