INDIE-ana Jones...

In recent years, the artist (if he/she has ANY business savvy whatsoever) wears many hats: as producer, manager, stylist, writer, performer etc. There’s no rocket science here. If YOU do more work yourself, you pay others less…especially those powerhouse record labels whose professional colleagues include the likes of Bishop Don Magic Juan. I can think of a four-letter word that describes most record companies. I’ll give you a hint: it starts with a “P” and ends with an “imp.” Frankly, the economy is just not what it used to be and, I for one suggest you take back the money that is rightfully yours. How you ask? Start a record label. Even if you’ve done a less than stellar job of keeping your ear to the street, it has been virtually impossible to miss the recent wave (and by recent I mean within the last 15 years) of indie labels popping up left and right. These folks have got the right idea. Though it’s fairly inevitable that you WILL need the help of a major, being first signed to your own label creates more bargaining power for you. WATCH CLOSELY: Joe Schmoe is a rapper. Schmoe creates a record label, Schmoebility Music Group. Schmoe signs himself to Schmoebility but still needs help with the distribution of his forthcoming project, Schmoe Can On Hay. Schmoe sets up a meeting with a major record company, Phony BMG. Phony is very interested in Schmoe and wants to become involved with the project. Because Schmoe is already signed to Schmoebility, the good folks over at Phony cannot exclusively sign him to their company. The only other option available for Phony to cash in on the Schmoe project is to arrange some sort of partnership. Partnerships = ching ching. They generally call for a more equitable distribution of funds/profits among partners. In laymen’s terms, partners make more money. You’re no longer working for the company…you’re working WITH the company. As easy as I have relayed this information to you, I can assure you that starting a record label is no simple task. Do your research. Until next time, Do YOU, do music.

-Gilles