*Question:* I have no plans _(currently, at least)_ to start a proper _(ie. legitimate, official)_ indie label. I'm an artist who creates under various music projects _(over 4 projects)_ and it started to get a bit all over the place for me. So back around April 2020, I decided to just come up with a name for an impromptu DIY record label. Just as a way to nest my various music endeavors under one convenient space. I came up with a logo and everything, just for the fun of it! No LLC or anything like that. *My question is:* When I sign up with a distributor (thinking between OneRPM & routenote), is it ok for me to just go with this idea since I would have releases on the big streaming platforms? Or would you advise against this? Should I just stick to the label of "independent" rather than _[insert unofficial DIY label name]_ ? I've used the unofficial label name on SoundCloud releases, so far. I found that there's also already a record label in a different state who uses the same name I came up with, and they run it as an LLC. I assume that might be a conflict too?
Sorry I missed this! I would say use the label name. No harm whatsoever and makes things look more legit to the fans. Sorry again for the delay. Stay in touch and I hope you DO start a label. :) -Scott
Hey Raul! Thanks for watching and for the feedback! Check out this video for details on how to start a record label. m.th-cam.com/video/zecP36WNNhM/w-d-xo.html
I'm not sure if this question makes sense, but what does a distributor do? like, what process do they follow to get music distributed? and would that be a feasible thing to do independently?
Great question Andrew! In addition to providing you with UPCs and ISRCs, the distributors have an internal system that takes your audio and artwork and album information and submits it properly to all of music platforms. They also ensure that your existing catalog is sent to any new platforms that come up. Not only is this convenient and efficient, it is also the only way it can be done. Most of the major platforms (Apple, Spotify, Amazon) do not accept music submissions from indie artists. It ingestion process must occur using an aggregator like CDBaby or DistroKid or through an official Distributor like The Orchard or Secretly Distribution.
Hey quick question or well maybe more than one but, I'm 16 and I just started up like a small label, and so like when I release stuff under my label for example what if the person I'm releasing for doesn't have a Spotify Artist account, will Spotify take care of that stuff?
Hey Mylo, you’re digital distributor (CD baby, distrokid, Etc) usually helps guide you in setting that up for the artist. The artist will need a personal Spotify account (free or premium) and then the distributor can help connect their account with their artist page. This can only be done once the artist has a release live on Spotify.
![How to Manufacture Cassette Tapes - Tips for DIY Artists and Indie Record Labels [2023]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1GbCJ9J37T0/mqdefault.jpg)
![How to Manufacture Cassette Tapes - Tips for DIY Artists and Indie Record Labels [2023]](/img/tr.png)
*Question:* I have no plans _(currently, at least)_ to start a proper _(ie. legitimate, official)_ indie label.
I'm an artist who creates under various music projects _(over 4 projects)_ and it started to get a bit all over the place for me.
So back around April 2020, I decided to just come up with a name for an impromptu DIY record label. Just as a way to nest my various music endeavors under one convenient space. I came up with a logo and everything, just for the fun of it! No LLC or anything like that.
*My question is:* When I sign up with a distributor (thinking between OneRPM & routenote), is it ok for me to just go with this idea since I would have releases on the big streaming platforms? Or would you advise against this? Should I just stick to the label of "independent" rather than _[insert unofficial DIY label name]_ ?
I've used the unofficial label name on SoundCloud releases, so far. I found that there's also already a record label in a different state who uses the same name I came up with, and they run it as an LLC. I assume that might be a conflict too?
Sorry I missed this! I would say use the label name. No harm whatsoever and makes things look more legit to the fans. Sorry again for the delay. Stay in touch and I hope you DO start a label. :) -Scott
It’s a topic that interests me and I would have subscribed if I had found any information at all on how to actually start a record label.
Hey Raul! Thanks for watching and for the feedback! Check out this video for details on how to start a record label. m.th-cam.com/video/zecP36WNNhM/w-d-xo.html
🎶🔥
Thanks Ace! -Scott
I'm not sure if this question makes sense, but what does a distributor do? like, what process do they follow to get music distributed? and would that be a feasible thing to do independently?
Great question Andrew! In addition to providing you with UPCs and ISRCs, the distributors have an internal system that takes your audio and artwork and album information and submits it properly to all of music platforms. They also ensure that your existing catalog is sent to any new platforms that come up. Not only is this convenient and efficient, it is also the only way it can be done. Most of the major platforms (Apple, Spotify, Amazon) do not accept music submissions from indie artists. It ingestion process must occur using an aggregator like CDBaby or DistroKid or through an official Distributor like The Orchard or Secretly Distribution.
Hey quick question or well maybe more than one but, I'm 16 and I just started up like a small label, and so like when I release stuff under my label for example what if the person I'm releasing for doesn't have a Spotify Artist account, will Spotify take care of that stuff?
Hey Mylo, you’re digital distributor (CD baby, distrokid, Etc) usually helps guide you in setting that up for the artist. The artist will need a personal Spotify account (free or premium) and then the distributor can help connect their account with their artist page. This can only be done once the artist has a release live on Spotify.
@@OtherRecordLabels Okay cool so I'm using Distrokid so they just need a Spotify account and than DistroKid/Spotify does all the rest?