Introduction to Starting an Independent Record Label

The purpose of establishing an independent record label is to capitalize on the growth of the music business - an industry that continues to grow despite the sluggish state of the world's key economies. Music has become the most popular form of entertainment. Some current statistics which have contributed to this, include the fact that Americans spend more money buying prerecorded music and videos than they do going to the movies or attending sports events …

…Distribution to retail outlets is done through various means; including contractual arrangements with major labels' distribution subsidiaries, independent distributors or through internal retail distribution systems such as Tower Records, Virgin Mega Stores, or Sam Goody's. Promotion of the album/single release: is carried out via a variety of marketing vehicles that include music video, print advertising, radio/TV advertising, radio airplay, in store appearances, retail display, giveaways (i.e. free goods) concert tours and merchandising.