Readers Respond: Is Start a Record Label a Losing Proposition?

Starting a record label - would you do it? It used to be the dream of music fans - getting to pick the bands and share your favorite music with the public. Now, however, labels are suffering, which begs the question - would anyone really decide to start a label these days? Share you thoughts about starting a record label.

Time, effort and commitment

Personally, and I say this from a position not knowing too much about labels, the way the music industry seems to be heading, people who aren’t an artist will begin to disappear when it comes to starting up your own record label. However, I am beginning to think, even the artists who aren’t established will begin to also disappear. There are many indie labels out there and only a few have really shone through with success. On the other hand, you often find that artists who have ‘made it’ into the music industry, once their contract runs out, decide to open their own music label under their own name. These of which I believe are called Vanity Labels. Due to their apparent success and recognition, these labels are almost practically handed it to them and things often roll out easy. But this is not to say they haven’t worked hard to get where they are today. Starting your own record label has been something I have always wanted to do, and most probably always will be. But it a

—joshwarinaan

Prime USA

I sart a label got a distribution deal with 2 distributors and we are now about to release our first Cd's through Sony for our artist it took awhile but you got to stick to your guns keep push when others tell you to give it up. Believe in yourself and trust in god beacuse with him all things is possible. We currently have 30 artist on the label and 38 projects released. Believe, Love , Trust and never let no one tell you what you can't do

—Guest Rey

Yes, start a record label!

I think anyone who wants to should start a record label. Is it a losing proposition? Well that just depends on how you look at it. If you want to put out 7" vinyl from bands no one's ever heard of, that may be a losing proposition. But if you look intelligently at your costs, it can be done. Put music out digitally costs nothing. Sending music to bloggers in zip files costs nothing. There is a redundancy in the music business - bands with a good booker and PR company don't need a label. But labels still make sense if they are providing a service that bands need - they are just not serving the same purpose labels did in the past. Making money off music is very difficult whether you're a label or an artist. Starting a record label is not a good way to acquire wealth quickly. But if you are passionate about music, starting a label has never been easier. If you're not relying on the label to pay your rent, then you can do it affordably and help out bands that you love.

—Guest Will

Musicians Only

I think the only record labels in the future will be record labels run by musicians.

—Guest Jeff