So you want to know how to start a rap record label? It's not surprising that many aspiring musicians would rather start their own rap record label than be signed by a studio. After all, the music industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. It is easier to get a bigger chunk of that amount if you handle your own affairs, so to speak.
Thanks to the advanced musical and recording technology today, you don't need to be a media mogul to start a record label. It won't be cheap-after all, you need to invest on equipment or, at the very least, rent a studio to create your product. But compared to several years ago, the machinery needed to start a record label is more accessible now. Because of this, independent releases became quite common in recent years. Anyone with the equipment (or the money to rent the equipment) and the talent can create a record as good as the ones made by Eminem, 2Pac, or Jay-Z, among many others.
Still, before you even think about the steps on how to start a record label (regardless of the genre of music), you still need to clarify a few things. Here are some questions you need to answer before you can start a hip or hop or rap record label:
" Where can I get the equipment? Do you even know what equipment you need to record and produce your music? This is one of your two major concerns. As a start-up record label, you don't need your own recording studio; you can survive by renting one. Many artists, especially the independent ones, record their albums inside their own rooms using desktop-based music programs.
" Who is your artist? Are you considering how to start a hip hop label so you can record yourself, or do you have another artist in mind? Essentially, your artist should be your primary concern. Make sure he or she is good-otherwise, you should simply give up on your plans.
" How do you plan to distribute your album? This is no longer a major problem when considering how to start a record label. After all, besides brick and mortar stores, you can now sell your music online. But still, you have to consider: how do you plan to do this? What system will you use? It would take some time before iTunes will carry your record (if at all), so make sure you can set up an online venue to sell your music.
" Can you take care of the legalities of your enterprise? At the very top of the list when considering how to start a rap record label: the copyright on your music.
These are only some of the questions you need to consider and eventually answer if you dream of starting your own rap record label. Remember: even with the technology, starting a record label is still a daunting enterprise.