TradeMark Express Blog: All Things Trademark

TradeMark Express Starting a Business Series: Record Label

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the Small Business Administration, Entrepreneur, Start Up Journal, Wall Street Journal & Nolo’s Starting a Business – Resource Center. All four are great informational resources for the new/small business owner.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

National Association of Record Industry Professionals
Recording Industry Association of America
The Association of Independent Music

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

Start and Run Your Own Record Label, Revised and Expanded Edition by Daylle Deanna Schwartz
Label Launch: A Guide to Independent Record Recording, Promotion, and Distribution by Veronika Kalmar
Music Business Made Simple: Start An Independent Record Label by J.S. RUDSENSKE

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check out these free articles:

Social Networking and Music: MySpace Puts it All Together in a Virtual Community by Scott G
So You Wanna Learn How to Start a Record Label by Dayne Herren

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!