Dan McAvinchey is a composer/guitarist living in Raleigh, NC.
He believes every musician or composer has the power to release their own record.
His latest CD release on Guitar Nine Records is entitled "Guitar Haus".
Please direct all comments and suggestions for future columns to Dan McAvinchey.
© Dan McAvinchey
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Click here for a printer-friendly version of "Label Resources".
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Help For Your Independent Label or Release
Many of you, at some time or another, will be exploring the possibility of releasing your own independently produced record, tape, or CD. You may even want to start your own record label. The benefits of doing so are numerous:
- Earnings from sales of a smaller number of independently released recordings can be more profitable than large sales on a major label
- You can start your label and release a record today; you do not have to wait for a label to contact you
- Your future is in your own hands, not in the hands of hardened bureaucrats
- You retain complete creative control over your music
- Releasing your own record is a relatively inexpensive option, and it's a way to get heard
With that in mind, you may need some help in completing a recording project for the first time. Following are reviews of several excellent books on everything from making your record and setting up a label to publishing and legal concerns. Good luck!
Note: All books reviewed may be purchased through our association with Amazon.com Books -- simply click on the book cover to order.
Publicity On The Internet
By: Steve O'Keefe
Let's say that one day you have the brilliant idea of promoting your new record label or new CD on the Internet. Where do you start? What are some of the technical, legal, and netiquette issues that must be understood and mastered in order to promote your music to the tens of millions of users of the Internet? Publicity On The Internet will help you create a publicity campaign specifically for the Internet market. The book is written to help any business, but as such, contains advice and ideas that can be used or adapted to the music community. From ideas on increasing your home page traffic to getting media coverage to planning online events, this book can help you understand the differences between traditional publicity and promotion and the brave new world of Internet publicity. If the Internet is going to be one of your primary sales outlets, you need this book.John Wiley & Sons, ©1996, 400 pp.
The Real Deal : How to Get Signed to a Record Label from A to Z
By: Daylle Deanna Schwartz
Let's say you lack the business knowledge to start and run your own label. Deciding that seeking the traditional record contract is the path you choose, you grab a copy of The Real Deal : How to Get Signed to a Record Label from A to Z. Indispensable insider information on launching a recording career is packed into this essential music industry primer. Any artist in popular music looking to land a record deal will want to get the complete score from this vital industry resource. Also contains advice from top creative and business professionals and a resource section. Strongly recommended for those unable to consider self-release. Watson-Guptill Publishing, ©1997, 256 pp.
The Self-Promoting Musician
By: Peter Spellman
Stressing the point that success as an independent musician will require education and business savvy, Spellman's The Self-Promoting Musician removes the rose-colored glasses that most musicians wear when creating their art to provide sorely needed guidance and information. The book covers topics such as understanding record company dynamics, writing a business/career plan, finding hidden performance opportunities, securing radio airplay and tapping the power of the Internet - all delivered in a no-nonsence, you're-not-a-kid-any-more style. Written for the potential full-time music professional in mind, even part-time musicians can garner a lot of valuable tips and ideas from Spellmen's book. Recommended. Berklee Press Publications, ©2000, 300 pp.
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Label Resources [Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8] |
Additional Columns by Dan McAvinchey
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- And 3 more in the The Essentials series, view the index
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