Has anyone created their own label?

[PeterD]

Hey again!

I've hit an obstacle in my quest to get my first piece of music online. The service I'm trying is Ditto and they need my label info.

What exactly is involved in creating a label and is it worth it? Should I consider an existing label to start off? Or will that hurt me later on?

Always appreciate your feedback!!
Thanks,

Peter

[DesireInspires]

Why do you need to form a label to get music online?

You can just use Tunecore to get your music on iTunes.

[PeterD]

Desire,

Even Tunecore wants label info., no? I might be making more out of this than I should, but if I use one of "their labels" and want to change later, Ditto is saying I can't.

These are the kinds of things that talk me out of proceeding ...

Have you sold anything via a Tunecore membership?

[6bq9]

Make up a name and stick to it. There, now you've got a label.
I didn't make any sales through tunecore, but I have through cdbaby, and in the small volumes I sell, cdbaby is a better deal.

[ottlukk]

In Minnesota, you need three things to be legit. 1) a bank account for your legal entity. 2) a public notice, published in a newspaper, that you are doing business as (dba "your publishing company's name), and 3) registration with the appropriate state body. Terms may vary from state to state. If you achieve any success, you will want to be registered with BMI or ASCAP. If you are fortunate, you will have to go through all these steps. I'm not an attorney, check the legals with someone who is. Ott

[Mic1984]

Good advice in here.

If your not registered with a PRO then I would suggest that as a great place to start. Depending on your market (direct sales, television broadcast, live performance, etc..) it can be typical to register with ASCAP, BMI, etc... as an ARTIST AND as a PUBLISHER.

If your just looking for your own LABEL then that really is any entity that allows you to get you music out and sold. If you spending any amount of money on making music and getting it heard then you could consider yourself a label.

I have seen some people create a new LABEL for each album release.... helps them with financing, investors, royalties, etc...