Record labels cannot function without funds. For record labels to be successful and respected in the music sphere, they have to have sufficient funds for their operation. Securing funds enables record labels to get music projects off the ground, cover music production costs, touring costs, and more.
There have been many cases where record labels went into oblivion because they could no longer secure funds to cover the running of their business. In this post, we will offer you guides of the best possible ways to securing funding for your record label.
Determine How Much You Need
Before you begin sourcing for funds for investment, it is wise to decide how much money you need. This way you can determine how much you should secure. Securing too many funds more than you need could turn out to be unwise especially one that involves paying back. On the other hand, taking little cash can be unwise, leaving a record label to fund most of their operations out-of-pocket. Decide carefully on how much funding your record label needs.
Loan Grants
Start-up businesses in a bid to grow and develop a source for funding via start-up loans. To be able to get loans you will have to approach banks or any other financial institutions. Ensure that you have your business plan, credit score, and whatnot at hand. Note that you should not rely on high-interest lenders. They could cause the growth of your record label to have stunted growth rather than help it develop.
Crowdfunding
A crowdfunding campaign is an alternative and effective method of securing the funding required for investment in a record label. This technique should be considered when you or your artists have a huge and loyal following. Do you want to take your brand on a tour but do not have money for fuel or hiring a car? Do your artistes want to produce albums but they not have enough funds for studio time? Your dedicated followers can help you gather funding to bankroll these operations.
Luckily, there are donation sites where you can source funding for your recording projects. These sites include Kickstarter.com, Rockethub.com, PledgeMusic.com, Artistshare.com,
Endorsements
If your record label is making huge ripples in the music industry, chances are that many top business brands will want to associate themselves with you. If you are making waves in the local and international music scene, private investors and sponsors will be attracted to you. Their investment in your record label can avail you with the cash you need to promote its growth. Approach potential investors and pitch to them what they stand to gain from investing in your record label. Mind you that there are top brands that receive tons of pitches from other labels and musicians. Make yours stand out.
Arts Grants
Arts grants are a great way of sourcing for funding by record labels without having to pay back. They are a financial lifesaver for record labels. Thankfully, there are lots of organizations that offer art grants and provide artistes with the fellowship they need to support their creative and artistic works. You will need to make your project statement and make sure that it is clear and reasonable enough to attract support from the available fans.
Friends and Family
When you have nowhere to turn to and source for funds for your record label, your friends and family can be a viable option. Do not be afraid to ask for their help. Between them, you never can tell who will help you... You can post about your upcoming music project on Facebook and provide a payment method. To win their support you have to structure your brand as a business and offer them a plan of what you will use the money for. They may require you to pay back the loan but you have to give it a shot anyway.
Government Funding
Many parts of the world have a government that provides funding for business start-ups. Most of the loans they grant have low interest or non-repayable. In such places that this happens, government funding is a better alternative than borrowing loans from private investors.
Research government funding for businesses in your area. Ask other record labels and musicians if there are programs of such that may help your business grow. If you find a government funding program, contact them, and apply.
Provide Funding From Your Pocket
There are record labels that fund for their recording projects out-of-pocket. Most times if you have the fund it is better to provide it yourself. This will save you from having to repay loans with interests, which most times are high. When you fund your recording projects with your own money, this might inspire you to work harder and recuperate every dime you injected into the project.
Get a Job on the Side
You may consider having a part-time job to generate additional income to support your record label. The part-time job should be one that avails you enough time to focus on your record label building.
There you have it! Above are some insightful tips to secure funding for musicians and record labels. Whether you are an established or emerging artist or record label, there are lots of funding opportunities for you. However, it is important to make proper research on the particular funding method for proper fund sourcing and investment. Take your time and make careful planning. You should note that these funding opportunities might take time to achieve. Be patient. With the right funding, you can take your music career to the next level.