These days labels want from artist(s)/bands the following things.

One: Provable fan interaction based on live-show ticket, merch, and CD/Download sales documented through a third-party payment processor and industry reporting source.

Two: Songs with a clear license (which means has not been placement with digital aggregators such as CD Baby, TuneCore, etc.)

Three: A solid business structure (signed band agreements and more).

Four: Consistent marketing.

Therefore, these beg the questions —

First, why do you need a label if you are already doing it all anyway? In other words, what do they bring to the table other than their hunger for your profits?

Second, if your success is getting big and you need an investor (such as a label), when is it best to bring them on? Furthermore, how can they be held accountable for their end of the deal?

I wrote this book for indie artists who are searching for answers. Many interviews and solid, clear information presented in a reader-friendly format. Click here to buy hard copy from Amazon.com.  Click here to get the ebook version.

I also started a software service called MyDigitalCatalog.com for songwriters to manage everything from splits to work-for-hire agreements and more that are necessary to prove clearances.

I did all this because I am also a songwriter (not the artist) and I had to confirm that the people I did business with weren’t holding my songs hostage because their business structure sucked.

I hope this helps you with your forward planning.

If you want to know more about the third-party sales reporting, get hold of these folks here: