How to Start a Record Label: Part 1.
I began my career in Hip Hop in 2003, as a rapper in a group called "Da Line Up", comprised of middle school friends from Fort Lauderdale Florida. In 2010 I started my own record label and in 2013 we begin working with one of the most influential decision makers Ms Wendy Day (http://wendyday.com/), deal-maker for Cash Money, Eminem, David Banner & founder, The Rap Coalition.
As I continue to pursue success in the music industry, I noticed a lack of entrepreneurial thinking, in my fellow artist peers and business professionals.
I ask this question to anyone who views music as more than just a hobby... Why don't you own your own LLC and publishing company?
Publishing is where the wealth is in the music industry and very few people understand that concept.
Now I don't claim to be a lawyer, but I can refer a lawyer named Donald S. Passman, who literally wrote the book on all you need to know in this music industry.
You can buy his book here: http://donpassman.com/books.html
One step to becoming a better business man or woman in Hip Hop is knowing how to acquire publishing.
It’s the reason 50 Cent said: “Puffy own the nigga motherfuckin publishing!!!! Tell him I wanna buy the nigga Jadakiss publishing!” on his song I Run New York feat. Tony Yayo.
Most people don’t know starting your own publishing company is as simple as going to the BMI (www.bmi.com) or ASCAP (www.ascap.com) website, signing up, and paying the fee.
When I first signed up as a publisher it was in 2007, and only cost me $150 through BMI.
The second thing you will need to do to be your own CEO is set up a limited liability company (LLC). This way if someone sues you, your personal funds and business funds are completely separate. If you live in Florida you can do this the same way I did myself, going through our secretary of state website, (www.sunbiz.org), use their E-Filling Services, and select FL Limited Liability Company Articles of Organization. In 2010 when I signed up I think it cost $135 or $150, but don’t quote me. An attorney would charge you $300 - $500 just to do this for you. Make sure before you sign up you check to see if someone has used your company name already in document searches and on Google.
If you don’t live in Florida you can still register.
Simply search in Google, your State Name, followed by Secretary of State. (ex: Georgia Secretary of State, ex: Louisiana Secretary of State)
Once you complete these steps you will be able to open bank an account using your company name. All you need to do is provide your articles of organization, deposit fee, and FREE Tax ID/ EIN number provided to you by the IRS, to the bank of your choice upon request.
Now you can be your own CEO
I’ll be sharing more information on "How to Start a Record Label" soon so check in for Part 2.
By: Cleveland “C-Dub” Williams Jr.
Visit: www.CapitalCliqueRecords.com
#Rapper & #CEO of Capital Clique Records LLC #CCR #CDub
Instagram/Twitter: @CDubCCR
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