Demo or open up own label

Here's where i am. I finally done with my album. I have already started my production company and now I am having a problem with deciding whether to press up a demo and send them out or just press up the whole album and send out my business package with the album or just start my own label and push it myself. Ihave some loot to do it. After researching all the things needed to start my own label and or putting out a demo Im at a crossroads between the two. I notice that marketing is key and it cost big time to do it right at the same time the rewards can be wonderful. On the other hand I think I'm good enough to get a deal with the majors. My concern about the demo is will the the majors even listen to it. It seems like the days of getting sign from demo's are gone. It seems like the only or best way to get signed now is to start your own movement. I am a solo Mc/beat maker/ceo of my company. I dont have or roll with a big crew so the movement would just be me. I was thinking of just pressing the album and sending it top the majors and if i dont get any takers then just put it out myself that way i would only have to do one pressing. Also i was thinking of shooting a video. I was thinking of just going and buying one of those 3grand camcorder and shooting and underground video or finding someone that would do it for 5-10grand. anyone that thinks they could help with info please let me know also if you may know of any contacts or shooting videos that would be helpful. Please feel free to give any advice on the best route i should take. Thanks

did i say something wrong here or does anyone have any input. Come on people help out a fellow future producer.

Do a combination of both. My squad is pushing our own material, yet are still putting it in the "right" peoples hands.

The more you do yourself the more of a commodity you become for a label and the more leverage you will have in negotiations.

sell your shit out the trunk style. Use potential fans as research guinea pigs before anything.

Make your own label....sell, sell, sell....The majors will stand up and listen if you can show 20,000 - 30,000 sales at the grass roots level....besides, if the music is cut, it doesn't take much more effort or money to ship completed product over a "demo only"

thanks to all fader pro thats what i thought. It doesnt make sense to packege up the demo then package the album. I was thinking of sending the label the whole album with my buisness plan for my brand and see what pops if nothing happends then I'll keep going as planed and do it myelf. Has anyone here had any experience with that and what advice would you give about it. thanks

DeviousDaOnly wrote:thanks to all fader pro thats what i thought. It doesnt make sense to packege up the demo then package the album. I was thinking of sending the label the whole album with my buisness plan for my brand and see what pops if nothing happends then I'll keep going as planed and do it myelf. Has anyone here had any experience with that and what advice would you give about it. thanks

Instead of sending your entire body if work to a label, just send your best 3 tracks. Most label heads won't listen past that anyway. Here's another avenue you can take to the streets, hit up college campuses and college radio. My crew just completed a mixtape and we're planning on hitting up HBC's (Historically Black Colleges) this fall. The way the rap/hip-hop game is nowadays, you have to make your own noise before the major labels can hear you. Good luck with your project.

Again thanks. I'm just going all in. I'm putting my sh$t out myself. Just finish 14 songs in the studio got two more sessions to go. what do you all think is a good number of tracks for the first album? I was thinking 15. Also for the industry peeps is there or how much is the payola for videos and radio station on average? Peace Gods keep making music

DeviousDaOnly wrote:Again thanks. I'm just going all in. I'm putting my sh$t out myself. Just finish 14 songs in the studio got two more sessions to go. what do you all think is a good number of tracks for the first album? I was thinking 15. Also for the industry peeps is there or how much is the payola for videos and radio station on average? Peace Gods keep making music

I spoke with Flex(Director of Local Talent) at 93.9 as well as the director for WPGC and from what I was told, they no longer accept payola. Could have been hog-wash though. He showed me the closet full of un-opened demos waiting to be featured on the air. I would suggest hitting local clubs and DJ's. Keeping the DJ's cup full of Henny doesnt hurt either. Trust me.

Im in MD too. Greenbelt. Where are you?

Do both.

You sort of answered your own question.................what will make those labels pay attention to your demo? the buzz you create on your own by promoting yourself, marketing, and selling on your own.

BTW. I'd be willing to help you promote in my area (midwest) and have some ideas.

Email me if you are interested. [email protected] do you have a myspace link?

I know you said your movement was basically you, but you gotta have some friends thats heard your music besides those at the studio right? It would be to your advantage to build a team of trusted associates thats down with your music. A team can spread the word a lot faster than one person. just my 2 cents... so much more info out there that can help you find that winning formula...

If you need any help with cheap high quality artwork just let me know....

i can be a great asset to the appearance of you company