Alright, now that your label has a name, a structure, and a network that is starting to take shape, it's time for the key step: recruiting your artists. This is the time to make your label shine by finding the talents who will bring your musical vision to life. This step is like a treasure hunt where each artist is a potential nugget... and you are the talent scout.
🌎 4.1 – Define the style and artistic universe you are looking for
Before you start hunting for artists, take a moment to think about your label's identity. Each label has its own style, its own unique style, its own vibe. What sound makes you vibrate? Is it atmospheric techno, experimental hip-hop, or minimalist pop? The clearer your style is, the easier it will be to spot artists who match.
Think of your label as a unique playlist: each artist should bring their own color to it, but the whole thing should also remain coherent. If you want to create a true "crew" of talent, your artists should share this vision.
🔍 4.2 – Go scouting: where and how to find the nuggets
Let's take action! There are several options available to you to go in search of the talents that will make the future of your label. A short guide to the best "hunting areas":
- Online music platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and even TikTok are full of young artists posting their music. It’s a great way to discover lesser-known talent. Take the time to explore categories, hashtags, and playlists to find sounds that stand out from the crowd.
- Concerts and open mics: There’s nothing like a live performance to capture the energy of an artist. Attend local concerts, open mics, DJ nights—any event where emerging talent comes to perform. And a little tip: after the concert, go chat with the artists. This is often where the most authentic connections are made.
- Social media: Check out Instagram and TikTok, where many musicians and producers share snippets of their projects. Specific hashtags (#newartist, #musicproject, #newsound) can help you find talent that might be a good fit for your label.
- Recommendations: Don't hesitate to ask around, whether it's friends, other artists, or industry professionals. Networks are often the best detectors of new talent!
🔗 4.3 – Create an authentic connection: feeling above all
Once you’ve found an artist you’re interested in, it’s time to get in touch. But be careful, no ultra-formal message like “We, Label Records, have the honor…” – on the contrary! Opt for a sincere and relaxed contact. Tell us what you liked about his or her music, why you think he or she would be a good match for your label, and talk about your vision for the project.
Some tips for a great first contact:
- Be yourself: explain why you are creating this label and what you want to bring to the music scene. It shows that you are motivated and that you are not just looking to “recruit”.
- Highlight the label's values: artists are sensitive to the universe and values of a label. If you want to promote authenticity, experimentation, or the DIY side, say it clearly!
- Suggest a meeting or an exchange: nothing better than a coffee, a video call or even a simple call to get to know each other better and see if the vibe is right.
📌 4.4 – Set common goals: build a project together
Once you have a good connection with an artist, talk about your respective visions for the future. What are their goals? What are they looking for in a label? It's important to understand their expectations and see if they are in line with what you have in mind for the label.
Talk about possible projects: an EP, a single, a series of live shows, collabs with other artists on the label, etc. Communication is the key to getting everyone on the same page and knowing where they're going.
📄 4.5 – The basics of the contract: setting the rules without losing the fun
Now the serious stuff begins: the contract. Don’t panic, this doesn’t mean you have to come up with a 50-page document full of legal jargon. But some essential points need to be clear from the start: duration of the collaboration, rights management, and revenue distribution.
Some points to remember:
- The duration of the agreement: is it a contract for a project (a single, an EP) or a long-term collaboration?
- Rights: Who owns what? Make sure rights are shared fairly and equitably. We’ll talk more about this in a future article.
- Income: Even if you don't manage millions at the beginning, clarify the distribution of income. Generally, it's a percentage of sales or streams. And even if it's still small money at the beginning, it might as well be clear.
A word of advice: if this is your first contract and you are not comfortable with legal issues, get help from a consultant or a lawyer specialized in music. It is better to be safe and avoid hassles.
You can find contract templates on the internet but one of the best resource sites is the federation of independent labels, la Félin, you can join it to have access to lots of really useful things when you start but also afterwards.
🩷 4.6 – Pamper your artists: create a team where it’s good to work
An artist who feels good in a label is an artist who will give the best of himself. So, invest time to support your talents: help them promote their music, attend their shows, and make sure they have optimal working conditions. Being there for them is as important as business.
Some ideas to show that you are a real cool label manager:
- Encourage and communicate: a little word of support costs nothing and always motivates.
- Organize team events: a joint studio session, a meal between artists, or even a creative weekend – anything that brings the team together is a plus!
- Stay open to feedback: your label is a shared adventure. Listen to what your artists have to say, whether it's creative ideas or constructive criticism.
With these steps, you are ready to recruit talented artists, create a real team, and lay the foundations for musical projects that rock. This step is one of the most exciting in creating a label: this is where your universe comes to life, carried by artists who vibrate as much as you for this musical adventure!