[lance daly]

Releasing your own music on CD means that, for all intents and
purposes, you've become your own record label, even if you didn't go
about the administrative tasks of setting up a separate company. A
record label is in the business of releasing records; since you've
done that or plan to do it very shortly, you are already performing
the job of a record label. It makes sense to take a few simple,
additional steps to formalize what you are doing under the business
title of Record Label. The advantages of doing this a Giving your
activities a separate name helps you establish an identity or a brand
name, and gives it a professional look (plus, it just sounds better).
When your recordings sell, you can accept checks made out to the
label, instead of Joe Blow, Musician. This establishes your income as
coming from recording activities. If you ever decide to record or
release music by other musicians, their music can be produced under
your label. As a separate business you can lease equipment (computers,
recording equipment), establish a commercial bank account, and accept
credit cards as payment for your records.
Many labels were started by artists with the sole purpose of putting
out their own music. The classic story, often repeated, is A&M
Records, which Herb Alpert allegedly started with $500 and a dream.
You can begin small and just put out your own music on your own label.
At some point you may decide it will be time to release other
musician's work on your label. There are some benefits to doing this;
a multi-artist label has an easier time getting distribution deals and
when your records are not selling well, income from other artists on
your label may sustain you and keep the dream alive. Just ask Madonna.
Don't think it costs a lot of money to set up a record label; the
costs associated with manufacturing your cassettes or CDs will far
overshadow any money spent on giving your activities an official
title. For now, let's just get a record label established to release
your own music.
http://recordlabelme.blogspot.com/#