If you’re the music manager of a major record label, or even just a small indie label, keeping track of your artists and their music can be difficult. Thankfully, there are tools made specifically for managing your catalogues including royalty software and online music distribution services that make it easier to get your sounds heard.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Record Label Management Software, royalty software for publishers, music catalogue management, and how to manage a record label.
Record Label Management Software
If you’re running a record label, you need to have a good management software. This will help you keep track of your finances and make sure that your artists are staying on schedule with their projects. In addition, it’s also helpful to have some sort of database management system since you’ll be dealing with so many different people every day.
The key component of most record label management software is the ability to manage a large number of musicians and tracks.
The key component of most record label management software is the ability to manage a large number of musicians and tracks. This is an essential function for any music industry professional, whether they’re a solo artist or part of a group like The Beatles or Fleetwood Mac.
Because there are so many artists in your system, it’s important to be able to keep track of each one’s progress individually as well as on an album-by-album basis. You’ll also want to be able to track how much money you’ve made from each release and how much money you’ve spent on marketing campaigns for each album.
In addition, you can have a record label management software that allows you to manage your business and keep track of your finances.
In addition, it allows you to manage your business and keep track of your finances. You can use the software to track your income and expenses, as well as profit and loss. This way, you can know exactly what is going on with each release that comes out of the studio. It also allows you to keep track of all the money coming in from various sources such as CD sales and licensing fees so that it can be properly distributed among those who deserve it most—you!
Record label management software should allow you to use batch processing functions with ease, as well as being able to process single files quickly and efficiently.
The record label management software you use should be able to process single files quickly and easily.
You also want to find a program that can handle batch processing with ease.
A good software program will allow you to share your work with other people in your organization, especially if those people are working remotely.
A good software program will allow you to share your work with other people in your organization, especially if those people are working remotely. This can be a challenge, because sharing data over a network is not always simple or seamless. A cloud service can help you solve this problem by allowing users to sync their files and collaborate on them from anywhere at any time.
However, there are some drawbacks to using cloud services as well: they may not always be available when needed; they often have limited storage space (which means that you may have to pay extra fees); they require an internet connection; and some of them are expensive depending on which one you use.
A VPN or virtual private network is another option for sharing data across the Internet; however, it’s important not only find one that has good security features but also one that doesn’t cost too much money since there might be more costs involved than just paying for monthly access fees every month (for example if there are additional charges based on how much bandwidth has been used).
Record label management software can help you get better organized and can save time for your staff.
Record Label Management Software can help you better organize your work and get a handle on the finances of your company. It can also be a great tool for sharing information with people outside of your organization.
Record label management software is designed to help you keep track of the various tasks that need to be done in order to run a successful record label or music business. This software offers many different features, but all types of record label management software will include some basic functions such as scheduling appointments, sending mass emails and notes and creating invoices.
royalty software for publishers
Make a complex, time-consuming process much easier and more efficient
With Schilling Royalty, you handle every agreement on time and accurately. In fact, you’ll calculate payments three times faster than with Excel and issue payments twice as fast as via manual methods. And servicing your authors, contributors, and rights owners is easy, thanks to fully automated routines and customised agreement templates.
Once you’ve entered an agreement into the system, royalties are calculated automatically – making even quantity-dependent rates and deductions simple and 100% accurate. Everything is available in one intuitive system, either as a separate module integrated with your current finance system or as an integrated part of a combined Contract, Rights & Royalty solution. Regular system updates ensure that it stays user-friendly. So the only surprise you might get with your annual result is that there are no surprises.
Calculate royalties at the touch of a button
Once you have created the agreements in the system, royalties from each sale are settled automatically with predefined rates, prices, etc. Royalty settlement is simple for all sales channels.
Take full control of your catalog, copyrights and data with a secure and scalable software platform tailored to your unique requirements.
Core Platform
Our core platform gives you an enterprise grade foundation which can be built on with a range of additional modules.
Our core platform gives you an enterprise grade foundation which can be built on with a range of additional modules.
A smart, centralized platform for your business
Manage everything in one place with a system that organizes and simplifies complex rights and data. Give your team a single source of data truth.
Total visibility into your assets and IP
Get a complete picture of your assets and rights and present your catalog through beautiful, searchable front-end portals.
Simplified and streamlined workflows
Be more efficient with tools to streamline rights, catalog management, search, playlists, pitching, licensing, and reporting.
Additional Modules
Build on our core platform with a range of additional modules
Build on our core platform with a range of additional modules
“Clearflow” Module
Manage multiple clearance requests and licensing workflows at scale. Ensure compliance with rights owners and PROs for the use of music in productions and compilations.
Contracts Module
Easily manage licensing contracts with extensive asset and rights database tools and integration capabilities. Maintain historic data and agreements whilst capturing forthcoming negotiation points.
Data API Module
Integrate with multiple data providers to source missing metadata, including publishing and master information and data from other Synchtank clients, partners, and PRO databases.
Data Warehouse Module
Offload reporting to an external data warehouse for faster processing. Build and define your own sophisticated reporting/BI tools with little to no technical input.
Licensing & Invoicing Module
Monetize your catalog with a wide range of licensing and e-commerce solutions, from a la carte to subscriptions. Send and receive licenses and tax forms and issue and track invoices.
API Connector & Direct API Access Module
Work with the tools you already use – integrate with third party systems like Salesforce, as well as Spotify analytics and invoicing and royalty systems.
Data API Module
Integrate with multiple data providers to source missing metadata, including publishing and master information and data from other Synchtank clients, partners, and PRO databases.
Data Warehouse Module
Offload reporting to an external data warehouse for faster processing. Build and define your own sophisticated reporting/BI tools with little to no technical input.
Delivery Module
Deliver track data to specified endpoints, such as distributors and other third-parties, and create custom delivery packages, set ups, routes, and data mapping.
Lyrics Module
Enhance your search capabilities by importing licensed and verified song lyrics that are mapped to assets and works in the system.
Streaming Stats Module
Ingest data and statistics for artists and tracks to understand how they have performed across key streaming and social media platforms.
Synchronization Module
Synchronize assets and data between your system and other Synchtank client’s systems. Configure connection settings to suit the requirements of you and your partners.
Artist Portal Module
Allow artists to upload and manage their own tracks, data, and artist information (e.g., bios and photos) in the system via a dedicated artist portal.
Branding and Localization Module
Work easily across multiple territories and time zones. Tailor your system for different markets and licensing provisions.
Bonnierförlagen makes full use of Schilling Publishing
One of Europe’s leading publishing groups, Bonnierförlagen, says Schilling has a very far-sighted and solution-oriented approach – with “a genuine willingness to get from A to B in the best possible way.”
Because royalty calculation is quite complex and at the same time one of the most important financial transactions for a publisher, we chose Schilling because Schilling has the most efficient royalty solution in the market as far as we know.
music catalogue management
Take full control of your catalog, copyrights and data with a secure and scalable software platform tailored to your unique requirements.
Core Platform
Our core platform gives you an enterprise grade foundation which can be built on with a range of additional modules.
Our core platform gives you an enterprise grade foundation which can be built on with a range of additional modules.
A smart, centralized platform for your business
Manage everything in one place with a system that organizes and simplifies complex rights and data. Give your team a single source of data truth.
Total visibility into your assets and IP
Get a complete picture of your assets and rights and present your catalog through beautiful, searchable front-end portals.
Simplified and streamlined workflows
Be more efficient with tools to streamline rights, catalog management, search, playlists, pitching, licensing, and reporting.
Additional Modules
Build on our core platform with a range of additional modules
Build on our core platform with a range of additional modules
“Clearflow” Module
Manage multiple clearance requests and licensing workflows at scale. Ensure compliance with rights owners and PROs for the use of music in productions and compilations.
Contracts Module
Easily manage licensing contracts with extensive asset and rights database tools and integration capabilities. Maintain historic data and agreements whilst capturing forthcoming negotiation points.
Data API Module
Integrate with multiple data providers to source missing metadata, including publishing and master information and data from other Synchtank clients, partners, and PRO databases.
Data Warehouse Module
Offload reporting to an external data warehouse for faster processing. Build and define your own sophisticated reporting/BI tools with little to no technical input.
Licensing & Invoicing Module
Monetize your catalog with a wide range of licensing and e-commerce solutions, from a la carte to subscriptions. Send and receive licenses and tax forms and issue and track invoices.
API Connector & Direct API Access Module
Work with the tools you already use – integrate with third party systems like Salesforce, as well as Spotify analytics and invoicing and royalty systems.
Data API Module
Integrate with multiple data providers to source missing metadata, including publishing and master information and data from other Synchtank clients, partners, and PRO databases.
Data Warehouse Module
Offload reporting to an external data warehouse for faster processing. Build and define your own sophisticated reporting/BI tools with little to no technical input.
Delivery Module
Deliver track data to specified endpoints, such as distributors and other third-parties, and create custom delivery packages, set ups, routes, and data mapping.
Lyrics Module
Enhance your search capabilities by importing licensed and verified song lyrics that are mapped to assets and works in the system.
Streaming Stats Module
Ingest data and statistics for artists and tracks to understand how they have performed across key streaming and social media platforms.
Synchronization Module
Synchronize assets and data between your system and other Synchtank client’s systems. Configure connection settings to suit the requirements of you and your partners.
Artist Portal Module
Allow artists to upload and manage their own tracks, data, and artist information (e.g., bios and photos) in the system via a dedicated artist portal.
Branding and Localization Module
Work easily across multiple territories and time zones. Tailor your system for different markets and licensing provisions.
how to manage a record label
1. Choose The Music
This may seem obvious, but choosing the music you’re going to sell is a pretty fundamental decision. Once they know you’re starting a music label, artists everywhere will want to get in on the action, but you can’t help everybody – being a successful label is more about curation than anything else. It’s often better for new labels to have a relatively narrow focus in what genres they are intending to sell.
This narrow focus and specialism is key, and it also corresponds to formats. Take some time and really think about whether you are going to sell physical items or just be a download-only label. Be realistic about physical products – they cost a lot to produce and you don’t want to be left with rooms full of CDs and Vinyls that you’re struggling to sell. Listen to your friends and people around you, because getting the product right is the key to success.
2. Choose The Name
The next step is to create an identity for your record label. Research your competitors and how they are branded. Creating the right kind of identity for your label is incredibly important, given that in the international digital age this will be your shop window. Put together a list of names and test them out with friends, remember to listen and not get to caught up one idea. If you want a website then it will make sense to include your record label in it, so register your chosen name and make sure it’s available. You can do this via the National Business Register or if you’re setting up a Limited Company, you can do it online via Companies House.
3. Establish A Brand Look
Similar to the importance of your record label name, you will also need to produce logos and a brand identity. Keep it simple and easy to read – the likelihood is that your logo will change in size to fit in on banners and website posts. This is the first thing people will see, and it will be recognised for years if you manage to start a successful independent record label.
Take some time over your logo – If you want to be taken seriously, your brand needs to look professional, and while it’s entirely possible to design it yourself, the touch of a professional is invaluable. Consider hiring a freelance designer on Fiverr at least, but make sure you communicate with them first about your aspirations for the brand and choose a designer who seems to be on the same wavelength.
4. Build A Website/Register The Name
How much does it cost to start a record label? One very likely initial cost is a website. Websites give you a base for your customers to go and find out everything they need to know about you, your releases, gigs, videos, and most importantly a shop to sell your music. While it’s possible to use a free website builder to create something, the professional appearance given by a .com address over a longer URL can be important for many. Sites like WordPress can deal with both at the same time, but do your homework beofre you choose a web provider – this is a service you’ll depend on for years.
Alongside your website, make sure you set up social media channels, and make sure the channels and website link to each other. Any of these channels could be the ‘way in’ for a customer or fan to engage with your label – whether that means buying something or finding information about an event, so make sure they head in the right direction.
5. Get Your Tracks Sounding Good (Mastered)
This is the product you’re going to be selling, so it’s important to get your tracks sounding professional. There are two things that can let down a track: one is the arrangement and the other is the mix. Tweaking either one of these things could make a difference between a hit and a flop. Compare your tracks against your competitors on different speakers and playback devices, including inside a car. Friends will tend to like anything you do, so really try and get some constructive criticism out of them – you don’t want your label to be known as an outlet for poorly mixed tracks.
Nowadays, a lot of bedroom producers aren’t getting their tracks mastered properly, and that’s not a good look for a record label. Mastering can cost money but will always be worth it for those who want to look professional and sound professional. Forget using your mate with a cracked copy of Logic and mastering plugins that crash their computer every hour! Invest some money and get your tracks mastered to a professional standard. This is especially important if you are thinking of pressing to vinyl.
6. Promotion
There used to be no way to start a record label without money, but these days promotion requires only time and an internet connection. It’s time to get some interest building around your new tracks, logo and website. Here’s where those Facebook, Soundcloud, Youtube, Instagram and Twitter accounts come in. Try and be active on social media, but don’t swamp your audience with pointless personal information, but don’t come across to corporate and lifeless online,
At the same time, try and reply to everyone that sends messages, as personal touches go a long way. Start building a database of email addresses and start a newsletter with updates and free giveaways – people love free stuff!
7. Know The Contract
By now you’ve done lots of hard work, so why not start making some money off your artists? If your label is releasing music made by other artists, then make sure your agreement with them is fair and binding. This doesn’t always mean bringing in high-powered lawyers – so long as the terms you’ve agreed are clearly set out in a document, printed and signed by you and the artist in question, then you’re up and running. It’s up to you to negotiate the terms and agreements – just remember, everything is better in writing, so if something were to happen you have a legally binding letter to fall back on.
8. Get Your Artists Playing Live
Although the amount of money spent on buying and streaming music is increasing, the amount that we go out and watch our favourite artists has shot right up. Playing live is the most effective form of publicity and will lead to direct to selling units. Be sure to plug your site and even get a friend to set up a stall with your merchandise, CDs, T-Shirts etc. This is a great way of getting your brand out there.
9. Collect Royalties
Collecting royalties takes time, and there is often a time lag of at least six months, so you need to consider this when planning releases. Sign up with the PRS and MCPS and research into what they offer in form of registering your tracks and collecting publishing money.
Also remember as a label owner you are in control of sampling issues, think twice before releasing that track with Nina Simone’s vocal on! If in doubt, check out this site on the problems and solutions behind sampling
10. Accounts/Income Tax
When the money starts rolling in and your tracks are going platinum, you’ll need to pay a percentage as Income Tax. That’s the law, so be sure you have every pound and penny accounted for. Set up a spreadsheet with income and expenditure columns, as expenses which relate to the running of your business can be claimed back against tax – for example, you don’t pay tax on business phone calls, driving artist to gigs, running the website and so on. If your label is releasing other people’s music, you’ll also need to pay them, this of course is subject to your agreement.