What to look for in a label?

[Le Berger]

Or mostly, what not to look for...

I figure there's a wealth of experience around these boards, probably some horror stories too.

I'm like a child wandering in the middle of a movie with no frame of reference here.
Basically, I'm asking for pointers & the things that should tip the alarm wire, so to speak.

[QuiltSuns]

Oops! It seems nobody wants to throw the first stone!

It is very good and brave question, specially in these times of change and challenge. I can not give any advice though. I am following my own strategy trying to develop personal relationships with my "clients" and I am not very sure if it is going to work at all... So, com'on guys share some wisdom here! Funny stories are welcome too!!!

[taylordeupree]

do you mean what to look for if you're a musician looking for a label to release on, or a listener looking for a label to follow their output?

[Le Berger]

Most definitely the former, as a listener I think I'm doing fine.

I guess I can give you the backstory now, when I made the post I had been approached by some folks / netlabel, but it seemed flimsy and I didn't have much a good feeling about it. I figured some of the posters here may have the kind of experience to guide me and help me make a sound decision.

I've since then declined, but I'm still very interested to hear if anyone has something to share.
(And I realize there may be some uneasiness about this being a specific label's forum, the watchful eye of @12k! or you know, not asking anyone to bite the hand that feeds them either...)

[rené]

If you do not feel good about doing a release with someone before it is even released, my advice would be: don't do it.
There are not many labels in my life that I'd love to work with again.

Apart from that: don't expect much. It is nice if labels even send that one copy of the compilation/remix you have been involved in if you are talking about really small hobby labels.

(Just to be perfectly clear: I am not referring to 12k. Mr. Deupree is outstanding and I really am happy that "sleeping pills" was released on 12k. And I am not saying that because it is Valentine's Day.)

I had some pretty annoying experiences with my "other project" (two people in a room) and "small drone labels" in the last year, so if you want some bitter rant simply pm me.

I'd recommend going the diy route if you do not have a "bigger" label showing interest.  Also, I would say: don't bother with boomkat although they might seem to be essential for selling shit (if you get a good (essential purchase!, highly recommended!, killer!, blabla! witchhouse! blabla! hypnagogo!!!! review) but try to work with experimedia and norman records. These guys rule.

(That's all.)

[Koda]

I say, DIY and if its done well the right label may come knocking to give it a "proper" release.

[NQ]

[billygomberg]

[Le Berger]

I commend you guys for keeping the spew and vindictive stuff out of public threads! seriously.

By the same token, I really appreciate the input so far. Somewhat confirms the gutt feeling I had in this particular case and gives me a better idea what to look for in the future.

+ i'll take those rants!  

[runningonair]

This is an interesting subject.  Being a tiny record label wanting to expand, Building up that respectable track record is pretty essential and I'll need to keep that in mind. (note to self). 

I have to admit I'm surprised that so many people have had such a bad time.  I must admit the impression you get is one where everyone is cheerfully releasing each others music in a frictionless way.

from the artist point of view, I tend find low expectations tend to guard best against disappointment.

I may well drop a note to couple of you, I'm intrigued by the reference to distributors.  I agree Norman and Experimedia are great to deal with.