developing a record label and management company

It is our intention for the information of our "Oz Soundz Community" to document our planning, design and progress on the building of our Oz Soundz Records Label and Artist Management when it commences in a projected 2029. Prior to this we will document and share our processes, successes, failures from its planning and inception through to completion. Just some of the things we need to start thinking about are below in our project process flow and project management. 

PHASE 1: FOUNDATION

1.1 Define Vision, Mission, and Brand Identity

• Objective: Clarify the label's unique value proposition.

• Tasks:

  • Define genre focus (e.g., hip-hop, indie rock, R&B).

  • Develop mission statement.

  • Create brand name, logo, and visual identity.

• Deliverables:

  • Brand guidelines

  • Label name and legal entity registration

1.2 Legal & Business Setup

• Objective: Set up the legal and operational foundation.

• Tasks:

  • Register business (LLC, S-Corp, etc.).

  • Trademark your name/logo.

  • Obtain necessary licenses (e.g., business license, music licenses).

  • Set up contracts: artist agreements, publishing splits, producer agreements.

  • Hire a music attorney or legal consultant.

• Deliverables:

  • Fully registered business entity

  • Legal contracts and agreements templates

1.3 Build Core Team

• Objective: Assemble a foundational team.

• Roles:

  • A&R/Creative Director

  • Artist Manager

  • Marketing & Social Media Manager

  • Distribution/Label Services Consultant

• Tasks:

  • Define roles, responsibilities

  • Hire or collaborate with freelancers
    
    

PHASE 2: ARTIST IDENTIFICATION & DEVELOPMENT

2.1 Talent Scouting

• Objective: Find and sign promising independent artists.

• Tasks:

  • Host open submissions via website or socials

  • Attend open mics, showcases, or live streams

  • Use social media scouting (TikTok, SoundCloud, YouTube)

• Deliverables:

  • Shortlist of 10–20 potential artists

  • Sign 1–3 artists with custom development plans

2.2 Artist Development Plans

• Objective: Enhance artist skills, image, and market readiness.

• Tasks:

  • Vocal/instrumental coaching

  • Songwriting sessions with producers

  • Image consulting (fashion, branding, PR)

  • Stage performance coaching

• Deliverables:

  • 3–6 month development timeline for each artist

  • Demo recordings, EPK (Electronic Press Kit)

PHASE 3: CONTENT CREATION & RELEASE STRATEGY

3.1 Music Production

• Objective: Create quality content aligned with the artist’s identity.

• Tasks:

  • Record EPs/singles in studio

  • Collaborate with producers, mixing & mastering engineers

  • Register songs with a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)

• Deliverables:

  • Final mastered songs

  • Registered works with metadata

3.2 Visual Content

• Objective: Create engaging, marketable visual media.

• Tasks:

  • Plan music videos, lyric videos, behind-the-scenes footage

  • Book videographers, editors

  • Schedule photoshoots

• Deliverables:

  • Music video assets

  • Promo photos, album artwork

3.3 Distribution

• Objective: Release music on digital platforms.

• Tasks:

  • Choose a distributor (e.g., DistroKid, TuneCore, AWAL, Symphonic)

  • Set release dates and rollout strategy

  • Upload metadata and schedule releases

• Deliverables:

  • Music available on Spotify, Apple Music, etc.

  • Pre-save and release campaign
    
    

PHASE 4: MARKETING, PROMOTION & GROWTH

4.1 Digital Marketing Strategy

• Objective: Build and convert a fan base.

• Tasks:

  • Run paid social ads (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)

  • Develop organic content strategy (Reels, TikToks, live sessions)

  • Build artist websites and mailing lists

• Deliverables:

  • Monthly content calendar

  • 3-month digital ad campaigns

  • Email drip campaigns

4.2 Public Relations & Playlisting

• Objective: Gain media traction and DSP placement.

• Tasks:

  • Hire PR agency or publicist

  • Submit to blogs, podcasts, playlist curators

  • Build Spotify for Artists profiles

• Deliverables:

  • Media coverage and interviews

  • Playlist placements

  • Press kit and media contact list

4.3 Live Performance Strategy

• Objective: Build artist stage presence and income.

• Tasks:

  • Book local showcases, support slots

  • Organize a label showcase

  • Tour planning (partner with promoters or agencies)

• Deliverables:

  • Tour/show calendar

  • Live recordings for content

PHASE 5: MERCHANDISING & MONETIZATION (Months 9–24)

5.1 Merch Development

• Objective: Generate additional revenue and brand loyalty.

• Tasks:

  • Design apparel and accessories

  • Set up online store (Shopify, Bandcamp, etc.)

  • Offer limited drops tied to music releases

• Deliverables:

  • Merch line per artist

  • Fulfillment strategy (print-on-demand or warehouse)

5.2 Fan Engagement & Membership

• Objective: Deepen community and direct artist support.

• Tasks:

  • Launch Patreon or paid fan community

  • Host Q&As, private live streams

  • Offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access

• Deliverables:

  • Membership tiers and offerings

  • Monthly engagement schedule

PHASE 5B: BOOKING MANAGEMENT & TOURING

Objective: Build artists’ live performance profiles, generate revenue, and expand fanbase via local, national, or international live appearances.

5B.1 Booking Infrastructure

Tasks:

• Hire or partner with a booking agent or booking coordinator (freelancer or in-house)

• Set up booking email/accounts and a dedicated press kit (EPK) for each artist

• Prepare live tech riders (gear requirements, stage plot, sound needs)

• Create show booking templates (contracts, invoices, hospitality riders)

Deliverables:

• Centralized artist booking system (email, spreadsheet/CRM)

• EPKs with press photos, bios, setlists, and links

• Standardized booking contracts and agreements

5B.2 Local & Regional Gigs

Tasks:

• Book support slots for local shows

• Pitch artists to local venue promoters

• Host label-curated showcases or pop-up events

• Partner with local creatives (photographers, videographers) for content at shows

Deliverables:

• Calendar of regular local shows for each artist (1–2/month)

• Live photos, videos for promotion and social proof

• Mailing list growth from live engagements
  
  

5B.3 National & International Touring

Tasks:

• Develop touring strategy per artist: target regions based on streaming data and audience demographics

• Apply to festivals (SXSW, A3C, The Great Escape, etc.)

• Build routing and logistics plan (cities, dates, travel, accommodation)

• Handle visa applications (if international)

• Secure sponsorships or tour partners (brands, venues, nonprofits)

• Coordinate merch sales at shows (POS systems, inventory, staffing)

Deliverables:

• Tour plan and budget

• Sponsorship decks

• Signed venue agreements or tour confirmations

• On-tour content plan (daily social posts, behind-the-scenes, live recordings)

5B.4 Tour Management & Execution

Tasks:

• Assign or hire a tour manager

• Coordinate transport, hotels, per diem, schedules

• Ensure contracts, deposits, and backend (settlements, splits) are in place

• Use Tour Management Software (Master Tour, Shoflo, or Notion templates)

• Collect performance data and feedback (for bookings, press)

Deliverables:

• Daily itineraries

• Expense tracking reports

• Post-tour summary with financials and performance notes

5B.5 Post-Tour Leverage

Tasks:

• Edit and release tour recap content (videos, photos)

• Use fan footage and testimonials in marketing

• Follow up with new fans via email or social media DMs

• Release “Live” EPs or content bundles

Deliverables:

• Tour recap campaign

• Email list growth

• Live music content releases (YouTube, streaming)

PHASE 6: SCALE & OPTIMIZE (Months 18–24+)

6.1 Data & Analytics

• Objective: Use data to optimize growth and ROI.

• Tasks:

  • Track streaming, sales, fan engagement

  • Monitor ad spend and conversions

  • Review campaign performance

• Deliverables:

  • Monthly analytics reports

  • Quarterly strategy revisions

6.2 Expand Roster & Partnerships

• Objective: Grow the label sustainably.

• Tasks:

  • Sign additional artists or producers

  • Seek partnerships (sync, publishing, brands)

  • Explore investor funding or grants

• Deliverables:

  • Expanded roster

  • Revenue-sharing or publishing deals