DJ Unqualified

Here’s a breakdown of the Year 1 costs for starting a record label, tailored to three different levels: Honda (Low-Budget), BMW (Mid-Tier), and Rolls Royce (Premium).

1. Honda Version (Low-Budget)

For small-scale operations and independent artists, focusing on DIY approaches.

Item Cost ($)

Business Registration 100-300

Logo & Branding (DIY/Canva) 0-50

Website (Wix/WordPress) 200-500

Music Distribution (DistroKid) 20-60

Basic Studio Equipment (Mic, DAW) 1,000-2,000

Marketing (Social Media Ads) 500-1,000

Miscellaneous Costs (Contracts, Travel) 300-500

Total Estimated Costs $2,120-$4,410

2. BMW Version (Mid-Tier)

For a professional-level record label with a moderate budget, including collaboration with established professionals.

Item Cost ($)

Business Registration 300-500

Logo & Branding (Freelancer) 500-1,000

Website (Professional Design) 1,000-3,000

Music Distribution (TuneCore, CD Baby) 100-500

Studio Recording (Rental or Outsourcing) 5,000-10,000

Marketing & PR Campaigns 5,000-10,000

Legal Services (Contracts) 1,000-2,500

Miscellaneous Costs 500-1,000

Total Estimated Costs $13,400-$28,500

3. Rolls Royce Version (Premium)

For a high-end, professionally branded label targeting big-name artists and global audiences.

Item Cost ($)

Business Registration 500-1,000

Logo & Branding (Agency) 5,000-15,000

Website (Custom Design) 10,000-30,000

Music Distribution (Major Label Style Partnerships) 5,000+

Studio Build-Out (High-End) 50,000-100,000

Marketing & PR Campaigns 20,000-50,000

Legal Services (Top-Tier Lawyers) 10,000-25,000

Miscellaneous Costs (Travel, Events) 10,000-20,000

Total Estimated Costs $110,500-$246,000

Key Considerations

• Honda: Ideal for testing the waters with independent artists and bootstrapping.

• BMW: Perfect for scaling and creating a recognizable presence in the industry.

• Rolls Royce: Focused on global reach and competing with major labels.

Let me know if you’d like more detailed insights into any specific level!