Hard working independent bands: what do you look for from a label?

[UncleDig]

Greetings backstagers,

 

I'm in the process of taking a hard look at what it would take to bring to life a successful, modern and forward-looking, independent record label/distributor. For the purposes of this thread, assume that it's a label who's focused on your genre of music.

 

Based on your experience, what are the top 5-10 things that you're looking for from a label that perhaps you're not getting today?

 

If you're not working with a label, and/or don't ever plan to (maybe you're planning a DIY effort), think of what you'd want someone to help you accomplish for your band if they were offering to help you out (financially or otherwise).

 

Innovative ideas, things out of the mainstream, and things that apply to the new reality of the indie music biz are worth extra points

 

Thoughts?

[Scheming Demon]

1. Distribution

2. Promotion

3. Fair Publishing and Royalty Terms

4. Advances

5. Tour Support

 

Without numbers 1 & 2 there is no need to be with a label IMO. If you can't get reasonable royalties and publishing you are screwing yourself and are foolish if you sign under those circumstances. 4 is optional but can be a big determining factor, most bands have no money to make a decent recording. 5 is nice if everything else goes good and the CD sells well but is not really a requirement for a label. By that time you'll probably be approached anyway.

 

Me - I'm currently signed to a medium sized label out of Germany. They've got numbers 1 thru 4 covered. We haven't sold enough for number 5 to come into play yet.