19 pieces of advice about running a label

There are 19 things Brassland label co-founder Alec Hanley would tell people contemplating starting a record label, after running Brassland for 19 years. The Creative Independent shared these:

1. It’s hard, don’t do it

2. Be against perfectionism

3. Neither drugs nor money will help in the long run

4. Consume more than you produce

5. Be early or be late: the middle is a drag

6. Musicians are people - respect them

7. Success is not the enemy

8. Take the long view

9. Art is a political act

10. The music industry is built on talented people

11. Contracts are good

12. Banking and accounting is part of your business

13. Develop a strong second sense for spotting assholes

14. The most terrifying 9 words in the English language are: “I am a businessperson and I’m here to help”

15. Genre does not exist

16. Define success your own way

17. This is not forever

18. Traditionally music is a young person’s game; aspire to change this

19. Many of your ‘indie’ peers will be backed by enigmatic sources of wealth