a business plan for a music company

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A step-by-step guide to developing a music business plan

June 17, 2021

Why you need a music business plan

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Making a living in the music business is the ultimate dream of every serious musician. But out of the countless individuals with a passion for music, only a select few will make a profitable business out of it. That doesn’t mean reaching your goals is impossible. If you want to earn reliable income from your music career, you need to treat it like any other business. That means making a detailed blueprint that will take you from passionate hobbyist to successful professional. This step-by-step guide to developing a music business plan will set you on the right path.

Whether your goal is to have a career as a professional musician, recording artist, producer, or music teacher, documenting the path you’ll take with a music business plan will be helpful to your cause. Your business plan outlines your goals, identifies the practical methods you’ll take to achieve them, and lists the resources you have and will need.

Not only will a concrete business plan keep you on course, it will also demonstrate your credibility in the eyes of others. Potential clients and business partners will see you as a professional and not another starving artist. If you ever need to take out a business loan or raise money for investors, a business plan is a must-have.

Crafting your music business plan isn’t something you can do in one sitting. You’ll need more than an afternoon to get this right. Take your time, bite off piece-by-piece, and chew your thoughts over thoroughly.

Our first piece of advice is as old as time:  know thyself.

You need some clarity of purpose before you can craft a useful music business plan. Ask yourself:

• Who is my audience?
• What is my ultimate goal?
• Why do I want to do this?

Having this understanding will make it easier for you to explain your vision to others and convey your enthusiasm. It will also establish the framework for your music business. This step is crucial if you’ll need people to buy in to help you reach your goals.

The content of your music business plan will vary depending upon whether you’re aiming to start a music school, be a producer, or work as an artist. But the fundamental components are the same either way. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mission Statement
• Executive Summary
• Audience Analysis
• SWOT Analysis
• Marketing Plan
• Financial Considerations

Let’s look at each of these in turn.

Mission Statement:

This can be as short as a few sentences, as long as it adequately describes who you are as an artist or a musical entrepreneur and what you’re trying to accomplish. While this might sound simple, think things through a bit before you try to draft your statement. Everything that follows here will hinge upon it.

Executive Summary:

The executive summary is a one-page synopsis of your plan. It should include an introduction as well as a description of your endeavors. Details about the funding you already have and what you’ll need in addition to a brief accounting of your plans for putting all of it into play are important too.

Most experts recommend saving the drafting of this part for last. It’s essentially a digest of all the other parts of your plan. Doing it last allows you to draw upon the information you’ve drafted for all of the other steps.

Audience Analysis: 

Here’s where you’ll demonstrate your understanding of your target audience. If you’re already performing, teaching, or producing on the side, think about what traits the people who follow you have in common.

If you’re just getting started, find someone doing what you want to do whose style and circumstances are similar to yours, and analyze their target market. Create a demographic sketch of your target audience based on gender, age, location, musical tastes and favorite venues.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats:

Think about the qualities that make you unique. List everything that comes to mind, from technical mastery and creative spark to teaching older demographics and networking. Your skills might not seem extraordinary on an individual level, but combine all your best qualities and you’ll find there isn’t anyone quite like you on the market.

Don’t forget about your weaknesses. Identity these not as qualities to promote, but as areas to work on in the future. Being aware of your shortcomings will also help guide your decision on potential business partners in the future. Let your inner critic loose, but realize that this is an exercise in personal growth, not tearing yourself down.

Had enough reflecting? Let’s take a look at the marketplace. Think about potential gaps in the industry you can exploit. Perhaps your competitors are overlooking a key value and you see a way to provide it both efficiently and effectively. These are your opportunities.

Threats could include technological shifts, cultural changes, the emergence of new artists, competition, and new trends. The music world moves fast, and today’s hot act can end up as yesterday’s news before your can say “more cowbell!” Brainstorm any roadblocks you picture yourself facing over the next few years and strategies you can use to overcome them.

Marketing plan:

Your marketing plan will detail how you’ll spread the word about yourself. Consider how much money you can reasonably invest into marketing and work out how you’ll spend it to reach as many of the right people as possible. Think about how you’ll grow your online presence—including social media, a press kit, and publicity materials such as a logo and photography.

Get a full account of your current cash flow situation. List how much capital you currently have and estimate how much it’ll take to get your operation up and running. When in doubt, overestimate. Studio time, engineering talent, transportation, legal fee, copyrights and trademarks are all important considerations when projecting your budget.

Measuring your progress:

At what intervals will you go over the financials to see how you’re advancing? What are the milestones by which you’ll mark your achievements?

You’ll also need a method for measuring your impact on the market in terms of the reputation you build. Social media outlets provide analytical tools to help you track these metrics. They can also help you pinpoint the demographics of your audience.

Establishing your key performance indicators (KPIs) can help you set the standards by which you will gauge your success. Sharing this information with others makes you accountable because they can look at your projections and see how much progress you’ve made toward achieving them.

Summarizing your music business plan

As we mentioned above, once you have all of these areas covered, you can then condense the information each section contains to create your executive summary. After all, how will you know what to put in it until you’ve examined all of these other areas first?

Success in the music industry takes a lot of work and a little luck, but you can stack the deck in your favor by building multiple income streams. That way, if one area slows down, you’ll have another one in play to keep you rolling until the next opportunity presents itself. Revisit your strengths and opportunities and start brainstorming ideas. If you get stuck, here’s a quick list to get you started:

Give music lessons. Chances are if you’ve got the chops to play paid gigs, you’ve got enough skills to pass on to some novice students. Giving music lessons can be a great way to add some extra recurring income.

Start a YouTube channel. With over 2 billion active users, YouTube might just be your biggest source of untapped attention and potential. 1 The platform offers users a chance to learn or be entertained, and as a musician you’re well-positioned to offer both. You could upload instructional videos or footage of yourself performing. You’ll get to keep a portion of any ad revenue your videos make. And if the right person sees your content, it could open the doors to even greater opportunities.

Explore the marketing world. If composition is your thing, you might be overlooking a potentially huge money-maker—marketing and advertising. Brands are in constant need of good video content to market their products, and those videos need music to truly capture attention. If you’ve got a knack for putting together atmospheric instrumentals, creating music for ads could seriously help stabilize your income.

Open your own studio. If you have the capital to invest and live in an area underserved by recording studios, you might want to consider opening your own. While you’re not using it for your own projects, you can rent it out to other local musicians and producers. If there’s enough demand, you could cover the costs of equipment and rent and even have a little profit left over.

Explore session work. Sure, your band is your baby, but if you’ve got time on your hands and musical versatility to boot, why not offer your services as a session musician? Session work is an effective way to boost your income, make new connections and get your name out there as a legit professional. If an artist is truly enamoured with your work, they could invite you to join them on tour.

Another important consideration in your music business plan is protecting your livelihood from the consequences of unintentional accidents. General liability insurance is key to helping you stay focused on your business. Carrying a policy also demonstrates to potential clients that you are a serious professional — whether you’re a musician, DJ , or another kind of entrepreneur in the entertainment industry.

• Hootsuite. 25 YouTube Statistics that May Surprise You: 2021 Edition .

Written on April 19, 2021 | Last updated: June 17, 2021

Our editorial content is intended for informational purposes only and is not written by a licensed insurance agent. Terms and conditions for rate and coverage may vary by class of business and state.

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Music Production Company

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Music Production Company

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on March 29, 2022 Updated on November 29, 2023

Investment range

$4,150 - $9,600

Revenue potential

$97,500 - $156,000 p.a.

Time to build

1 – 3 months

Profit potential

$78,000 - $124,800 p.a.

Industry trend

If you’re a music lover with a good ear and want to get in on a growing industry, a music production company could be for you. Global music production has grown by more than 35% in the last decade and is expected to continue to expand in the years ahead. Music producers make money from recording music, mixing and mastering, and sales royalties. With your own music production company, you’d be singing a happy tune. 

But before you get your entrepreneurial groove on, you’ll need to learn the business side of things. Fortunately, you’ll find all you need to know about starting a business in this step-by-step guide, designed to put you on the road to music production success.

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a music production company has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

• Flexible – Start out with a home studio
• Fun! – Help make great music
• Good Money – Multiple revenue streams
• Education Required – Need to learn producing before you can start
• Expensive Equipment – Setting up your studio will be $$

Music production industry trends

Industry size and growth.

• Industry size and past growth – The global music production and distribution industry is worth $34 billion in 2022 after five years of 5% annual growth.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/global/market-size/global-music-production-distribution/ )) 
• Growth forecast – The global music production and distribution industry is projected to grow 3.6% in 2022. 

Trends and challenges

Trends in the music production industry include:

• Digital manipulation of audio is becoming more advanced, allowing music producers to alter and improve recordings.
• The explosion of TikTok is creating huge opportunities for music producers and artists to go viral and gain fans, boosting revenue. 

Challenges in the music production industry include:

• Advancing technologies also present a challenge for music producers, as they have to update their equipment to keep up with technology.
• The widespread availability of digital audio production software has made it easier for artists to record themselves, rather than going to a music producer. 

Demand hotspots

• Most popular states – The most popular states for music producers are New York, Connecticut, and California.(( https://www.zippia.com/music-producer-jobs/best-states/ ))
• Least popular states – The least popular states for music producers are Montana, Kansas, and Idaho.

What kind of people work in music production?

• Gender – 10.1% of music producers are female, while 81.8% are male.(( https://www.zippia.com/music-producer-jobs/demographics/ ))
• Average level of education – The average music producer has a bachelor’s degree.
• Average age – The average music producer in the US is 40.1 years old.

How much does it cost to start a music production business?

Startup costs for a music production company range from $4,000 to $9,500 for a home studio space. Costs include all the equipment, a computer and insulation pads for your walls. 

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your music production business, including: 

• Digital audio workstation
• Audio interface
• DAW software
• Studio monitors and stands
• Microphones and stands

How much can you earn from a music production business?

A home music production studio can bring in $50 to $100 per hour of recording, and the same for mixing and mastering. You can also make money from royalties. Your profit margin should be about 80%.

In your first year or two, you could average 25 hours of recording per week at $75 an hour, bringing in $97,500 in annual revenue. This would mean $78,000 in profit, assuming that 80% margin. As your brand gains recognition and you get referrals, you could work 40 hours a week. With annual revenue of $156,000, you’d make a tidy profit of $124,800. You may also be bringing in revenue from royalties at this point. 

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a music production company. Your biggest challenges will be:

• The skills required to make great music 
• The startup costs of a home studio

Related Business Ideas

How to Start a Record Label

How to Start a Recording Studio

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a music production company, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research music production companies in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a hip-hop music producer or a pop music producer.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as music production for new music artists, or for country artists.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your products or services

Your services will depend on your skills. You can do recording, sound manipulation, mixing and mastering, provide your own original beats, and even marketing and promotional services for your clients.

How much should you charge for music production?

You can charge different prices for various services, usually between $50 and $100 per hour. Your profit margin after things like software costs should be about 80%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will probably be a younger demographic of artists, which you might find on TikTok or Instagram. It’s also a good idea to just get out and talk to people, at cafes, clubs, and bars, as many aspiring artists might be interested in your music production services. Once you start doing good work, you’re likely to get a lot of referrals because local music communities tend to be very connected.

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out a studio space. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Music Production Company Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “music producer” or “music production”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “RhythmRoom” over “HipHop Hitmakers”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step Business Name Generator . Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Music Production Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: A brief summary of the entire business plan, highlighting key points and objectives.
• Business Overview: An overview of the music production company’s mission, vision, and its place in the industry.
• Product and Services: Description of the music production services and products offered, such as recording, mixing, and mastering.
• Market Analysis: Examination of the music industry, target market, and trends, providing insights into the demand for your services.
• Competitive Analysis: Evaluation of competitors in the music production field, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
• Sales and Marketing: Strategies for promoting your music production services and reaching your target audience.
• Management Team: Introduction to the key team members and their roles within the company.
• Operations Plan: Details on the day-to-day operations of the music production business, from studio management to equipment maintenance.
• Financial Plan: Projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability, including startup costs and financial forecasts.
• Appendix: Supporting documents, such as resumes, contracts, and additional information that complements the business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to music production companies. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your music production company will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2023

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Venture capital : Venture capital investors take an ownership stake in exchange for funds, so keep in mind that you’d be sacrificing some control over your business. This is generally only available for businesses with high growth potential.
• Angel investors : Reach out to your entire network in search of people interested in investing in early-stage startups in exchange for a stake. Established angel investors are always looking for good opportunities. 
• Friends and Family : Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding : Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal : Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a music production business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept. If you get to a point where your company is poised for high growth, you might be able to attract angel investors or venture capital.

Step 8: Apply for Licenses and Permits

Starting a music production business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your music production business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability : The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property : Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance : Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation : Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property : Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto : Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability : Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) : This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Studio Director , Sonido , or Skedda , to manage your bookings, schedule, invoicing, and payments.

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Starting a music production company is an exciting venture, and effective marketing is crucial for success. Beyond the basics of websites and networking, here are some practical strategies to elevate your music production business:

• Collaborate with Local Artists and Events: Partner with local musicians, bands, and event organizers to offer your services, showcasing your expertise in live productions and studio work, while tapping into existing fan bases.
• Social Media Challenges and Campaigns: Engage your audience on platforms like Instagram and TikTok by creating music-related challenges or campaigns that encourage user-generated content, fostering a sense of community around your brand.
• Exclusive Content and Behind-the-Scenes Access: Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your studio sessions, equipment, and collaborations, providing followers with exclusive content that builds intrigue and positions your company as an industry insider.
• Online Tutorials and Educational Content: Establish your authority in the industry by creating and sharing online tutorials, tips, and educational content about music production on platforms like YouTube. This not only attracts aspiring musicians but also showcases your expertise.
• Strategic Sponsorships and Partnerships: Sponsor local music events, festivals, or even collaborate with music schools to gain exposure and build relationships within the music community, enhancing the credibility of your production company.
• Client Testimonials and Success Stories: Highlight client success stories through case studies and testimonials on your social media channels and website, demonstrating the value and quality of your music production services.
• Email Marketing with Personalized Offers: Build an email list and regularly communicate with your audience through newsletters. Include personalized offers, discounts, or exclusive deals to incentivize repeat business and referrals.
• Podcast Hosting and Guest Appearances: Host a podcast related to music production or become a guest on existing podcasts, showcasing your knowledge and simultaneously reaching a wider audience interested in the music industry.
• Interactive Virtual Events and Webinars: Host virtual events, webinars, or Q&A sessions that allow your audience to interact with you directly, fostering a sense of connection and providing value beyond your core services.
• Consistent Branding Across Platforms: Ensure consistent branding across all your online and offline platforms to create a strong, recognizable identity, helping to establish trust and credibility in the competitive music production landscape.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your music production company meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your music production business could be: 

• Our full-service music production will make you a star
• You bring the beats; we’ll make your hip hop great
• Wanna hit the charts? We’ll take your music to the next level

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a music production business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in music for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in music production. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a music production business include:

• Sound Engineers – assist with music production
• General Manager – scheduling, accounting
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Music Production Business – Start Making Money!

Imagine helping up-and-coming artists bring their music to life, then seeing that music embraced by legions of fans — how rewarding! And this is in addition to the financial rewards you’ll reap from a large and growing industry. Starting a music production business is fairly easy, and you can set up your studio in your home for a small investment. If you just get a few clients and do excellent work, you’re bound to get referrals and start building your music empire. 

Now that you understand the business, get that studio set up and running and live out your entrepreneurial dream of being the next major music mogul. 

• Music Production Business FAQs

A music production company can make money for recording time, mixing and mastering, and royalties. You can also expand your services and offer consulting on how to get music noticed or even connected with a record label.

You can take courses on music production on sites like Udemy , generally for under $20. You can also get a music and recording certificate or degree from places like Full Sail University . If you go with the self-study route, you may have to study and practice for years to be good enough to make money.

Music production can be a profitable business, but success and profitability depend on various factors, such as the producer’s skills, industry connections, reputation, demand for their services, and the ability to adapt to changing market trends.

A ghost producer is a music producer who creates and produces tracks for other artists or clients without receiving official credit for their work. They often work behind the scenes, allowing the artist or client to present the music as their own.

The amount of money a producer makes on a song can vary widely and depends on factors such as the producer’s level of experience, reputation, the artist’s budget, and the terms of the agreement. Producers may receive a flat fee, a percentage of sales or royalties, or negotiate a custom payment arrangement.

Differentiate your music production company by developing a unique and recognizable sound or style, offering exceptional production quality, cultivating relationships with talented artists and songwriters, providing a range of services such as mixing and mastering, maintaining strong communication and professionalism, delivering projects on time, and actively engaging with the music community through networking and collaborations.

To become a successful music producer, focus on honing your production skills and musical knowledge, stay up-to-date with industry trends and technology, build a strong network of artists, songwriters, and industry professionals, develop your own unique style and sound, consistently produce high-quality work, actively seek opportunities to collaborate and showcase your talent, and continuously learn and evolve as music production techniques and technologies advance.

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Music Production Company Name
• Create a Music Production Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Music Production Business - Start Making Money!

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Music Business Plans Sample

DEC.29, 2020

Music Business plan for starting your own building firm

Do you want to start a music business? Well, that’s a really alluring and one of the most profitable businesses.

To run a music business, you need to hire the services of music artists, musicians, record producers, and composers on a temporary or permanent basis. The business can include creating songs, music sheets, stock music, and theme music. And can also be extended to cover events, ceremonies, and concerts.

The business is exciting, however, due to the large competition in the market, one has to put very much effort in the beginning to earn recognition. Like any other business, the first step would be to create a business plan for music industry. The professional business planning should cover all aspects of the business like workforce, work area, expenses, services, sales strategy, etc.

To give you an idea of how your business plan should look like, we are giving here the business plan of a music business startup, Hymns & Beats.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

Hymns & Beats will be a licensed music business based in Atlanta. The business will comprise artists and musicians who will work to create new music pieces. The business will utilize the talent of various singers to release stock music, record labels, and theme music for corporates, events, TV shows, movies, and game developers.

2.2 Management of Music Business

A music company needs efficient management in all the areas such as reaching out to singers, making arrangements for concerts, making sure that the edit effects are perfect, etc. Realizing that she would not be able to supervise everything on her own, Amelia decided to hire a manager to help her.

If you are looking for how to start a music business you should study different music business plans. While exploring business plans on how to set up a music business, try to also explore the ways others use to manage multiple tasks of a business at the same time.

2.3 Customers of Music Business

Our primary customers will be the television shows and film industries who will seek our services for creating tunes, theme music, and songs. Besides, corporate, institutes, companies, game developers, and event organizers will also be our customers.

2.4 Business Target

Our target is to become one of the most renowned music businesses. We aim at releasing at least 10 albums within six months of the launch. We also aim at achieving a rating above 4.7 within a year of the launch. Our profit goals to be achieved within the three years of our launch are summarized here:

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Amelia Stiles will be the owner of Hymns & Beats. Amelia got her degree in Bachelor of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Ohio.

During her schooling, she composed two music pieces that earned her national level fame.

3.2 Why the music business is being started

Amelia wanted to become a playback singer. She learned and practice music all her life and still couldn’t succeed in getting more than a few singing projects. Owing to her optimistic nature, she decided to find new ways to invest her passion for music. She decided not to sing but just compose the music pieces.

Realizing her creativity and skills in the music composing area, she decided to start her own music business. Now Amelia hires music artists and glorifies people’s lives with exceptional tunes and melodic voices.

3.3 How the music business will be started

Since there are many already established music industries in Atlanta, you should study different examples of music business plans. Exploring as many examples of music business plans as you can, will enable you to come up with unique ideas. Analyzing various music business plan samples will allow you to identify the areas where demand is high despite the large competition.

Hymns & Beats will be started in one of Amelia’s properties in Atlanta. Amelia will hire a home renovating professional to turn her property into a structure for the music business. Meanwhile, she will hire a professional business plan writer to make a comprehensive plan for her business.

Then Amelia will purchase the required musical instruments and other equipment like speakers, cables, amplifiers and microphone stands, etc. After which the startup will start its hiring phase. Staff like audio engineers, musicians, and DJs will be employed after strict testing and interviewing. Meanwhile, the company will ensure to establish a strong web and social media presence to get introduced to the target audience.

The costs for startup are as follows:

The startup requirements are as follows:

Before making a music business plans template, you should be very clear about the services you are going to provide your customers. In this sample plan, we are listing the services of Hymns & Beats. However, to get a broader idea of services that can be provided in this domain, you should study many other music industry business plans too.

1.Creating Production Music

Our primary service will be to produce music pieces that can be used in television, movies, and other media platforms after getting licensed to the buyers. Those music pieces will cover nearly all music genres such as classical, electronic dance, folk, and disco, etc.

This service will also include producing specific music pieces according to the client’s requirements.

2.Record Labels

We will also release albums and songs made with the collaboration of our team with top-class singers and songwriters.

3.Theme Music For TV Shows, Movies, Trailers & Video Games, Commercials

Our third primary service will be to create instrumental and theme music to be used in the background of movies, trailers, video games, commercials, and reality shows, etc.

4.Corporate Background Music

We will also create professional music themes to be used by companies and corporates in their presentations.

5.Hosting Concerts, Music Festivals & Parties

This will be one of our major services. We will host music nights, concerts, events, and parties. We will also offer the service of presenting music and songs in ceremonies according to the nature of the gathering.

Marketing Analysis of Music Business

The most important component of starting a music studio business plan is marketing analysis. It includes a detailed study of your target market to understand the areas where competition is high or to identify the domains where the demand for your services can be more.

Thus, before you start a music business you should study the dynamics of the marketplace where you will be offering your services. In this music business plan concept pdf we are listing market analysis and market segmentation done by Hymns & Beats for their business. If you are looking for how to write a music business proposal or how to create an efficient marketing plan, you can take help from here.

5.1 Marketing Trends

According to IBISWorld, the average growth that has been reported in the music industry in the last five years is 5.5%. Moreover, Statista reports that the annual revenue generated by the U.S. music industry was recorded to be $21.5 billion in 2019 alone. Simply put, the music industries have always been in demand. To succeed, you just need to be proactive in reaching target customers and creative enough to meet their expectations.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

5.2.1 TV Programs & Film Industries: Our primary customers will be the television shows and programs that need different background music for different segments and for transitions of one segment to another.

Besides, film producers will require our services to create music pieces for trailers and songs. We also expect this group to avail of our services of producing background and themed instrumental music.

5.2.2 Commercials (TV ads) Production Companies: The second group of our target customers will comprise of commercials producing companies. We expect to get projects from this category from the very beginning as video ad creators usually don’t need music producers with past experience.

5.2.3 Video Game Developers, Corporates & Event Organizers: The third category of our target customers consists of video game developers who need music to be played in the background. This category also includes corporates who need professional background music for their presentations.

Apart from them, we also expect to be called by events and party organizers for playing music, singing songs, and setting up musical nights. We also look forward to being invited to cultural ceremonies for displaying the skills and talent we have.

5.3 Business Target

Our business targets are:

• To achieve the net profit margin of $9.1k per month by the end of the first year
• To release at least 10 albums hitting a ranking of above 4.8 by the end of the first six months
• To host at least 10 concerts within six months of the launch
• To achieve an average ranking above 4.75 within a year of the launch.
• To balance the initial cost of the startup with earned profits by the end of the second year

5.4 Product Pricing

Since we are not selling any discrete products therefore we can’t define a strict product pricing strategy. Our prices will vary with the required mastery, the difficulty level of the track and music, etc.

However, in the beginning, we will offer massive discounts on our services of hosting musical events and ceremonies and also in our theme music creation service.

Marketing Strategy

Like marketing analysis, sales strategy for business is also an important component of a music business marketing plan. Sales strategy enables you to attract your potential customers, and compete with your already-established competitors.

From this music business proposal sample, you can learn the competitive aspects and advertisement strategy of Hymns & Beats.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

Although we have tough competition, we have entered the market with several competitive aspects. Firstly, we have an excellent team that will help us develop unique music pieces. Secondly, we are collaborating with top singers and songwriters to come up with exclusive albums.

Moreover, we will be offering background music production services for video games and trailers online. So that will enable us to reach a wider audience.

6.2 Sales Strategy

• We will establish a strong web and social media presence through SEO optimization
• We will advertise our services through Google Local Services ads, local newspapers, and magazines
• We will arrange a themed musical night for the young people on the day of launch for an entry ticket of just $3
• We will offer a 20% discount on our theme music production services for the first three months of the launch
• We will offer a 50% discount on our offering of playback wedding music by our singers and musicians

6.3 Sales Forecast

6.4 Sales Monthly

6.5 Sales Yearly

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Personnel plan

Your business is just a collective representation of your staff and managers. So before proceeding to other steps, you should create your personnel plan in a template for writing a music business plan.

Here we are only listing the permanent staff of the company. The singers and songwriters whose services will be hired temporarily for record albums are not mentioned in this list.

7.1 Company Staff

• 1 General Manager to manage the overall operations
• 1 Cashier to maintain financial records
• 2 DJs to assume musical responsibilities in concerts and events
• 4 Musicians to play musical instruments
• 1 Audio Engineer to regulate music effects
• 2 Software/ IT Experts to ensure web and social media presence
• 1 Sales Executive to promote the company’s sales
• 2 General Assistants for routine works
• 1 Receptionist

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

Making a music business plan is a little tricky as you have to devise a plan to manage your permanent as well as temporary resources. For example, while creating a financial plan for the music business, you have to consider fluctuations in the price of services. The albums that need to be sung or written by high paid singers and songwriters will require you to reserve a bigger than usual budget.

It is recommended to seek professional help in creating the financial plan for your business. To give you an example of how it would look like, we are providing here the sample financial plan of Hymns & Beats.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 brake-even analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 business ratios.

Download Music Business Plans Sample in pdf

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OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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Music Business Plan

Music can unite individuals, inspire social change, and strengthen communities & it is satisfactory for many musicians too. Plus the financial and creative rewards are great. Therefore, want to start your own music studio or band? Then planning everything priorly is the priority.

Need help writing a business plan for your music studio business? You’re at the right place. Our music business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write a Music Business Plan?

Writing a music business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your business:

• This section may include the name of your music business, its location, when it was founded, the type of music business (E.g., record labels, music publishers, live music industry), etc.

Market opportunity:

Product and services:.

• For instance, you may include music recordings and albums as services.

Marketing & sales strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business description:

• Record labels
• Music publishers
• Live music industry
• Music streaming services
• Describe the legal structure of your music company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission statement:

Business history:.

• Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future goal:

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

• For instance, music lovers, music directors, movies, younger audiences, etc can be the ideal market for the music business.

Market size and growth potential:

Competitive analysis:, market trends:.

• For instance, the demand for rap and pop music is increasing; explain how you plan on dealing with this potential growth opportunity.

Regulatory environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your music production business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your music services:

Mention the music services your business will offer. This list may include services like,

• Music stores
• Music licensing services
• Music promotion services
• Music education services

Describe each service:

In short, this section of your music plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique selling proposition (USP):

• For example, exclusive content, high-quality production, niche market focus, etc, could be some of the great USPs for a professional music company.

Pricing strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your music studio business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your music business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & training:

Operational process:, equipment & instrument:.

• Explain how these technologies help you maintain quality standards and improve the efficiency of your business operations.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your music business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founder/CEO:

Key managers:.

• It should include, key executives(e.g. COO, CMO.), senior management, and other department managers (e.g. operations manager, music director.) involved in the music business operations, including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the industry.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

• So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your music business services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

• This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.

Financing needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the music industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your music business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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This sample music business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful music plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our music business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a music business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful music business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your music company.

How to get funding for your music business?

There are several ways to get funding for your music business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan

Crowdfunding, angel investors.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your music business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your music business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your music business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any music business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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Music Business Plan Template

Music business plan.

You’ve come to the right place to create your music business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their music businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Music business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Musicians First Studio is a startup music company located in Nashville, Tennessee. The company is founded by Michael Smith, an experienced musician who has gained valuable knowledge on how to manage a music business during the past ten years while working at My Music Production & Management, another local music company. Now that Michael has experienced managing a music company, he is ready to start his own business, Musicians First Studio. Michael is confident that his skills as a musician, combined with his understanding of business management, will enable him to run a profitable music company of his own. Michael is recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day-to-day complexities of running a music studio – sales and marketing, production, artist management, music instruction, financial reporting, studio equipment maintenance, and client relations.

Musicians First Studio will provide a full suite of music production, management, and instruction services for both novice and professional musicians in the Nashville area. Musicians First will be the go-to music studio in Nashville for its client-focused services and dedicated professionals who are experienced in all aspects of the music industry. The company will be the ultimate choice for the needs of aspiring and professional musicians.

Product Offering

The following are the services that Musicians First Studio will provide:

• Artist Management
• Music Recording, Production, & Post-Production
• Private Music Lessons & Group Classes
• Venue Booking & Live Event Management
• PR & Marketing for New Artists

Customer Focus

Musicians First Studio will target new and experienced musicians in Nashville who are looking for professional production, management, or marketing services. The company will also target aspiring musicians and children looking for music lessons taught by industry veterans. No matter the customer, Musicians First Studio will deliver the best communication, service, and professionalism.

Management Team

Musicians First Studio will be owned and operated by Michael Smith. Michael is a graduate of Tennessee University with a degree in music. He has over ten years of experience working as a manager for another local music studio. Michael will be the company’s chief executive officer. He will oversee the recording/production process, music equipment, and studio staff’s activities.

Michael has recruited his former administrative assistant, Jessica Garcia, to be the company’s chief operating officer and help oversee the studio’s operations. Jessica will handle the day-to-day operations, including budgeting, scheduling, client relations, and logistics.

Michael and Jessica have recruited an experienced marketing director, John Brown, to become a member of the Musicians First Studio management team. John is a graduate of the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in sales and marketing. Michael and Jessica rely on John’s expertise to execute the company’s marketing plan and advertising strategies.

Success Factors

Musicians First Studio will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Skilled team of music production technicians and veteran musicians who will work one-on-one with clients to reach their individual music goals whether they’re looking to record a new album or learn a new instrument.
• Musicians First Studio is one of the only studio’s in the area that offers a wide range of services for musicians of all skill levels and goals.
• The company offers competitive pricing and discounts for referrals.

Financial Highlights

Musicians First Studio is seeking $800,000 in debt financing to launch its music business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the studio and purchasing equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff and marketing expenses. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Studio build-out: $340,000
• Music equipment, supplies, and materials: $280,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, utilities): $160,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Musicians First Studio.

Company Overview

Who is musicians first studio.

Musicians First Studio is a newly established music company in Nashville, Tennessee. Musicians First will be the first choice for aspiring, novice, and experienced musicians in Nashville and the surrounding communities for its full-suite of professional services provided by industry veterans. The company will provide a wide range of services including recording/production, music lessons, artist management, and marketing for new musicians.

Musicians First Studio will be able to guarantee high quality production thanks to the latest and most innovative music technology operated by expert music production technicians. The company’s team of highly qualified professionals experienced in music, production, and marketing will manage the suite of services offered at the studio. In addition to customized services for musicians, customers will be able to book studio time that comes with use of equipment by the hour.

Musicians First Studio History

Musicians First Studio is owned and operated by Michael Smith, an experienced musician who has gained valuable knowledge on how to manage a music business during the past ten years while working at My Music Production & Management, another local music company. Now that Michael has experienced managing a music company, he is ready to start his own business, Musicians First Studio. Michael is confident that his skills as a musician, combined with his understanding of business management, will enable him to run a profitable music company of his own. Michael is recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day-to-day complexities of running a music studio – sales and marketing, production, artist management, music instruction, financial reporting, studio equipment maintenance, and vendor relations.

Since incorporation, Musicians First Studio has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Musicians First Studio, LLC to transact business in the state of Tennessee
• Has identified an ideal location for the studio that is available for lease
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include local musicians, production technicians, and venue managers to help spread the word about the new studio
• Began recruiting a staff of musicians, music instructors, production technicians, marketing experts, and office personnel to work at Musicians First Studio.

Musicians First Studio Services

Industry analysis.

The global music industry is an estimated $60B market and is expected to grow by 8% by 2026. The broad music industry can be categorized into three primary segments; recording, live music, and music publishing. In the United States, the recording segment generated approximately $8B in revenues last year, while the live music segment brought in an estimated $9.5B, and the publishing segment totaled $1.8B. A majority of revenues generated in the recording segment come from streaming (28% of total industry revenue), with digital downloads and physical media coming in much lower (6.7% and 7.5% respectively). Revenue for the live music segment is generated primarily through ticket sales (37.1%) and sponsorships (10.3%). Publishing accounts for approximately 8.9% of total industry revenue.

Music streaming is one of the most significant trends in the industry, with the number of Americans who pay for streaming subscriptions at approximately 82.1M, up from 7.9M in 2014. Another trend is the emergence of independent artists and small record labels. These groups are earning more revenue than in years past and their percentage of revenue increase year over year is growing faster than that of larger record labels. With more options open to them when it comes to where and how to get their music out to consumers, artists, managers, and record labels have more opportunities for success than ever before.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

The precise demographics for Nashville, Tennessee are:

Customer Segmentation

Musicians First will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Novice-to-experienced musicians looking for recording/production services
• Aspiring musicians of all ages looking for music lessons
• Musicians looking for artist management, booking, and representation services

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Musicians First Studio will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

My Music Production & Management

My Music Production & Management is one of the largest commercial music studios in Tennessee. The company was established in 1997 and offers professional music recording and production services for local musicians. My Music Production & Management also handles the business management activities for musicians including marketing, booking, and legal representation services. The company is well known for providing high quality production for some of the top artists in the region and has been recognized in various publications and music industry associations for its outstanding work in the local music community.

Genre Music

Founded in 2018, Genre Music is a small music company catering to local musicians in Nashville, Tennessee and surrounding areas. Genre Music is owned and operated by a veteran musician who has over 40 years of experience in the music industry. The company specializes in artist branding, marketing, and representation in addition to its top notch recording services. Genre Music has worked with a variety of up and coming artists in multiple genres and has a loyal customer base of regular musicians who use the company’s services.

Retro Recording & Productions

Retro Recording & Productions is a trusted Nashville, Tennessee-based music company that provides superior production and recording services for Nashville and the surrounding areas. The company is able to provide a wide variety of recording, production, and post-production services using its state-of-the-art music recording equipment. Retro Recording & Productions serves local musicians and national musicians. The company prides itself on being the number one choice for classic sound produced through modern technology. Retro Recording & Productions also manufactures its own collectible vinyl records in limited quantities.

Competitive Advantage

Musicians First Studio will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• The company offers competitive pricing on studio rentals and discounts for referrals.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Musicians First Studio will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Musicians First Studio provides a full suite of services tailored to the individual musician’s needs. Professionals are equipped to provide services for all skill levels from the aspiring and novice musician, the the industry veteran.
• The company’s studio is expertly designed for the clearest sound quality. The equipment is carefully selected to ensure the best sound possible.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Musicians First Studio is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

The company’s marketing director will create accounts on social media platforms such as Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. He will ensure Musicians First maintains an active social media presence with regular updates and fun content to get customers excited about using the studio’s services.

Professional Associations and Networking

Musicians First Studio will become a member of professional associations such as the Nashville Music Association, American Music Educators Society, and the Tennessee Music Production Association. The leadership team will focus their networking efforts on expanding the company’s artist and vendor network.

Print Advertising

Musicians First Studio will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at industry networking events. The company will also send direct mailers to local residents advertising the services it provides.

Website/SEO Marketing

Musicians First Studio will utilize the in-house marketing director that designed the print ads to also design the company website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that Musicians First is able to provide. The website will also list information on the company’s events and featured artists.

The marketing director will also manage Musicians First’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that when someone types in a search engine “music company” or “music studio near me”, Musicians First Studio will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Musicians First Studio will be on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing the company’s services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Musicians First Studio.

Operation Functions:

• Michael Smith will be the CEO of the company. He will oversee the music production technicians, production process, and the music equipment maintenance. Michael has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Jessica Garcia – Chief Operating Officer who will manage the day-to-day operations, client relationships, scheduling, and logistics.
• Nancy Johnson – Chief Financial Officer who will provide all accounting, budgeting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting.
• John Brown – Marketing Director who will oversee all marketing strategies for the company and manage the website, social media, and outreach.

Milestones:

Musicians First Studio will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

12/1/2022 – Finalize lease to rent the studio facility

12/15/2022 – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Musicians First Studio management team

1/1/2023 – Begin build-out of the studio, purchase equipment, and test the acoustics

1/15/2023 – Begin networking at industry events and implement the marketing plan

2/15/2023 – Finalize contracts for musicians, instructors, production technicians, and marketing professionals

3/15/2023 – Musicians First Studio officially opens for business

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Musicians First Studio are the fees charged to customers in exchange for the company’s services and fees charged to book studio time by the hour.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff a music company. The expenses will be the payroll cost, utilities, equipment and supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Average hours booked per month: 120
• Average fees per month: $30,000
• Overhead costs per year: $640,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, music business plan faqs, what is a music business plan.

A music business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your music business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your music business plan using our Music Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Music Companies?

There are a number of different kinds of music companies , some examples include: Recorded Music, Music Licensing, Live Music, Music Publishing, Music Production, Music Business Consulting, and Retail Music Store.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Music Business Plan?

Music companies are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

Record Label Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their record labels. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a record label business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Record Label Business Plan Template here >

What Is a Record Label?

A record label is a small or large company that manufactures, sells, promotes and distributes recordings of associated music artists.

A record deal is actually an artist giving up his or her rights to their music and some profit in exchange for professional services that will advance the artist’s career. The main goal of your record label is to increase the artist’s profitability, which in turn increases your sales and profitability.

What Is a Record Label Business Plan?

Creating a business plan is one of the first and perhaps most important steps in starting a record label.

Why You Need a Record Label Business Plan?

If you’re looking to start a record label or grow a successful record label, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your record label in order to improve your chances of success. Your business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Source of Funding for Record Labels

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a record label are bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a record label is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund a record label.

What Should a Record Label Business Plan include?

The record label business plan should include the following 10 sections as follows:   1. Executive Summary 2. Company Analysis 3. Industry Analysis 4. Customer Analysis 5. Competitive Analysis 6. Marketing Plan 7. Operations Plan 8. Management Team 9. Financial Plan 10. Appendix

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How to Write a Business Plan for a Successful Record Label

Your business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

1. Executive Summary

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of record label you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup or do you have a record label that you would like to grow.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the music ndustry. Discuss the type of record label you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

2. Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of record label you are operating.

There are three types of record labels. These are major labels, their subsidiaries (major label subsidiaries) and indie or independent labels. Major labels include Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group. These are regarded as the “big three”.

Each of these three major labels has several subsidiary companies under their banner. If you’re considering starting your own record label, then it would fall under the independent label.

In addition to explaining the type of record label you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new store openings, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

3. Industry Analysis

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the music industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards decaffeinated record label consumption, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for plenty of decaffeinated options.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in the music industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section:

• How big is the music industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the music industry?
• What is the music industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your record label. You can extrapolate such as figure by assessing the size of the market and then applying that figure to the music genre(s) you will be serving.

4. Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

Record labels serve two types of customers: music artists and their fans.

In this section of your plan, start by detailing the music artists you represent or hope to represent.

With regards to the music artists’ fans, you should then detail the customer segments they include. Sample segments are college students, sports enthusiasts, soccer moms, techies, teens, baby boomers, etc.

If the artists you represent are in the same music genre, the fans of each should share similar demographic profiles.

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5. competitive analysis.

Direct competitors are other labels serving artists similar to the ones you want to serve. In your business plan, provide an overview of these competitors and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective (the music artists). And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ artists what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior record label services?
• Will you provide services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better contract splits?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

6. Marketing Plan

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of music artists you serve/hope to serve and the services you offer.

Price : Document the general contract pricing (revenue and profit splits) you will offer clients.

Place : Place refers to the location of your record label. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your record label located in an urban area with access to lots of musicians?

Promotions : the final part of your record label marketing plan is the promotions section, which details how you will get new clients and customers.

As a record label you need to market your company in order to get more clients, and you have to market your clients so they succeed and you both make money. Fortunately, when you do a great job marketing your clients, other artists hear of you and thus little additional marketing to them is needed.

As such, below are the most common and effective ways to market your record label’s clients:

• Collecting Email and Text Addresses : Developing an email and/or text list of music listeners who enjoy the bands your label represents may take time, but eventually offer a built-in base of potential buyers for each new album release or set a new tour date. It is important to make it easy to sign-up to the label’s email list at multiple points of contact – at concerts, via social media, and on the websites of the label and music artist.
• Building Release Schedules : It’s important to release songs in wanes. This helps to retain the audience’s interests. Whenever a new song is released, it will draw the most attention before tapering off. As interest begins to wane, release a new track. This keeps the momentum going and keeps people going.
• Concerts and Tours : The most immediate, direct way to get consumers to appreciate the music of your artists is for them to hear the artists live. This may become a bit of a “chicken and the egg” problem for you: concertgoers have to know of the artists, and have heard their music before, to want to attend their concerts, but concerts are a key way to market the artists. This is why newer artists are often sent out as opening acts for more established artists. As long as your label is skilled at successfully pairing your artists on concert tickets, you can benefit both groups of artists through this strategy.
• Public Relations : The release of a new album is newsworthy and, even if it does not seem newsworthy, it is the job of your company’s public relations director or firm to make it so. By encouraging new articles about the release and feature articles about the artists, PR people can create what amounts to free advertising in magazines and newspapers. Press releases must be tailored to the media outlet as much as possible, spoon-feeding them the “story” that should interest their readers.
• Offering Free Downloads : Releasing free tracks is an excellent way to attract interest because people are always in search of new songs. Consider placing these behind a download gate to ensure you get their email address and other contact information in return. If you prefer not to offer free songs, consider cover songs or demos.
• Creating Music Videos : Most fans search for songs on YouTube. Their video-sharing platform is an integral aspect of a record label’s marketing strategy. You may opt for an abstract video to a performance-based shoot. Lyric videos are also an excellent option.
• Hosting Contests : The relationship your label builds with the fans is a powerful step in building a brand. Each you include them in the project, you’re strengthening the relationship. Encourage fan involvement by inviting them to share ideas for t-shirt designs, videos, etc. Incentivize these tasks and offer prizes.
• Social Media Marketing : Conducting social media marketing will connect artists with existing and new fans. It not only builds brand loyalty and awareness, but can generate significant sales of concert tickets and merchandise.
• Partnerships : Partnering with other companies (such as sports companies, apparel companies, and consumer goods companies) that appeal to your artists’ fans could be mutually beneficial to you and your partners.

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7. operations plan.

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your record label. These tasks include marketing, publicity, sales and distributions, promotions, production, and creative services among others.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 10,000th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.

8. Management Team

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in the music production business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in the music industry, industry contacts, and/or successfully running retail and small businesses.

9. Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

When an artist signs up with your record label, your company will receive a percentage of the royalties. In return, the artist will receive a myriad of services, professional connections, and specialized campaigns.

In developing your income statement to forecast these revenues and expenses, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 1 client per year or 20? And will per-client sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your record label, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. For example, let’s say a company approached you with a $100,000 performance contract, that would cost you $50,000 to fulfill. Well, in most cases, you would have to pay that $50,000 now for supplies, equipment rentals, employee salaries, etc. But let’s say the company didn’t pay you for 180 days. During that 180 day period, you could run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a record label:

• Recording: Depending upon where the record will be produced, you can expect the recording costs to range from $0 to $15,000. If you’re an audio engineer or have partnered with a music producer, then they might have their own at-home studio.
• Manufacturing: Most labels release digital music, but if you’re opting for vinyl or CDs, the cost can range from $1.2 to $6 per unit.
• Networking and Entertaining: This includes items such as travel, tickets, drinks, recruitment, attending shows, etc.
• Graphic Design: Developing the label’s logo, product design, cover design, etc.
• Legal Services: This can range in price greatly.. There are artist contract templates online but it’s always best to seek professional guidance with the first contract.
• Promotion: This can cost thousands of dollars because you’re going to be working with booking agents, music promoters, publicists, etc. to increase the artist’s awareness. It also helps spur ticket sales and record sales.
• Office lease and office supplies expenses
• Administrative salary expenses

10. Appendix

Putting together a business plan for your record label is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the music business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful record label.

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Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.  

Record Label Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my record label business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Record Label Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Record Label Business Plan.

Where Can I Download a Record Label Business Plan PDF?

You can download our record label business plan PDF template here . This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

How To Write a Winning Music Production Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for music production businesses that want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every music production business owner should include in their business plan.

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What is a Music Production Business Plan?

A music production business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Music Production Business Plan?

A music production business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Music Production Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful music production business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a music production business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your music production company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your music production business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your music production firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen music production business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a music production business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the music production industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, the clients of a music production business may include:

• Recording studios
• Independent record labels

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or music production services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your music production business may have:

• Proven industry experience
• Unique production process
• Strong customer loyalty
• Extensive music library
• Personalized service

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or, you may promote your music production business via a public relations campaign.

Operations Plan

This part of your music production business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a music production business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include adding new production equipment, opening a second location, or hiring new personnel.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific music production industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Music Production Firm

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Music Production Firm

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup music production business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Music Production Firm

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your music production company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

Remember to keep your business plan updated as your company grows and changes. Review it at least once a year to make sure it is still relevant and accurate.  

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Start Your Music Production Business in Minutes

How to Start a Music Production Business [11+ Steps]

Ever dreamt of turning your passion for music into a profitable venture? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the exciting world of music production and show you exactly how to turn those beats and harmonies into a thriving business.

Our Shortlist Steps to Start a Profitable Music Production Business:

• Draft a music production business plan.
• Pick a business name & business entity that works best for you.
• Find ways to finance your music production startup.
• Open a professional business bank account.
• Set up your accounting & tax reporting.
• Obatin the necessary licenses & permits for your music production business.
• Purchase the equipment, software, & tools needed.

Startup Costs for a Music Production Business:

Initiating a music production business can involve substantial financial commitment, the scale of which is significantly influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others. Nonetheless, our extensive research and hands-on experience have revealed an estimated starting cost of approximately $24000 for launching such an business. Please note, not all of these costs may be necessary to start up your music production business.

• Music Production Startup Expenses

Table of Contents: (Page Navigation)

11 steps to start a profitable music production business with little to no money:, 1. music production business plan..

Having a solid business plan is an essential part of setting up any successful business, particularly one in the music production industry. A business plan will help you to set out the key aims of your business and the steps you need to take to achieve them. It will also allow you to identify any potential risks, as well as opportunities and strategies that can help you to reach your goals.

• Outline of the business, its services and products
• Analysis of the music production industry
• Objectives and goals
• Marketing and sales strategy
• Financial projections and budget
• Organizational plan
• Check out our entire small business plan directory

2. Form the Legal Business Entity.

Are you looking for ways to start your own music production business? You'll want to consider officially registering your business with local and federal governments. There are four different types of entities you can choose from, each with their own pros and cons. 

Sole proprietorship : 

• The simplest type of business to set up 
• Offers no personal liability protection 

Corporate organization : 

• Shareholders elect board members to run things 
• Requires an annual meeting with stockholders' meetings every three months 

Limited Liability Company : 

• Provides extra protection for investors by limiting their liability exposure 
• Allows flexibility in operating their businesses 

Partnership : 

• Business owner plus partners 
• Can offer personal liability protection 

When deciding what type of business entity is right for your music production company, it's important to consider what kind of liability exposure you want and what your goals are for the business. If you're just starting out and selling to family and friends, a sole proprietorship may be enough. But if you're looking for more protection or to grow the business, a corporate organization or LLC may be a better choice. 

No matter what type of business entity you choose for your music production business, be sure to register it with the state in which you'll be doing business. This will give you the legal protections you need to operate your business and protect your personal assets. To register your business, you'll need to file the appropriate paperwork with your state's Secretary of State office . You can find more information on how to do this on their website. 

Once you've registered your music production business, you'll need to get a business license from your local city or county. This will allow you to legally operate your business in your area. To get a business license, you'll need to fill out an application and submit it to your local licensing authority. They will then review your application and decide whether or not to issue you a license. 

Now that you know how to register your music production business, it's time to get started! Follow the steps above to get started on the right foot and be sure to consult with an attorney if you have any questions. Good luck!

• Check out our U.S. Registered Agent Directory
• Check out our U.S. LLC Directory

Form an LLC in your state!

3. Source Financing for Your Music Production Business.

There are several different ways to go about sourcing financing options for your music production business, but it’s extremely important to think through each and every method because each decision may have financial implications on you and your business in the long term.

Some new founders may find themselves in a situation where your music production startup costs are actually only a few hundred dollars to get started, but we thought it was important to share the below methods in case you’re thinking of ideas down the road.

Here are 5 financing options for your music production business:

• Raising money from friends and family
• Bootstrapping by tapping into your own savings account
• Sourcing investment from outside investors
• Obtaining a bank loan
• Getting money from a hard money lender

Now, there are of course many other alternatives to financing your business, but these 5 options are just a few that come to mind.

It’s also important to stress the importance of decisions and only make the decision you believe is the best fit for your current situation. There is no right answer when deciding how much money should go into starting up your own company, but there may be some guidance from below regarding what type of financing would work best for someone like yourself - so take note before making any final decisions about which path will suit both yourself and your music production business best! We definitely recommend advising your accountant before making any final decisions.

4. Open a Business Bank Account.

Opening a  business bank account for your music production company can be a daunting task, especially if you're not sure what you're doing. But it doesn't have to be! There are different types of accounts that you can open for your music production business, depending on what you need and how much money you're looking to deposit.

We'll go over some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of account, so you know what to expect from each one.

Checking Account:  The most common type of business bank account is a checking account. Checking accounts are easy to open and offers a variety of features and benefits that can be helpful for businesses. One of the biggest advantages of a checking account is that it allows you to easily deposit and withdraw money as you need it. You can also write checks from your checking account, which can be helpful for paying bills or suppliers.

Savings Account:  Another popular type of business bank account is a savings account. Savings accounts earn interest on the money that you deposit, so they can be a great way to grow your music production business's cash reserve. However, savings accounts typically have lower interest rates than checking accounts and may have withdrawal limits.

Business Card Card:  If you're looking for a more robust bank account for your business, you may want to consider opening a business credit card. Business credit cards can be very helpful for businesses that need to make large purchases or need to build up their credit history. However, business credit cards typically have high-interest rates and may have annual fees.

No matter what  type of business bank account you choose, be sure to shop around and compare features and fees before making a decision. Once you've found the right account for your business, you'll be on your way to the next step in building your music production business! As always, be sure you advise your certified professional accountant before making any final financial decisions.

5. Set up Your Accounting and Taxes.

As a new music production business owner, you have a lot on your plate. There are so many things to think about and so much to do in order to get your business off the ground.

But one of the most important things you need to do is set up a proper accounting system. This will help you  track your expenses , revenue, receipts, taxes owed, and much more.

There are a couple of different ways that you can set up your music production accounting system.

• You can use an online accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero
• Hire an accountant to do it for you.

If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you choose a system that is easy to use and understand.

Once you have your  accounting system set up, start tracking your income and expenses. This will help you see where your money is going and where you need to cut back. It will also help you budget for the future.

Make sure you keep up with your accounting regularly. This means setting aside time each month to reconcile your accounts and update your records. This may seem like a lot of work, but it will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

If you have any questions about setting up your accounting system, talk to your accountant or  financial advisor . They can help you choose the right system for your business and make sure you are using it correctly.

• Find account software for your business

6. Obtain Music Production Business Permits and Licenses.

Starting a new music production business can be a daunting task, but there are some important things to keep in mind that can make the process a bit smoother. One of the most important things to do when starting a new business is to  obtain the proper licenses and permits from the appropriate government agencies.

There are a number of different business licenses and permits that may be required, depending on the type of music production business you are starting and where it will be located. The best way to find out which licenses and permits you need is to contact your local business licensing office or chamber of commerce. They will be able to provide you with information on which licenses and permits are required in your area.

Once you have obtained the necessary music production licenses and permits, you will be able to officially open your business and start operating. Congratulations! You are now on your way to becoming a successful business owner.

7. Purchase Equipment, Software, Supplies & Tools Needed.

There's a lot to think about when starting a music production business. One of the most important elements is equipment, tools, and supplies. 

Here's a few tips to help you:

• Determine what equipment, tools, and supplies you need.  This will depend on the type of business you're starting and the products or services you'll be offering. Make a list of everything you need, including both big-ticket items (like office furniture) and smaller items (like paper clips).
• Research different suppliers. Once you know what you need, it's time to start shopping around. Compare prices and quality between different suppliers to find the best deal.
• Consider equipment rental or leasing.  If you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider renting or leasing equipment instead of purchasing it outright. This can be a good option for expensive items that you won't need to use on a regular basis.
• Get everything in writing.  Once you've decided on a supplier, make sure to get all the details in writing before making a purchase. This will help avoid any misunderstandings later on.
• Stay organized and keep track of your inventory. It's important to stay organized when running a business. Keep track of your equipment, tools, and supplies so you know what you have and what needs to be replenished.

By following this process will help ensure that you have the equipment, tools, and supplies you need to run your business smoothly.

• Check out our small business software & tools review directory

8. Create a Brand Identity for Your Music Production Company.

Creating a brand identity for your music production company can be very difficult. There are so many factors to consider, from the logo design to the colors you use. But if you take the time to plan and focus on what you want your customers to feel, you can create a brand identity that will set your business apart from the rest.

Here's how to get started:

1.  Define your music production company's purpose and values.

What do you want to achieve with your business? What kind of feeling do you want your customers to have when they think of your music production brand? These are important questions to answer before you start creating any visuals for your brand.

2. Choose a color scheme that reflects your company's personality.

Colors can communicate a lot about a brand, so it's important to choose wisely. If you're not sure where to start, try looking at  other brands in your industry and see what colors they use.

3. Develop a unique logo that represents your music production brand.

This is often the first thing people will think of when they hear your company name, so it's important to make it memorable. Work with a professional designer to  create a logo that's both visually appealing and reflective of your brand values.

4. Create consistent branding across all channels.

Once you have your logo and color scheme, make sure you use them consistently across all of your marketing materials, from your website to your business cards. This will help reinforce your brand identity and make it easier for customers to recognize your company.

Creating a strong brand identity is essential for any music production business, but it doesn't have to be complicated. By focusing on your company's purpose and values, you can develop a brand that will resonate with your target audience. With a little planning and some creativity, you can create a brand identity that will make your music production company stand out from the rest.

9. Build a Beautiful Website.

In today's world, and no matter what type of business you're in, it's always best to have a beautifully designed website to share with your customers. For your music production business, you may not need one right away, but it's best to plan for this!

There are a few key steps to building a beautiful website for your new music production business:

• Hiring a professional website designer or working with a freelancer - make sure to look at their portfolio and get recommendations from others in the industry.
• Planning out your  website's structure and hierarchy - this includes deciding what pages and baby clothing content will be included on the website, and how it will all be organized.
• Creating  stunning visuals and graphics - images, videos, and other visual elements should be high-quality and reflect your brand identity.
• Writing compelling website copy - the text on your website should be well-written, informative, and persuasive.
• Testing the website before launch - it's important to test all the website's features and functionality to ensure everything works correctly.

Following these steps will help you create a website that is both visually appealing and effective in promoting your music production business. If you have any questions or need help getting started, feel free to contact us and we would be happy to assist you.

10. Create a Company Email Address & Phone Number.

With a company phone number and email address, you'll be able to give your business a more professional appearance and stay in touch with customers more easily.

Here's how to set them up:

• Purchase a business phone number . You can do this through a telecom provider like Twilio or Grasshopper.
• Register the phone number by creating an account with the telecom provider.
• Set up a professional email address using a service like  Google Workspace or  Microsoft 365 .
• Configure your email account to forward messages to your business phone number.

Note: When you're first starting out your music production business, you can definitely use your personal phone number and email address, but as it grows, be sure to look into other communication options!

Once you're all set up, you'll now be able to more easily communicate with customers more professionally!

11. Make a Go-To Market Launch Strategy.

You’ve done all of the hard work up until this point and prepared your music production business for launch – Now, it’s time to get your music production business name out there and start generating customers!

You’ll likely already have worked on a bit of your marketing plan during the build out of your business plan, but now you’ll take a magnifying glass to your strategy and plan out how you’ll obtain your first few customers.

To get things started, below are a few marketing strategies you can steal from:

• Reach out to local newspapers about your launch
• Identify social media influencers your customers follow
• Host a business launch event at your office, storefront
• Run a business launch sale to attract first time customers
• Run a few ads online to attract customers
• Get your friends and family to share your products on social media
• Partner up with other local businesses in the area to share your business

Again, remember, marketing is never a “said it and forget” method. You must always be iterating on your strategy and doubling down on what worked and what your customers love most. Also, always be sure you’re never overspending in this area so that it doesn’t cut into your margins.

• Check out all of our small business marketing ideas

You have questions, we have answers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Below, based on our research are some of the most common questions entrepreneurs have when thinking about starting a business.

What does it cost to start a Music Production business?

Are music production businesses profitable, how to come up with a name for your music production business, what do you need to do to define your target audience for your music production business, how does a music production business make money, list of software, tools and supplies needed to start a music production business:, what licenses and permits are needed to run a music production business.

Helpful content

More business resources to help you get started:

External resources:.

• ReverbNation
• Music Business Resources
• Music To Objectives
• Pro Music Weekly
• Sound Studio Press
• Mixed In Key
• Creative Field Recording
• David Foster's Masterclass on Music Production and Recordings </

Internal resources:

• Music Production Business Names
• Music Production Business Plan Template & Guidebook
• Best Music Business Ideas & Examples in 2023
• 75+ Unique, Creative & Funny Music Production Business Slogans
• List of the Best Marketing Ideas For Your Music Production Business:

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

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A Sample Music Business Plan

I just got home from a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with my mother, sister, brother, niece and nephew in Franklin Park, New Jersey. The roads were slick from an early snow shower that turned to freezing rain. As I was driving home it dawned on me that I haven’t written a blog post (on any topic) in over a month. But tonight I suddenly found the inspiration to present…

A Sample Music Business Plan for Your Band

For those of you who haven’t read my previous posts on this topic, I’ll briefly bring you up to speed. I wrote a post on Music Think Tank Open that was transferred to the main page (an honor in my book) called How to Write a Music Business Plan . It was a bit fluffy like this one might end up and one of the MTT readers called me on it. The first comment was, “Would have been stronger with a template or sample.” I got pissed off and created a template . Thanks again Justin .

However, I never provided a sample for two reasons. One, I thought that I might loose business opportunities by providing a sample of a plan that I’ve done. People like to copy plans instead of learning the steps or hiring a business plan writer like myself. Two, because business plans as you will see in the sample below, are confidential. Half of my clients will make me sign a Non Disclosure Agreement and swear me to secrecy for good reason. Luckily for you about a year ago, one rap group from VA gave me the go ahead to publish their plan, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

My Inspiration

Every time I sit down to write another music business plan I think about all of the starving artists out there who have failed to see the value in the business planning process. There are all sorts of books out there telling people not to plan. I personally don’t understand that concept at all.

I’ve read that planning is nothing more that guessing recently. If that’s the case, I’ve been one lucky dude. I plan everything. I plan what body part I’m going to work at the gym tomorrow, what I’ll have for dinner the next day and what I’ll will wear to work on Monday. I honestly feel that I would not be as successful as I am if it weren’t for careful planning.

Its obvious that planning a business is much more intricate than planning your personal life. If running a business was as easy as having an idea and going for it, we’d all be rich. A plan not only provides you with a framework for growth, but also takes a closer look at the details of your business; ones that are typically over looked without a business plan. A CEO has to manage everything from personnel to product development and marketing to distribution and accounting. How is one supposed to conceptualize that process in their head? The answer is clear to me. You can’t.

Elements of a good plan

Whether you are planning to approach a bank or family member for financing or simply look at ways to improve your business, a good plan includes the five sections that follow.

1. Executive Summary

2. Products and Services

3. Marketing Plan

4. Management Plan

5. Financial Plan

Details on each of these plans can be found in previous posts and outlined in depth in my template, You don’t have to take my work for it however, there are tons of resources online that will tell you the same thing about business planning. Over the years I have tailored these plans to mirror the needs of the ever changing music industry. Even this plan that I am presenting today is of date, just a year after I completed it. That should tell you that a business plan should be a living and breathing part of your business and updated as your wants and needs change.

Kevin English is a marketer and student of the arts, who blogs about the skills and strategies necessary to get the most of your musical career at  http://eleetmusic.com  or on Twitter  @eleetmusic .

References (1)

Reader Comments (21)

Nice piece Kevin. In the future, I see investors providing funding for well organized groups that have traction and a working business model. Terry McBride's Nettrwerk Group started a joint venture fund called Polyphonic where his company's intent is to invest in artists that are in a place where they could grow with the help of outside funding. Any band with a good team and there business in order can benefit from doing a business plan. Doing one properly provides any band's music business with an excellent road map for future growth. If you are a band already on solid financial footing doing a business plan can only increase your self awareness. Additionally, if you are serious about investor funding, most serious investors will want to see at the very least a detailed well thought out Executive Summary of your project.

David Sherbow CEO, www.LiveMusicMachine.com

Thanks Dave. Polyphonic looks interesting. Its about time someone stepped up to the plate to take advantage of the scaling of independent musicians. I'll have to do some research on them myself.

Hey Kevin, not sure you'll remember me, but we connected back in the spring and we talked on the phone briefly about my music business plan. I'll say for the most part, the majority of what I planned for (or more so my goals) got accomplished and I'm moving on to rehashing out things for 2011 that I simply did not get to this year.

One thing I learned as I implemented my plan was that some things took longer (and more $$) than I wanted and I had to learn to be okay with that. Like my album for instance. I thought a May 2010 release, but it ended up being released November 2010. But the thing is is that it was my first one and I had no idea how it played out in reality.

I read a good book recently, "Rework", that had an interesting chapter on plans--thought I'd see what your reaction was. To summarize they say:

- plans are fantasy, there are too many factors out of your hands to predict - start referring to your business plans as guesses - plans let the past drive the future - you have the most information when you're doing something, not before you've done it - they advise not writing a long winded plan, because it mostly ends up collecting dust or being constantly rewritten

I've experienced these realities in my past life helping non-profits write strategic plans and seen the plan utterly fall apart or not even used for numerous reasons. In the music industry today, which is constantly changing, I completely agree that all the components you mention for a plan should be thought about and written down, but do you think this means musicians should write several short-term plans a year or phase them out? It probably depends on the goals of the artist.

The follow up question I have to your post is taking a plan and implementing it--how does one do it? Other than doing it, what should be in place to ensure the music business plan shows success?

I wanted to those those questions out for readers here, but my two quick answers are--A) just start doing it (how else does anything get done), and B) incorporate metrics into the plan.

Brian Franke www.brianfranke.com @bfrankemusic (Twitter) www.brianfranke.com/thinkingaloud (music blog)

Of course I remember you. I'm like an elephant when it comes that kinda of thing ;-)

This post is purposely in direct contradiction to that section in ReWork for two reasons:

1.) I'm not trying to sell you a book (yet)

2.) I've personally seen businesses fail because they didn't plan

37 signals is a great company and the authors are very smart guys, but when I hear you say things like everything you PLANNED for you accomplished, it further underscores my point.

To answer your questions:

Start by reviewing your finances. If you don't have the money to record, market, distribute and promote you cannot proceed.

Measurable goals is the name of the game. You have to know how many fans, shows, and digital downloads you need in order to become profitable. Otherwise your plan was created in vein.

Great hearing from you Brian. Keep up the good work!

Kevin, I'm glad the topic of music business plans has come up, because I've been trying to wrap my head around them for a while. After reading over your post and the provided documents, I'm still very skeptical about their practicality. (I don't intend to come off as a jerk - its hard to ask critical questions online without sounding like one)

First off, it seems like the plan for Northern Southerners is basically to "do what every other aspiring band and label does." Produce albums, merchandise, and tour. To me, this all seems like stating the obvious. I don't understand how this constitutes a guiding plan.

Under what circumstances will the folks at Northern Southern ever encounter some question or situation in which they say, "hmmm, i dunno, we better check and see what the plan said", and then crack this thing open and have their answer? It all seems very substance-free.

Then there's the finance page... am I reading this wrong, or does it end stating that they're going to be $80,638 in the hole at the end of the year? Obviously companies need to incur some startup costs, but for a PLAN, this certainly seems to end on a bit of a cliffhanger! Fuirthermore, (And I have always, always wondered this), how the heck can ANYONE project music sales for a startup act? Granted, they project a year end total of only $10,700 in total sales, which I suppose is realistic... but what are those numbers based on? Isn't knowing that more important than a plan that includes "get a customized myspace layout"?

I guess I just don't see how "spend money on a publicist and promoter" equals a marketing plan. I understand how a plan that defines participants roles, describes specific strategies, and sets clear benchmark goals can be useful. But this plan does none of that.

However, even if it did, my overarching question remains; how can ANYONE predict revenue or sales in this music industry for new products or artists? It seems to me like things either catch heat, or they don't, and it usually comes down to who is able to work their media connections best and get the most exposure.

I'm really not trying to tear this post down, I've just been told time and time again about the importance of business plans in music only to see a laundry list of very basic promotional activities, combined with seemingly imaginary financial projections. I would very much like to hear where I am missing the point.

Hey Justin,

Thanks for reading and asking some very good questions. BTW you don't come off as a jerk. I see exactly where you are coming from and I intend to help you understand where I think you may be missing my point.

You should always be skeptical of new ideas, especially when they appear from an unfamiliar author on a blog that claims to be the most relevant think tank in the new music industry today. I'm a huge skeptic myself and further more I've never been known for blowing smoke when it comes to the music business. Independents should protect their right to call, bullshit, so I'm glad you were man enough to do so. In any event, here are my arguments.

Point #1: First off, it seems like the plan for Northern Southerners is basically to "do what every other aspiring band and label does.

You're correct. It is exactly that. What is different here is that the Northern Southerners have put it on paper in order to identify the holes in it. How can you find flaws in what you propose to do without seeing all of the details out in front of you?

They have also itemized what the cost are for each basic step of the way. Sure, most (not all) artists know how it goes:

⁃ record and album, market it, promote it and distribute it

Now ask yourself, how many artists can say they have contacted all of the vendors necessary to carry out those four "obvious" steps, and project how much this "labor of love" will cost them in 2011? The Northern Southerners can.

Point #2: Under what circumstances will the folks at Northern Southern ever encounter some question or situation in which they say, "hmmm, i dunno, we better check and see what the plan said", and then crack this thing open and have their answer?

Thats a perfect segment to point #1. The Northern Southerners are often asked by investors to forecast what they are likely to spend next year. Conversely they will also have to take an educated guess about how much money they will make.

Think of a business plan as a big budget. Do you tell your banker that you are skeptical about budgeting for college, auto purchase or home loan? That you don't see the value in planning for those types of expediters? Why is a music business any different? If you say, because its "too hard" and it "either catches or it doesn't", makes me think that it is even more important to plan. Not less.

Music is emotional, I know, but businesses aren't. Remember, I didn't make these rules, I'm just presenting a way to bridge the two truths.

Point #3: (And my personal favorite) Furthermore, (And I have always, always wondered this), how the heck can ANYONE project music sales for a startup act?

How about we start with your neighborhood and say, "Who is most likely to buy my album in this town? What does my target customer look like? What do they do for fun? Where do they hang out?

Let say you come up with one market segment that is 30 year old men. What do 30 year old men do on a beautiful day like today? Watch football. So you can either come up with a catchy song about how Titans CB Cortland Finnegan got his ass beat last week and put it out on the internet too see if it "catches"

You can look at the City, County and State Census records to find out exactly the number of 30 year old men that live in your neck of the woods. Then you take your marketing tool(s) of choice and examine the industry standards on say, pay per clicks (if you plan to use internet promotion).

That is what this and any other good financial plan is based on. Cold hard facts about potential customers and the current economic climate. Not lofty ideas and passing thoughts about how great your music is.

Look I'm not going to elaborate any further in this comment, but please feel free to ask more question here, via email, twitter or phone. I'll leave all of my contact info at the bottom of the post.

Kev eleetmusic[at]gmail 347-688-5383 @eleetmusic

I finally had a chance to skim through this. As someone that has invested in, written and consumed my fair share of plans, here's my feedback:

Your plan is a fine "friend" plan. It's a plan that close friends with money to burn (in a wood stove) might invest in. However, I don't believe this is the type of plan anyone could sensibly shop to strangers (as investors). Here are a few reasons why:

The upside you are offering is far too low for the perceived risk involved. I would never put $100K into something as risky as a band unless I was going to own a significant chunk (probably far more than 20%) of the entity that controlled all the rights and IP.

You need to demonstrate that you are taking some of the significant risks off the table. Without signed rights and services agreements, there's no minimal guarantee that the songwriter or lead singer is not going to drift off to some other band/venture.

As Justin said, the plan is lacking in substance (sorry).. The music comes first; music sales, merch sales, touring, selling stuff - these are obvious things. I want to know what you are going to do to propel yourself to the moon. The 6% return is nice if you are a bank, but I want to know how I am going to end up owning a chunk of a $35M annual business two years from now! What's the unique, unusual, inventive, off-the-charts thing (strategy) that you are going to employ that's going to put you on the map and keep you on the map? (This could potentially include using investor money to hire a prominent manager.)

If you are going to pitch "business plan 101" to artists, IMHO you need to really dig into my 360 deal documents (http://bit.ly/gtGanm) to develop an understanding of how to 1) minimize risk, 2) align incentives, 3) capture all potential revenue streams, and 4) paint a picture of significant upside.

If the hardest thing in the music business is putting lyrics together with a melody to create a popular song, then the second hardest thing is finding the money you need to do everything else. In this industry, before you even write a plan to raise $10K, you better have 1) excellent songs, and 2) a believable strategy that's going to make you into a true, viable business. Cheers.

Strategy for a viable business. Bruce I know you love lists:

New Order: choose the worst singer to not only sing but also write the lyrics (some of which are literally made-up gibberish). Stay signed to a label that refuses, on principle, to finance PR. Invest the majority of any money made in a nightclub that loses money hand-over-fist (and don't buy the building it's in, just spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on its refurbishment). Name yourselves after Hitler's own term for the Nazi party.

Jimi Hendrix: restart your career as a black, psychedelic rock star in another country where black people are still a novelty, by supporting Gene Pitney and Engelbert Humperdinck, then return to your country of birth and try to start your new career there by supporting the Monkees. Pledge support for the soldiers in Vietnam whilst presenting yourself as an alt. culture freak (change your mind later). Perform and record the national anthem at sunrise with feedback guitar and sexually provocative hip thrusts. Die from ingesting your own vomit after building an intense mythology about your drug-taking powers.

Nirvana: oh, you can fill this one in yourself...

Success? Yes, all three, business-wise.

Now, if you'd asked the managers, the story would have an ever-so slightly different slant, right?

Ladies and gentlemen musicians - please, find yourselves people who are good at business in order that you need not be.

Ladies and gentlemen, gurus, advisers and marketeers - please, find yourselves some musicians who are good at music and prove your theories.

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I sincerely respect your judgement and expertise.

"Your plan is a fine "friend" plan."

Correct. The Northern Southerners came to me for a business plan to submit to a family friend that was already interested in investing, but wanted to see their business on paper.

"You need to demonstrate that you are taking some of the significant risks off the table."

Agreed. I'll look into this further with future plans of the sort.

"As Justin said, the plan is lacking in substance (sorry)"

Don't be sorry. This is your professional opinion. Granted, everyone isn't at the same level as you are. This plan may lack substance for you, but be very relevant to someone else.

"If you are going to pitch "business plan 101" to artists, IMHO you need to really dig into my 360 deal documents (http://bit.ly/gtGanm)"

First of all I'd like you to understand that I'm not pitching (Lord knows I have enough work to do). I'm simply sharing what I know with the people who have asked.

Please remember that this plan is a sample. Not the end all be all or a guaranteed road to success.

" I want to know what you are going to do to propel yourself to the moon."

Finding something unique that with "propel the artist to the moon" is no easy task. No one has found that thing from my knowledge. Not sure why I'm expected to include this in the plan.

In any event, the Northern Southerners 'thing" was the fact that they were able to clear a Bruce Springsteen sample for their lead single. That's a lot more than some can say.

I'll respond to the only coherent sentences in your comment above

"Ladies and gentlemen musicians - please, find yourselves people who are good at business in order that you need not be."

Really? How much will that cost you over the course of your career? Isn't it better to know the business than to relinquish control to someone who "says" they are acting in your best interest?

"Ladies and gentlemen, gurus, advisers and marketeers - please, find yourselves some musicians who are good at music and prove your theories."

Are you "good" at music? Let's try some theories out with you.

Keep the comments coming everyone! This is how we will progress as an industry.

figured that was pretty coherent... how about: these are three examples of very successful artists, none of whom, on paper, would seem to have had a viable business plan.

And as the world of pop is full of similarly successful musicians who have had chaotic careers that they couldn't have possibly planned for, I would say, though there might possibly be exceptions (and I would love to hear about them - honestly, that's the point of my comments) who started off with a business plan as opposed to a dream and a riff, basically, success from chaos is the norm and to state otherwise needs proof.

So, if you are making a solid offer to work with one of my artists, to create living proof, please mail me off-site and let's talk about it.

cheers [email protected]

What you are referring to is the magic that happens when an artist hits the big time.

It would be foolish to think that none of this was planned. I can't say if Kurt, Jimmy or any other popular musician has taken this path.

All I can say is that they would have been better off by knowing a little bit more about their business. Just like any other business man or woman.

You don't have to believe me or trust that my "theory" works. You can keep on dreaming and believing that one day all of your musical dreams will come true. It's your choice.

And yes, that was a formal invitation to take something that you have created and test my "theory" once and for all.

Will email you offline and post the results here.

"Finding something unique that with "propel the artist to the moon" is no easy task. No one has found that thing from my knowledge. Not sure why I'm expected to include this in the plan."

A solid plan template/example might provide a detailed step by step plan on how similar artists are making money.

Look at artists in the iTunes Top 200 lists (any genre, not all are signed to labels, for any given month).

Look at artists that are performing in venues operated by Live Nation.

Many of theses artists are making money, and not all of them are legacy artists, and not all are signed to major labels. How did they get to where they are now? What was/is (past, present, and future) their business plan? How long does it take? What are the key ingredients that are propelling success? Etc, etc.. Can this success be replicated? What did it cost to get there? And so on.. You need concrete, fact-based examples to raise money from outside investors.

@Kevin - I'm sure there have been many plans made by many artists, but the idea that they are transferable just can't be proved. Sure, we can all learn lessons from history and we can all plan hopefully, so maybe that's how we should look at your plan. I'll look forward to hearing from you.

@Bruce - as ever, intriguing me into action - I had a good look at the UK top 200, of which I found 8 artists who are apparently not signed either to decent sized labels or production companies. Some have arrived at their success by slightly more independent routes, most have a decent financial push behind them, if I took an educated guess.

Unfortunately, nearly all the 'randoms' do seem to have a uniting factor: novelty plus cultural good timing:

Brett Domino, Bruno Mars, Xamder Rawlins, aberlour choir, captain ska, yeo valley rappers.

They all have other groups and org's supporting them in various ways, because of who they are, from radio stations to the patriotic British public.

Of the other two:

Afrojack and Yolanda be Cool, you could easily put the latter in the novelty bracket, depending on your POV on Europop. Afrojack is connected to Spinnin' Records, a dance indie based in Amsterdam, so might also be discounted, although I'm not sure how big they are.

I couldn't find what we might call 'start-ups' or purely artist-run labels; even the labels apparently owned by artists tend to have deals with a bigger label or publishing company.

Of course, there might be a whole different picture in the States; with its tradition of decent-sized, locally based labels with support from large radio stations in the area, the impetus and infrastructure might be in place to facilitate smaller crews in a release. I know that certain hip hop labels have managed to do well, in the grand tradition of 'if they won't release, we'll do it ourselves' that led people like Sam Cooke, James Brown, Curtis mayfield and The Isleys to set up their own labels.

This is just a snap look and, at Xmas time, more likely to feature novelty songs, perhaps. But still, disappointing and surprising, even for digital cynic me.

"most have a decent financial push behind them"

Thus the point of the business plan to raise money.. Record label or not, it's still money + humans + an execution plan that's making it all work. One could possibly raise money if they 'plan' to hire the right humans and execute a 'plan' that has historically (at least over the last ten minutes) worked.

On a related matter, I believe it's incredibly difficult for the average investor (fan) to gauge popularity potential against competing alternatives (for investment money) in the marketplace. The means to measure this are crude at best (e.g.: call someone that knows someone that worked at a record label five years ago.).

So possibly the best plan might be not to bother with plans and just try to be the most exciting band in the world in the hope that 'money + humans + an execution plan', in other words, a label, or a production company, or a publishing or a management company take you on.

On the evidence, it's a better 'career path' than any other.

Investor = fan? It's possible, but unlikely. I know some crazy fans think they own the artist they love in some way, but buying their music doesn't make you an investor.

That's just free-market capitalist speak gone mad.

"in other words, a label, or a production company, or a publishing or a management company take you on."

Sure. Aren't they the groups that are supposed to be writing the plans? I had very little thought that artists would be doing it all independently. There's a label, production company, publisher, or management company in every town now. They are the ones usually seeking an investment.

Absolutely, although they are far and few, even in most big cities in the UK.

In the whole of Scotland (pop: 5 million) there's hardly a publisher, very few management companies, one serious, specialist PR company (although I think they may have just moved to Brighton). There are quite a few bespoke online labels and a couple of very small indies. There is one, very large promoter. The over-all music economy is tiny.

That's a small target to aim for, for most artists. Most of the one billion profit and x-billions turn-over, in other words, the business, is in London.

I'm sure it's similar in the States - with hotspots of finance like Nashville, NY and LA.

I honestly don't think the roads to travel on have altered all that much for artists, because of the internet. As you say, Bruce, you don't expect the artists to be doing it independently - apart from the very odd exception, I don't think that's happening.

Although, I would love it to be possible.

Really very useful and important news for everyone. Terry McBride's Nettrwerk Group started a joint venture fund called Polyphonic where his company's intent is to invest in artists that are in a place where they could grow with the help of outside funding. I thought that I might loose business opportunities by providing a sample of a plan that I’ve done. People like to copy plans instead of learning the steps or hiring a business plan writer like myself. I am going to subscribe to this feed also. Thanks a lot! Business strategy

Very interesting site and articles. Really thankful for sharing. Will surely recommend this site to some friends! Regards,

Again very useful and very important for everyone. Terry McBride Nettrwerk Group started a joint investment fund intended polyphonic ring your company is to invest in artists who are in a place where they could develop with the help of external funding. I could lose business opportunities by providing a sample that I plan. People like to copy the plans instead of learning the steps or hire a business plan writer like me. I'll subscribe to this channel. Thanks! Testking 350-001 || Testking CISSP || Testking 70-649

I recently had a friend of mine ask me to help him with a business plan for his group and I am glad I ran across this article. I had a few business courses in school so I thought I knew a little bit, at least enough to set the rough outline, but this article (as well as the comments and critiquing!) were very helpful!! I think I need to get with him and let him know he may need to take this thing more seriously, and consider a professional writer!

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Writing a business plan for your music.

July 25, 2018

The Indie Artists Guide to Writing a Business Plan

When it comes to the independent musician, the music business can be a strange, frustrating and scary concept. A good first step for any indie artist who is serious about creating a career in music, is to create a business plan. The Business plan will act as a roadmap to help the Indie Artist negotiate the music business and help them identify their strengths and weakness and more importantly, once identified, learn how to address them.

What is a Business Plan?

The mere mention of a business plan can make many of you freeze in fear. It sounds like a some mystical book of numbers and formulas that will take a business degree to understand. Nothing can be further from the truth. A  business plan is a simple outline your goals, how you can achieve those goals and outlines the resources that you have or need to get to reach those goals. It is basically a roadmap of your career and your business. It is the plan that takes you from the Dream to what actions you need to take to get there.

Why Write a Business Plan?

Basically the business plan will allow you to focus and set a realistic plan with realistic goals!  The business plan can be used to help bring in key people and companies you would like to make part of your team, such as prospective managers, agents, labels. Having a business plan will shows these people that you have thought about your career, planned how you want to achieve your goals and treat your career seriously. You can also use the business plan if you are looking to secure some financing for new equipment or to underwrite a tour.

Getting ready to write a Business Plan

Do your research, This article will give you a good framework to work from, but get a good book on the subject of writing a business plan  or you can get an Audio book to listen to while you are on the road. Second, BE REALISTIC AND HONEST WITH YOURSELF! Nothing will sink your business plan faster than unrealistic goals and an over estimation of your resources. If your goal is to be a star and make 2 Million a year writing songs from your mansion, keep in mind the amount of musicians that are out there trying to make it vs the small percentage of artists in that top tier. You would be better setting your goals to creating a sustainable income that will allow you make music your career.

Make an outline of your goals, Resources and needs. You will use this outline as you start to write your business plan.

Parts of a Business Plan

Your Business plan is a “Living Document”, it will change over time. It will also change depending on who you are presenting this plan to. Even if you are just using it as a guide to where you want to go and what you feel you need to do to get there. The reality is, as your band moves towards it’s goals, your resources will change and your goals will change, so your plan will change as well. Breaking it down to basic sections will allow you to update your plan easily. You would add or subtract sections depending on what you are doing or who you are presenting it to.

1. Executive Summary

The executive Summer should be single a page that introduces the band and provide a synopsis of your marketing plan. This would also be where you would personalize the plan to who giving this to. If it is to a bank, you would outline how much you are looking to finance and what the money will be used for.

2. Introduction

This is where you would have a more extensive bio of the band. If the plan is for a specific project (ie: Recording a CD, Setting up a tour, etc.) this is where you would outline that project.

3. Mission Statement

This is a short statement that explains who you are as an artist.

4. Vision Statement

Again this is a short statement outlines your goals as an artist.

5. Music Industry Overview

This would be a section that you would include if you are presenting your plan to someone who is not educated in the Music Business. A simple page that explains how you or your band fits within the Music Business. For example what is a Recording and touring artist, what does a booking agent do, what does a radio promoter do, etc.

6. Band/Artist Bio, History, and Functions

This would be more a resume of the band, accomplishments, key moments and it’s here that you would introduce the bio of the individual band members. You should also indicated who is doing what jobs for the band, For Example you can indicate the Bass player is working as a booking agent and the drummer is also producing and editing the bands music videos. You can also list any additional team members in this section, such as your PR Person, Booking agent, Radio Promoter, etc. This is also a good way to outline who is doing what within your business.

7. Your Market

This is THE most important aspect of your marketing plan, knowing your market. It is the artist who really knows who their audience is, stands out!

You should be tracking who comes to your shows. Do you have more women or men that show up at a gig? Are these people with disposable income, or do they nurse that beer all night. What other artists do they listen to, or go to see live. How do they get their music, CD’s, Downloads, Streaming? The more information you have about your market the better you can understand how to get them at your show. This also applies to markets you want to attract! For example, If you are looking to attract more women under 28 to your shows, then you need to know what women under 28 need to attract them to your show.

Keep in Mind your music is not going to be for everyone, but with a good understanding of your target market the better chance you will be able to expose them to your music.

8. Graphics and Branding

How you present yourself as an artist or band will determine the market that will be attracted to your shows. Your graphics and branding are an important part of your marketing plan. You should also determine how you are going to describe your music, the genre you are going to identify with. How you identify your music Genre can determine your market as well. If you are a “ Country” artist, you will attract a very specific market, or you can us other identifiers to create curiosity or interest with younger markets such as “Alt Country” or “Indie Blues”  .

9. Recording Project

If you are using the business plan for a recording project this is where you would put in the information about the project. Include information on who is producing this project, The engineer, any sessions players you are using, the studio you are going to use. Add bios of any additional players, producers and engineers. What is your timeline for the project.

This is also a good place to establish a budget for this project. Create a spreadsheet that allows you to input how many hours (and cost) of the actual recording, Mastering costs, Musician costs, pressing and packaging, radio promotion, packaging for mailings, postage for mailing to reviewers and radio stations, posters, ads, digital agrregators etc. You should also keep track of all sales of the CD as well once it is released.

You may decide to purchase the hardware and software to create your own studio to record your music. Here is where you would also outline the cost of this equipment. Sometimes this can be more cost effective then paying the hourly fee at a studio free you from the stress of watching the clock.

This will help you determine your “Return on Investment” or how many copies of your new project you have to sell before you recoup the cost of it’s production and marketing. This will reveal pretty quickly if you are making good business decisions on any recording project.

10. Press Kit

Here you can outline what is to be included in your press kit. Whether you are going to have a physical kit or an electronic press kit or both. Again what are the costs of producing each kit and the cost of sending that kit to any prospective buyer.

11. Additional Merchandise

Let’s face it, your CD is most likely the least profitable item on your merch table. Once you have sold a CD to someone, they will not purchase it again, You will quickly saturate your market and your merch table will be very quite, very quickly if you don’t have an well stocked merchandise plan. As any band with extensive touring experience will tell you, it’s all about the merch. I have known artists whose take at their merch table would be double their guarantee for the show. Again keep good records on what items you have on your merch table, how much it costs and how many you sold and for how much.

You will be able to see what sells good and what does not, what sizes sell the most and which ones sit for a while, etc. The bottom line it’s all about keeping good records and know what works and what does not. This is Good Business!

If you are looking for good ideas on how to merchandise your band check out this article. 

12. Touring Plans

Okay, here is a reality check. The Job of Musician is touring! If you don’t spend more time in your van then you do on stage then you are doing something wrong. Going on tour is not easy, and it’s not something you go into without good planing.

You need to again create a budget spreadsheet that includes how much you are going to spend on gas, Rooms (yes you are going to need a place to sleep even when you don;t have a gig that night), paying the band, food, strings, sticks for the drummer, wear and tear on the van, Oil Changes, Laundry, and make sure you have a reserve fund just in case you break down or you have to bail someone out. See Tips for the Touring Musician

As you book the shows, with a good budget you can quickly see if you will make money or lose money on the tour.

Its here you will also outline your “Tour Support” marketing. Are you sending posters to the venues in advance of the show? Are sending a press release to the press outlets in the area of the venue? Are you doing social media marketing in advance of the show? Do you need to setup interviews with the local radio stations? Have you established a mailing list for this market?

13. Connecting with your Fan Base

Your Fan base is your biggest asset as a touring artist. They are the what makes your business profitable. They scome to the shows, buy your merch and help spread the word about your and your music. With today’s access to social media platforms such as facebook, instagram, snapchat, twitter, etc., it is important to keep your fan base engaged with you and your music.

You need to outline your plan to keep your fan base informed of what you are doing, news of any upcoming shows or releases. Who is going to be responsible for posting and interacting with your fans, what are you posting and when? You should also keep an eye on your fan base to see what platforms they are using to get their information. We all know how fast the social media technology changes and you have to change with it.

You can post a instragram photo of you in front of the venue when you arrive to loadin .. do a facebook live video of the band on the road. Some behind the scenes pics and videos can help your fan base feel engaged and invested in your and your music.

14. Web site

As old school as you may think this is, having a really professional looking website is VERY important! This is your first impression to the music industry. It is the hub where your social media, Electronic Press Kit, Pictures, Tour Schedule, Branding, video’s, streaming players all come together to promote your band and music.

Have a good website development plan that keeps your site up to date and establish who is going to take on this responsibility. Are you going to use Reverbnation for your tour schedule or are you going to input the dates directly on your site. How often are you going to post new content (pics, videos, tour dates)?

Are you going to setup a merch store to sell your merchandise online and if so, how are you going to accept payment, and fulfill those orders.

Are you going to have an area that allows your fans to interact with your site? Are you going to have  newsletter and how are you going to capture email addresses. How can you capture demographic information from your fans from your website?

Here is a great review of the Themify Themes and Builder for WordPress

15. Partnerships with Other Artists

Do you have relationships with other artists or do you tour as a supporting act to a larger act? This is a great place to add what artists you have toured with or have opened for while on tour.

16. Video Production

What was once a luxury reserved for only the top selling artists now has become a necessary part of any independent musicians business plan. The good news is the cost of doing a music video has dropped significantly! With the advent of inexpensive HD and even 4K video on Smart phones or Action Cameras like the GoPro , it is now possible for an independent artist to produce a professional music video for a fraction of the cost of what it use to cost.

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You should create a timeline for at least 3 or 4 Videos for each release you record. You should also consider creating a “Pre-Release” “making of” video as well.

You should again create a budge spreadsheet for the cost of creating these videos. Either hiring someone to shoot and edit the video’s for you, or purchase the equipment to do your own.

The John Pagano Band used only a Iphone to shoot their latest video, you can read about it here.  You can also learn How to Create Music Video on a Budget Here!

17. Additional Revenue

As a working musician one of the most important concepts you need to come to terms with if you want to make music your career, is the fact you need to have multiple income streams. In this section you can outline any additional streams of income you can create using your music. Whether it is acting as a booking agent for other bands, Teaching music (even on the road you can teach via skype), Songwriting for other artists, creating music for Local Commercials, Film, Tv, etc.

The more income streams you are able to identify and take advantage of the stronger you business becomes.

18. Sponsors/Investors

Most investors would like to know if there are other sponsors and investors involved in the project. They seem to feel more assured if there are other investors involved. This also gives you a chance to highlight any sponsorship deals that you have been able to secure. You don’t need to get into the details of how much investors have put in (this will show up in your financial statements) but you should list them.

19. Strengths/Past Successes

This is really your chance to get out there and strut your stuff.  Let the reader know what the strong points about the band/artists are. List key past successes and milestones that you have already achieved. You definitely want the reader to be excited about the project, the band and where you have already been. This gives you a chance to show your track record – you could show past sales (if they have been strong), successful tours, key gigs, awards and honors, etc

20. Challenges

Here is where you can list any challenges that you are currently facing. Now Be honest with yourself. This may include financial concerns, band member relations, weak business skills. More importantly, you should show how you are working to address and solve those particular problems and challenges. This section is important because once you have acknowledged what you challenges are you can start to address them.

Here is where you set your goals for the next 6 months, 1 year, 3 years and five years. For each goal, you should be stating what you want to achieve, when you want to achieve and how you will measure your success. This is a great tool for you as well to see if you are on track. A detailed timeline should also be included in the appendix. Make sure you reference to it in the business plan. The best format for this is a calendar or a chart where you can plot all your dates and what you need to have achieved by then.

22. Assumptions/Scenarios

This is important for traditional investors. Here is where you state what assumptions you are using to base your success and financial statements on. How did you estimate your sales? What formula did you use? How did you estimate your costs?

What key people are necessary to your success? What events/actions are key in your marketing plan to be successful? More importantly, you should indicate what alternatives you have considered if your estimates and assumptions fall through in order to ensure success.

23. Financial

Ok, here comes the scary and most eye opening part of the business plan. This is where you put all those costs and estimate spreadsheets together and create your cost/profit financial report. Now, if your sales and costs are estimates, you should be basing it on past successes or a really thought out formula. Really look at what other artists are selling and ask yourself if you are really being realistic? Call to ensure that the costs that you have set out for yourself actually make sense. If you have been around for awhile and have kept track of your past financial information, you should be including it in this section.

The most common forms of financial reports are Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow/Budget. These do not need to be included specifically in the business plan (they can be put in the appendices); however, they should be summarized in your financial section. What are your costs, sales and do you know when you will need the most money?

Finally, some institutions/investors will require that you provide a list of collateral that will go towards the loan. You can list your tour van, Pa System, Recording Equipment, etc.

24. Conclusions

Your conclusion should sum up the band, the project, your request, and why you believe that this is a successful project and why your reader should invest in it. Keep it short, no more than a page should do it.

25. Appendices All your appendices come at the end of the document and they should be used to provide any supplemental information, but the business plan should be able to stand alone.

You don’t need to have all the sections outlined in here. It was created to cover a variety of genres, situations and career levels. Choose sections and develop your business plan to fit your needs.

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Writing a business plan for your music career

For all the creativity needed to sustain a career in music, having a business plan is one way to stay grounded, define your goals, and keep you reaching for the stars.

Artists of all stripes grapple with the struggle of art versus commerce. We need time to make music and concoct our visions, but we also need to eat, pay the rent, and have clothes to wear. Musicians who become famous when they are young often have to learn business acumen and skills as they go along, usually learning the price of ignorance by being ripped off.

For those of us on ground level, having a plan can mean the difference between being able to make a living as a musician and being a weekend warrior with a day job for eternity. Here are a few suggestions on how to make a business plan as a musician. The most important suggestion: take it one step at a time! This kind of work can be overwhelming for creatives. I left my last day job by working on a business plan 15 minutes a day at lunch for a year. Slow and steady wins the race!

How to start

There’s a ton of resources online — including articles, courses, and software you can purchase — to help write a business plan. But where to begin? A good place to start is to define what a business plan is and why you might need one.

A business plan is an outline of your goals, the practical methods you will take to achieve them, and the resources that you have and will need. The plan will help you take your goals from disembodied ideas to concrete actions.

There’s a number of reasons to have a business plan, not the least of which is the basic idea that planning always helps. When you go to the grocery store, you go with a list. When you head on a cross-country drive from New York to California, you plan your route. Having a business plan will give you clarity, focus, and a sense of forward motion in your music career by identifying realistic, achievable, and action-based short-term goals.

It’s also worth noting that you will absolutely need a business plan if you seek to attract investors or loans. It can also help to show potential managers, booking agents, and record labels that you are serious about what you’re doing. There is value in making long-term (10 year), medium-term (five year), and short-term (one year) business plans. You might also want to make a business plan for a specific project/album to have structure for the process from recording to releasing to marketing.

Writing a business plan requires research. You’ll need to understand your audience, your market, and where/how you will find resources and people to join your professional team. If you’re writing the plan for yourself, this step is still important to provide guidance and clarity. If you are writing a business plan to attract investment, a thorough understanding of your field and your plan is crucial.

First, you need to clarify your vision and craft a mission statement. Who are you, what do you want to do, and why? These are weighty questions and worth pondering in depth: the clearer you are about who you are as an artist, the easier it will be to explain what you do to others and sell your project/products. The mission statement doesn’t have to be long, just a short paragraph describing who you are as an artist and what you are trying to achieve.

The meat of the plan

There is no set business model for a career in music, but there are some essential components to any business plan, and no matter what your objectives or what kind of outline you use, it’s a good idea have the following categories included.

Executive summary. You should actually write this after you’ve finished the entire plan. This is a one page summary of your business plan that includes an introduction, a description of your project/goals, an account of the funding you have and/or are seeking, and a synopsis of your plans for implementation. This will be the first thing prospective investors read, so it’s important to make it thorough and compelling.

Analysis of your audience. It’s a bad idea to try to appeal to everyone. To define your demographic, start by understanding who comes to your shows. What is the gender breakdown, age, and geographical location of your fans generally? What other artists do they listen to? How do they purchase music? What other events do they attend? Where do they shop and could you work with those retail outlets on cross-promotion?

SWOT analysis. This is a standard part of any business plan in any field. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. The first two categories, Strengths and Weaknesses, are internal to your music and music business: they are things you can control. For example, the people on your creative/business teams, musical skills and abilities, your location.

The second two categories, Opportunities and Threats, are external, based on what happens in the larger market. You can take advantage of opportunities and protect against threats, but you can’t change them. Examples would include recordings and success of your competitors, prices of gear and equipment, and technology shifts (streaming vs physical product). Most SWOT analysis templates would have you list at least three items per category. Once completed, this will provide new perspectives on ways you can leverage what you already possess to take advantage of opportunities and protect yourself from marketplace threats.

Marketing plan. Creating a comprehensive marketing plan is a separate exercise requiring as much research and detail as a full business plan itself! For the purposes of the business plan, though, you will at least need to demonstrate awareness of your market and have an idea of some solid steps you are going to take to generate revenue and get your products and services into the marketplace.

What kinds of promotion will you do? What will it cost? What kind of return do you expect to achieve on your marketing investment? How will you track your progress? All these questions should have answers within your business plan. The music business specifics you’ll want to address in this section are your web page, your social media plans, touring, radio promotion, press kit, what merchandise you’ll sell, what your logo will look like, etc. Get as detailed as possible; your plans may change once you begin to execute, but if you have a blueprint, your chances of success will be much higher.

Financials. There should be detailed financial breakdowns of your estimated income and expenses. It’s not important that you have a lot of money to start with; you need to show how judiciously you would use investment funds and what kind of return you would expect you and your investors to get. If you’re doing a recording project, you should have a clear breakdown of all the costs involved in the recording, mixing, mastering, and replication processes. This section will likely require significant research. Include a category for legal expenses, as it’s vital to copyright your songs and trademark your logo. The better your estimates are of income and expenses, the easier following your plan will be, so be thorough!

Metrics. You are going to need to demonstrate to investors (and yourself) how you will measure your progress. Will you have weekly or monthly check-ins with your business team for accountability? Social media accounts and websites have multiple analytical tools to measure page hits, likes, demographic info of your fans, and where your page/account can improve. If you choose to advertise on Facebook or Google, there are tools to track the progress of those as well. Use them. Set yourself a very specific timetable and make yourself accountable to someone else, even if you are not seeking investors and just doing this for yourself.

A word about income

In any creative business plan, you should have multiple revenue streams. Business coach Gary Ryan Blair suggests that anybody in business for themselves should have at least 10 revenue streams at all times. This ensures that if one stream dries up, another can cover the gap until you rebuild it. In writing your business plan, you’ll examine your skills and abilities (SWOT analysis) and figure out where those revenue streams could come from.

In looking for those 10 revenue streams, keep the definition of what you do broad. One of my heroes and good friends, the artist Rex Ray, was an artist, a teacher, a graphic designer, and designer of housewares (wallpaper, rugs, furniture). He straddled the line between art and commerce better than anyone I know. He designed album covers, book covers, rock posters, and also made high art that hangs in museums. He followed his interests and saw how he could contribute and also survive as an artist.

There are multiple options out there for a business plan framework. LivePlan is an excellent piece of software, and there are books available, including Business Plans For Dummies which also offers a kit you can purchase with templates to craft plans. Find something that works within your budget. The format you use is irrelevant as long as it is comprehensive and detailed.

As Casey Kasem, the great DJ who hosted American Top 40 for many years, would say: “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.” Dream big, but think practically and build a business plan. Break down your goals into smaller, more achievable goals. Become clear on what the costs will be. You’ll find that the very act of creating a business plan will set things in motion and center you in a place of clarity. This opens the door for synchronicity and fate to intervene. But it all starts with formulating and having a plan.

Chris Huff has been a professional singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer for over 20 years. He has worked as a sideman with Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul, and Mary), Echo and the Bunnymen, Chuck Hammer (David Bowie, Lou Reed), and Tom Kitt (Broadway composer of Next To Normal). Chris also wrote liner notes for David Bowie’s Live And Well CD, and has two full-length albums of original music available on iTunes .

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5 thoughts on “ writing a business plan for your music career ”.

this is just like starting any type of business, isn’t it ? Even though as a new old musician I don`t think of being a business person. How many people start in business for themselves without a business plan. This article opens my eyes about how far I want to go in music & the ground steps. thanks

Really good post! Thanks so much for sharing this.

Great mr thanks for your good handover, all the best

Amazing Post Chris, Very helpful for Musician. I am also a musician i learnt a lot also having difficulties to break through into the industry why because i don’t have manager and publisher’s. So I manage it all alone for now. But in future, I am definitely going to expand business.

Every successful career came up with a good plan. Thanks for this informative information. Well done!

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Music Theater Business Plan

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Market Plaza Showplace

Company summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">.

Family Fair, Inc. is a new company that will provide live entertainment and a special events facility in a former movie theater. The facility is located in a thriving business center in the midst of a densely and diversely populated community in Trinity, Texas. The operation focuses primarily on:

• Providing regular live musical entertainment in a variety of family-oriented, wholesome themes from country music to Hispanic, pop, blues, gospel, and “Branson, Missouri” type legends productions.
• Providing a live performance center not already available in the community.

2.1 Company Ownership

Family Fair, Inc. will be created as a closely-held private Texas S corporation based in Trinity County, to be owned by its founder and principal investors. The founder, Mary Ellen Garner, is seeking private investors for funding 35% of the project and holding a 35% share of the company. Ms. Garner currently owns Pro Power Productions, a small but successful company specializing in sound recording production, artist development, and concert promotion which would become a DBA of Family Fair, Inc.

2.2 Start-up Summary

Of the projected start-up expenses, a little less than half are consultant fees. The remainder are professional fees (legal, accounting, stationery, advertising for opening event, office rent, expensed equipment, start-up salaries, and contingencies. The founder and Board of Directors will finance a portion of the start-up expenses.

The cost of start-up assets needed comes to $979,000 which includes $550,000 for facility purchase, $373,000 for facility rehabilitation and operating equipment, and $56,000 for initial operating capital and prepaid expenses.

Start-up financing is planned as follows: The founder of Family Fair, a minority female, and the Board of Directors will invest toward start-up expenses. The company is seeking private investors for another portion of the total funding required with proportionate ownership of the company. It is planned to seek a low-interest, long-term mortgage for the improved facility. The founder and majority stockholder, Mary Garner, qualifies as a minority female business owner with excellent credit history, and is eligible for the best interest rate and terms with the SBA or other mortgage companies. As an option for investors to secure their investment with real estate equity, the mortgage will be negotiated as transferable to investors.

These assumptions are shown in the following table.

2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

The Market Plaza Theater is located at 150 Market Plaza in Trinity, Texas. Family Fair proposes to purchase the 11,385 sq. ft. building and associated land area (18,923 sq. ft.).

The facility is structurally sound and was built in 1946 for movie theater operations. The theater property also includes a large neon lighted art-deco marquee-type sign near the busy intersection. A commercial appraisal has not been acquired by Family Fair, but the purchase price of the facility and associated real estate is consistent with current tax appraisal for the vacant facility. A commercial appraisal will be arranged upon request by a potential investor or mortgagor.

The rehabilitation of the facility will be accomplished in a manner consistent with city guidelines to qualify as an historical landmark which will provide a moratorium on city property taxes for 10 years. The Trinity Historical Society is anxious to sponsor this theater as an historical landmark. Internally, the theater will be renovated (seats restored, stage constructed, etc.) and the latest technology in sound and lighting equipment will be added. Dressing room facilities will be constructed in the renovation phase of rehabilitation.

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Shein, the Fast-Fashion Giant, Is Said to Have Filed for an I.P.O.

The retailer, founded in China, filed confidentially to take the company public in the U.S., a person familiar with the plans said.

By Lauren Hirsch and Jordyn Holman

Shein, the ultrafast-fashion retailer founded in China more than a decade ago, has filed confidentially for an initial public offering in the United States, according to a person familiar with the plans for the deal, who was not authorized to speak publicly about it.

Some companies keep their paperwork for an initial public offering temporarily under seal so they can prepare for the offering out of the public spotlight.

Investors had largely expected Shein to make the move this year, after the historically tight-lipped company began to address a range of criticisms from consumers and politicians in an apparent attempt to change perceptions about its business and practices.

Any public offering in the United States is likely to invite significant regulatory scrutiny, particularly amid strained relations between the United States and China .

Shein’s plans for an I.P.O. were reported earlier by Chinese media companies.

In recent years, Shein has gained popularity among U.S. consumers, particularly teenagers and young adults, for its wide variety of low-priced trendy apparel and accessories. The company was reportedly most recently valued at $66 billion .

But Shein has also faced claims that it has copied designs and unevenly benefited from a U.S. trade rule that allows it to avoid paying custom fees. And reports linking the company’s cotton to Xinjiang — a region in China where, U.S. officials say, the government has exploited the labor of ethnic Uyghurs — have brought intense scrutiny.

In April, two members of Congress asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to require Shein, as a condition of its expected offering, to certify through an independent party that it doesn’t use Uyghur forced labor. The company has said it has “zero tolerance for forced labor.”

Shein also started a program a few years ago to collaborate with independent designers after the retailer was accused of stealing designs, and it committed to sustainability goals. It has also teamed up with Forever 21, the fast-fashion mall stalwart, which could lead to more Shein apparel in brick-and-mortar locations.

Not all of Shein’s efforts were well received. In June, a trip that it hosted for influencers at some of its warehouses in China was widely panned on social media as being tone-deaf.

A spokeswoman for Shein declined to comment.

Lauren Hirsch joined The Times from CNBC in 2020, covering deals and the biggest stories on Wall Street. More about Lauren Hirsch

Jordyn Holman is a business reporter, covering the retail industry and consumer behavior. More about Jordyn Holman

Daryl Hall accuses John Oates of ‘ultimate partnership betrayal’ in plan to sell stake in business

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Daryl Hall has accused his longtime music partner John Oates of committing the “ultimate partnership betrayal” by planning to sell his share of the Hall & Oates duo’s joint venture without the other’s permission, Hall said in a court declaration supporting  his lawsuit to keep the transaction paused .

In the declaration filed Wednesday in a Nashville chancery court, Hall also lamented the deterioration of his relationship with and trust in his musical partner of more than a half-century. The joint venture in question includes Hall & Oates trademarks, personal name and likeness rights, record royalty income and website and social media assets, the declaration states.

In his own court filing later Wednesday, Oates said that he was disappointed in Hall’s “inflammatory, outlandish, and inaccurate statements about me,” and argued that he had been trying for some time to enhance their business partnership.

A judge has issued a temporarily restraining order blocking the sale of Oates’ share of  Whole Oats Enterprises LLP  to Primary Wave IP Investment Management LLC while legal proceedings and a previously initiated arbitration continue.

A court hearing is scheduled Thursday in the case. Hall is seeking further court action to keep the transaction on hold.

“While falsely contending over the last several months that the Oates Trust wanted to maintain ownership in WOE, John Oates and the Co-Trustees engaged in the ultimate partnership betrayal,” Hall said in a declaration. “They surreptitiously sought to sell half of the WOE assets without obtaining my written approval.”

Oates argued in his filings that the court should not extend the temporary restraining order, and he said he didn’t want to publicly address details of business dealings that he considers “private matters.” But in a rejoinder to the suggestion that he was the one causing a rift, he argued that Hall has been trying for years to be seen as an individual.

“Over the years, Daryl has consistently and publicly been adamant about being perceived as an individual rather than as part of a duo or group. Thus, he has insisted on our being known as ‘Daryl Hall and John Oates,’ rather than the more commonly known ‘Hall & Oates,’” Oates’ declaration said. “On this point I agree. I now must act with truthfulness and make decisions that are right for myself, my family, and my artistic future.”

A Nashville chancery court judge issued the temporary restraining order on Nov. 16, the same day Hall filed his lawsuit, writing that Oates and others involved in his trust can’t move to close the sale of their share until an arbitrator in a separately filed case weighs in on the deal, or until the judge’s order expires — typically within 15 days, unless a judge extends the deadline. Hall’s declaration was initially filed in the arbitration case.

The lawsuit contends that Hall opened an arbitration process on Nov. 9 against Oates and the other defendants in the lawsuit, Oates’ wife, Aimee Oates, and Richard Flynn, in their roles as co-trustees of Oates’ trust. Hall was seeking an order preventing them from selling their part in Whole Oats Enterprises to Primary Wave Music.

Primary Wave has already owned “significant interest” in Hall and Oates’ song catalog for more than 15 years.

The lawsuit says Oates’ team entered into a letter of intent with Primary Wave Music for the sale, and alleges further that the letter makes clear that the music duo’s business agreement was disclosed to Primary Wave Music in violation of a confidentiality provision. Additionally, Hall said in his declaration he would not approve such a sale and doesn’t agree with Primary Wave’s business model.

Hall said he was blindsided by Oates’ plan to sell his part of Whole Oates Enterprises.

“I am deeply troubled by the deterioration of my relationship with, and trust in, John Oates,” Hall said in the declaration.

Hall said in his declaration that the ordeal has unfolded while he’s been on tour throughout the U.S. West Coast, Japan and Manila. Hall said he believes Oates timed the sale “to create the most harm to me.”

Hall accused Oates of becoming “adversarial and aggressive instead of professional and courteous” toward him in the last several years. As part of a proposed “global divorce,” Hall said he was entertaining Oates’ idea to dissolve their touring entity and a separate partnership related to their musical compositions and publishing, while Hall raised the idea of dissolving Whole Oats Enterprises.

Daryl Hall and John Oates got their start as Temple University students before signing with Atlantic Records in 1972. In the decades since, they have achieved six platinum albums and many more Top 10 singles with their unique approach to blue-eyed soul. Hall & Oates was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and the duo’s latest album, “Home for Christmas,” was released in 2006. The pair continued to perform as of last year.

“We have this incredibly good problem of having so many hits,” Oates told The Associated Press in 2021, just before resuming a national tour that had been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. “Believe me, it’s not a chore to play those songs because they are really great.”

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Daryl Hall accuses John Oates of ‘ultimate partnership betrayal’ in plan to sell stake in business

FILE - Hall of Fame Inductees, Hall & Oates, John Oates and Daryl Hall appear in the press room at the 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April, 10, 2014, in New York. Hall has sued his longtime music partner John Oates, arguing that his plan to sell off his share of a joint venture would violate a business agreement the duo had. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - Daryl Hall, left, and John Oates, recipients of BMI Icons awards, pose together before the 56th annual BMI Pop Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., on May 20, 2008. Hall has sued his longtime music partner John Oates, arguing that his plan to sell off his share of a joint venture would violate a business agreement the duo had.(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Daryl Hall has accused his longtime music partner John Oates of committing the “ultimate partnership betrayal” by planning to sell his share of the Hall & Oates duo’s joint venture without the other’s permission, Hall said in a court declaration supporting his lawsuit to keep the transaction paused .

In the declaration filed Wednesday in a Nashville chancery court, Hall also lamented the deterioration of his relationship with and trust in his musical partner of more than a half-century. The joint venture in question includes Hall & Oates trademarks, personal name and likeness rights, record royalty income and website and social media assets, the declaration states.

In his own court filing later Wednesday, Oates said that he was disappointed in Hall’s “inflammatory, outlandish, and inaccurate statements about me,” and argued that he had been trying for some time to enhance their business partnership.

A judge has issued a temporarily restraining order blocking the sale of Oates’ share of Whole Oats Enterprises LLP to Primary Wave IP Investment Management LLC while legal proceedings and a previously initiated arbitration continue.

A court hearing is scheduled Thursday in the case. Hall is seeking further court action to keep the transaction on hold.

“While falsely contending over the last several months that the Oates Trust wanted to maintain ownership in WOE, John Oates and the Co-Trustees engaged in the ultimate partnership betrayal,” Hall said in a declaration. “They surreptitiously sought to sell half of the WOE assets without obtaining my written approval.”

Oates argued in his filings that the court should not extend the temporary restraining order, and he said he didn’t want to publicly address details of business dealings that he considers “private matters.” But in a rejoinder to the suggestion that he was the one causing a rift, he argued that Hall has been trying for years to be seen as an individual.

“Over the years, Daryl has consistently and publicly been adamant about being perceived as an individual rather than as part of a duo or group. Thus, he has insisted on our being known as ‘Daryl Hall and John Oates,’ rather than the more commonly known ‘Hall & Oates,’” Oates’ declaration said. “On this point I agree. I now must act with truthfulness and make decisions that are right for myself, my family, and my artistic future.”

A Nashville chancery court judge issued the temporary restraining order on Nov. 16, the same day Hall filed his lawsuit, writing that Oates and others involved in his trust can’t move to close the sale of their share until an arbitrator in a separately filed case weighs in on the deal, or until the judge’s order expires — typically within 15 days, unless a judge extends the deadline. Hall’s declaration was initially filed in the arbitration case.

The lawsuit contends that Hall opened an arbitration process on Nov. 9 against Oates and the other defendants in the lawsuit, Oates’ wife, Aimee Oates, and Richard Flynn, in their roles as co-trustees of Oates’ trust. Hall was seeking an order preventing them from selling their part in Whole Oats Enterprises to Primary Wave Music.

Primary Wave has already owned “significant interest” in Hall and Oates’ song catalog for more than 15 years.

The lawsuit says Oates’ team entered into a letter of intent with Primary Wave Music for the sale, and alleges further that the letter makes clear that the music duo’s business agreement was disclosed to Primary Wave Music in violation of a confidentiality provision. Additionally, Hall said in his declaration he would not approve such a sale and doesn’t agree with Primary Wave’s business model.

Hall said he was blindsided by Oates’ plan to sell his part of Whole Oates Enterprises.

“I am deeply troubled by the deterioration of my relationship with, and trust in, John Oates,” Hall said in the declaration.

Hall said in his declaration that the ordeal has unfolded while he’s been on tour throughout the U.S. West Coast, Japan and Manila. Hall said he believes Oates timed the sale “to create the most harm to me.”

Hall accused Oates of becoming “adversarial and aggressive instead of professional and courteous” toward him in the last several years. As part of a proposed “global divorce,” Hall said he was entertaining Oates’ idea to dissolve their touring entity and a separate partnership related to their musical compositions and publishing, while Hall raised the idea of dissolving Whole Oats Enterprises.

Daryl Hall and John Oates got their start as Temple University students before signing with Atlantic Records in 1972. In the decades since, they have achieved six platinum albums and many more Top 10 singles with their unique approach to blue-eyed soul. Hall & Oates was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and the duo’s latest album, “Home for Christmas,” was released in 2006. The pair continued to perform as of last year.

“We have this incredibly good problem of having so many hits,” Oates told The Associated Press in 2021, just before resuming a national tour that had been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. “Believe me, it’s not a chore to play those songs because they are really great.”

Spotify Layoffs 2023: What to Know About the Latest SPOT Job Cuts

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Spotify (NYSE: SPOT ) layoffs are in the news as the music streaming company plans to cut 17% of its workforce as part of organizational changes.

According to a letter from Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, the layoffs come after the streaming company expanded its team in 2020 and 2021 to take advantage of lower-cost capital. However, the company’s financial goals and operating costs have required the job cuts.

That letter notes that Spotify considered spreading these layoffs throughout 2024 and 2025. The reason the firm didn’t go with this plan is the need to reduce costs quickly and efficiently due to its large cost structure.

Here’s part of what Ek said in the Spotify letter to employees:

“By most metrics, we were more productive but less efficient. We need to be both. While we have done some work to mitigate this challenge and become more efficient in 2023, we still have a ways to go before we are both productive and efficient.”

What Spotify Layoffs Mean for Employees

While Spotify is cutting jobs, it is offering severance packages to employees. This includes roughly five months of severance pay, payout of accrued PTO time, healthcare during the severance period, as well as immigration and career support.

SPOT stock is up 10.5% as of Monday morning. The stock is also up 113% year-to-date (YTD).

Investors looking for even more of the hottest stock market stories on Monday are in luck!

We have all of the latest stock market news worth reading about today! A few examples include what’s going on with shares of Fisker  (NYSE: FSR ), Garden Stage  (NASDAQ: GSIW ) and NLS Pharmaceutics (NASDAQ: NLSP ) stock today. All of that news is ready to go at the following links!

More Stock Market News for Monday

• Evercore ISI Is Souring on Fisker (FSR) Stock
• Why Is Garden Stage (GSIW) Stock Down 38% Today?
• Why Is NLS Pharmaceutics (NLSP) Stock Down 24% Today?

On the date of publication, William White did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com  Publishing Guidelines .

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