Artispreneur
Start free

Start Your Label

Run your music like a label. Start cheap, upgrade when it earns.

Begin as a sole proprietor with a DBA, a free EIN, and a business bank account. Switch to an LLC when you sign artists or the money gets real. Tick things off as you go.

Your label setup

0 of 19 done

Saved on this device. No account needed.

Which structure fits right now?

Three yes/no questions.

Will the label release music from artists other than you?
Will you sign contracts or spend money that could put your personal savings at risk?
Is the label already earning steady monthly income?

Start as a sole proprietor with a DBA

You're solo and the stakes are low, so keep it cheap. You still get an EIN and a real business bank account.

Next: File a DBA with your county or state, then get your free EIN and open the bank account.

  1. Name your label

    Pick a name you can own everywhere: state records, domain, and social handles.

    $0–$15 · 30 min

    Draft a one-page label plan

  2. Choose your structure

    Sole proprietor + DBA to start cheap, or an LLC to protect your personal assets.

    DBA ~$10–$100 · LLC ~$50–$500 · 1–3 days

    Walk me through an LLCLesson: set up an LLC

  3. Get your EIN

    Your free federal tax ID. You can get one as a sole proprietor, no LLC needed. It keeps your Social Security number off contracts and forms.

    Free · 10–15 min

    EIN guide

  4. Open a business bank account

    Label money and personal money never touch. This is what makes your expenses deductible and defensible.

    $0–$15 / month · 1 hour

    Bank account guideLesson: business bank account

  5. Operate like a label

    Now it runs like a real label: put the label name on your releases, paperwork, and royalties.

    Mostly free · A weekend

    Create a split sheetLesson: build your catalogue

When to upgrade to an LLC

Starting as a sole proprietor is fine. Move to an LLC the moment any of these is true:

  • You want to sign or release another artist
  • You're signing contracts with real money or liability attached
  • You're making steady income from the label
  • You're paying other people (producers, designers, ad spend) at scale

Educational guidance, not legal or tax advice. Fees and rules vary by state, so confirm with your state website and a CPA or attorney before you file.