Your music is great, but none of the labels you emailed are interested.
You want to help support the music you love, but don’t know where to start.
You’ve got this brilliant idea for a label or release but you’re not sure what you need to know.
You want to start a label, but you’re struggling with a concept.
You’re worried about the ins and outs of releasing your own music.
You’re looking for exposure, and you don’t want to rely on other people.
You are not alone! I am here to help you!
Releasing music can be daunting. Whether you want to release your own music for free, put your album on iTunes and Spotify, or run your own label to support the music you love.
There is no doubt that it helps to have a good, solid base of knowedge.
Information about the legalities, help with ideas, concepts, paperwork. Templates for contracts, agreements, lists of distributors, and all your available options laid out on the table, right from the very start.
That’s what this blog is here for. To give you the information, knowledge and key tools you need to release your own music, or start your own label.
How To Self Release was started by Alex Cowles.
Alex is a music producer DJ, designer and label owner. He has been making and releasing music since 2006, and has owned and run 3 record labels since 2008.
As well as releasing his own EPs and albums on various other labels, he has self-funded his own releases, run Kickstarter campaigns for album projects, performed all over the UK, Europe and the USA, including beach parties in Puerto Rico, underground festivals in Belgium and boat parties in Latvia. His music has featured in computer games, documentaries, short films and he has received national press, been interviewed in numerous magazines and on blogs, and performed alongside some of electronic music’s biggest DJs and producers.
Alex currently runs two labels. He continues to produce music and release albums and EPs. He curates a regular podcast online, and has hosted an FM radio show. He has even organised successful events and parties in a country where he doesn’t speak the language.
As if all of that wasn’t enough, Alex also holds down a full-time day-job as a designer.
To say he’s a busy chap would probably be something of an understatement.