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How to Create a Database for an Independent Record Label

Databases are designed and developed to organize, store, retrieve and manage information. They are usually generated with a popular spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft Excel. Since the music business has changed dramatically over the past twenty years, many artists and musicians are taking their careers in their own hands. Independently produced music has become popular with the advent of the Internet and massive web presences such as MySpace. As part of the independent record label business, keeping track of a music collection is essential for easy reference and to engage in distribution activities. Having a comprehensive and organized music database for independent artists will help a company stay organized and manage, grow and distribute its products more readily.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer system
  • Database program
  • Names of all artists, albums and songs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Confirm that your computer system has adequate space and RAM to create, manage and expand a spreadsheet database using a program such as Excel. Find a suitable spreadsheet program for the purpose of entering data, organizing and maintaining it and using it for distribution activities.

    • 2

      Consider various spreadsheet programs if Excel is unavailable or cost prohibitive. For example, the spreadsheet in Microsoft Works may have adequate capabilities for your needs and usually comes with PCs in the Works program. If you are using a Mac, AppleWorks may be sufficient. Also check into open source solutions such as OpenOffice. Compare aspects like ease of use and kinds and quantity of templates. Look at the tools and options features, including automatic conversion of data into varied kinds of charts and graphs. Also consider how well the program allows for macro-creation and automating repeat tasks. Ensure that there are adequate file-translation abilities so that you can move from one application to another easily if desired. Check the review websites to find more information so that you are comfortable with your final choice.

    • 3

      Obtain the spreadsheet program you will use to create a directory for the music. Make category columns for the following: artist, year, genre, song or album title, length of song and other categories you may be interested in searching for in your record database. Consider assigning a number to each recording in the database and adding an "identification number" column for it. Organize the music by artist or individual title alphabetically. You may also make a separate list so you will have both an alphabetical list by artist and song title for easier reference.

    • 4

      Type information for each song or album in each of the categories on the spreadsheet. Once all of the information is entered into the spreadsheet, decide how to sort the data. For example, if you will be distributing information about your artists and music, you may want to keep it sorted by artist for cataloging the work more easily. You can also create separate lists by any category you wish.

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