Frequently Asked Questions

 

How was this label founded, and what is its purpose?

 

MorningStar Records was founded in 2023 by its flagship artist Mike Haggith, with a goal of providing independent artists and bands the ability to release their music on CD and vinyl, without the expense of minimum orders, website hosting, and paying for order processing. The purpose of MorningStar Records is to not only help artists sell their music in physical form, but to foster a community of like-minded artists who are able to connect with each other for collaboration, cross-promotion, and focus grouping.

 

 

Why was this label founded, and what is its vision?

 

In a world of contracts which give artists the shaft while businesses retain independent musicians' musical rights, hucksters who promise artists growth if they pay for promotion, and A&R reps who promise fame and fortune if artists turn over their life savings, the need for a different model is more than apparent. MorningStar Records was founded to provide artists a means to sell their music on CD and vinyl without spending thousands of dollars for the privilege, and to fight back against the notion that only those with money can succeed musically. Rather than spending thousands of dollars on CD and LP runs that take months for turnaround, hundreds of dollars and hours building a website and webstore, and countless hours continually updating their site and researching Search Engine Optimization, artists can instead affiliate with MorningStar Records and bypass all of that. Years ago, flagship artist Mike Haggith went through the process of building and optimizing a website and webstore, and discovered a company which manufactures CDs and LPs on a made-to-order basis. Streamlining all of this, he discovered that he could easily take his knowledge and site template and create a second website dedicated to platforming other artists, thus saving them copious amounts of time and money. This second site became MorningStar Records. The vision of MorningStar Records is to spark change in the music industry, finally leading labels to put their artists first, rather than exploiting creators for all they can. We'll accomplish this by simply leading by example.

 

 

If affiliation costs nothing, how does the label stay afloat?

 

In all honesty, the current form of MorningStar Records doesn't make money. It's subsidized by flagship artist Mike Haggith's music and aviation careers, and likely won't make money for quite a while. The label is set up in such a way that its monthly overhead typically doesn't exceed $20 or $30, which is at least partially offset by the small sales commission the label retains from every sale. Ideally, the artist roster grows enough that sales numbers reach a point where the label either begins to make money, or at least can break even monthly. It will take some time, but the foundation is strong.

 

 

What does the label charge for CDs and LPs, and can it be modified?

 

The retail cost for CDs and LPs is fixed by ElasticStage, the manufacturer of the CDs and LPs, and cannot be modified by MorningStar Records or the artist. This pricing can change, depending on raised or lowered manufacturing costs, but the payout percentage to the label and artists remains constant. For both CD and LP sales made on the MorningStar Records Webstore, the manufacturer handles the front-end sale, then pays the label 20%. The rest of the money raised from the transaction covers the cost to manufacture the unit for the customer. Once the label receives this payout from the manufacturer, MorningStar Records pays the artist 80%, retaining the remaining 20% to offset its overhead costs.

As an example only, consider the following chain:

An LP is sold on the Webstore for $39.90 CAD. Of this, the manufacturer retains $31.92 to manufacture the unit, and pays MorningStar Records $7.98. MorningStar Records then pays the artist 80% of that figure, $6.38, less any associated money transfer fees, and retains the remaining $1.60 to offset its overhead costs. Of course, the numbers in this example are subject to some fluctuation, and can be influenced by price changes, credit card processing fees, monetary transfer fees, and/or fluctuating exchange rates.

 

 

Is there a cost to apply for affiliation, or to maintain affiliation?

 

Absolutely not. Artists who affiliate with MorningStar Records don't pay to do so. The only money the label makes is a small commission from each retail sale.

 

 

Does MorningStar Records offer an option to place artists on streaming platforms?

 

Unfortunately, that's not something we currently offer. The main reason for this is twofold; it would triple our monthly overhead costs, and it would make the process of un-affiliating much more difficult. By simply offering a spot on the website, links to listen, and including artists' CDs and LPs on our website, we're able to keep our overhead costs low, and quickly remove an artist's work from our offerings should they choose to un-affiliate.

 

 

Does MorningStar Records offer an option for digital downloads?

 

Yes, but only when the sale of a physical unit is made. When a customer purchases a CD or LP, MorningStar Records sends them an email (typically within 24 hours) with a link to a digital download of the album they purchased. This digital download is comprised of high-quality MP3 files, at a bitrate of 320mbps. Alternatively, we strongly encourage our artists to create and maintain a profile on a site like Bandcamp, where they can offer digital downloads of their album on their own, and keep all profits from that method of sale, as MorningStar Records has no involvement. The label will only be entitled to 20% of the profit margin from a retail sale on the MorningStar Records Webstore.

 

 

Does MorningStar Records offer an option to release cassette tapes?

 

Unfortunately, we've been unable to find a proper tape-on-demand service, and therefore can't currently offer cassette tape releases. This may change in the future if such a service can be found.

 

 

What are artists required to do once approved for affiliation?

 

Artists will be required to send their music in WAV files to the label, so that they can be mastered for the medium of choice (CD and/or LP). In addition, one promotional photo (ideally in square dimensions) will be requested, along with a two-paragraph biography, which will be needed to populate the individual artist page on the website. Once this is submitted, album artwork will be requested for the medium of choice, and if assistance is needed at this stage, the label will assist the artist. The final design will be compiled by the label, and proofs will be sent to the artist for approval prior to retail launch.

Visit this page to view artwork specifications for CDs and LPs.

 

 

Do artists need to do any promotional work once they affiliate and their album is listed?

 

Artists are strongly encouraged to promote their music on an ongoing basis, as the work doesn't stop once the album is listed for sale on the MorningStar Records Webstore. In fact, it's really only just begun. Consistent content creation which directs fans toward the site store is highly recommended, or the album may not sell at all. As artists only receive payment from album sales, it's in every party's best interest that the music continue to be promoted by the artists themselves.

 

 

How are artists paid, and how often?

 

Artists are paid once MorningStar Records is paid by ElasticStage, the manufacturer, who handles all front-end transactions. While the timeline may be subject to change at the discretion of the manufacturer, the current model indicates that payouts trail sales by roughly 1-2 months, being processed on the 1st day of the second month following the transaction.

As an example only, consider the following chain:

An album is sold to a customer during the month of January. In February, ElasticStage compiles all sale data from the month of January, and prepares the payout. On March 1, the payout is sent to MorningStar Records, where the royalty is then paid to the artist in accordance with the 80/20 split percentage model outlined earlier on this page.

 

 

How does the label share artist and business updates with the public?

 

MorningStar Records typically publishes news updates as blog posts in order to share important artist and business updates with the public. These posts are created and hosted directly on the site, and displayed in order from most to least recent. These are shown on the site's home page, as well as the News tab. Artists are encouraged to share all updates with the label, as well as promotional photos, so the label can occasionally publish update articles. These update articles are typically shared on the label's Instagram page when published.

 

 

Can affiliated artists order CDs and LPs in bulk, and if so, how?

 

Affiliated artists are able to order bulk shipments of CDs, and even LPs (though there are no bulk discounts for CD orders via Kunaki, and bulk discounts for LP orders are at the discretion of ElasticStage, the manufacturer). This is encouraged, as artists will be able to sell their physical units directly to fans at live events and keep all sale money. As MorningStar Records isn't involved in the sales process of these albums, the label isn't entitled to any sale money. However, a $5.00 surcharge to all bulk orders will be levied by MorningStar Records at the time of order placement, to compensate for the time taken to place the order and the threat of a fluctuation in exchange rates.

 - Bulk CD orders are assembled in Jewel Cases with a double-sided tray card, and are fulfilled by Kunaki LLC in the United States.

 - Bulk LP orders are assembled with a fully printed outer and inner sleeve, and are fulfilled by ElasticStage LLC in the United Kingdom.

As an example only, consider the following chain:

A bulk order for 100 CDs is placed, which costs $165 USD plus $132 USD for shipping. The order totals $297 USD, plus a $5 USD label surcharge to place the order. As a result, the artist pays the label $302 USD, and the label places the order with Kunaki. A few weeks later, the artist receives their bulk CD shipment in the mail.

 

 

Can affiliated artists choose to un-affiliate, and if so, how?

 

Affiliated artists absolutely can choose to un-affiliate, and it's as easy as informing the label of a desire to do so. This process can take up to a week, as the artist profiles, streaming links, and store placements are all removed. Any money from album sales accrued during this time will be paid out to the artist on the standard 80/20 payment schedule, as outlined above. The process of un-affiliating is a relatively simple one, as the label never owns rights to the artist's music, and therefore, no legal proceedings are necessary. It's simply a matter of removing the artist from the website and wishing them well on their journey.

 

 

Can MorningStar Records choose to un-affiliate an artist, and if so, how?

 

MorningStar Records reserves the right to un-affiliate any artist. Factors leading to a decision to un-affiliate may include lack of public activity, lack of album sales, gross misconduct, criminal activity, or a misalignment with the vision for the label as a whole. All un-affiliation decisions will typically result in 24 hours' notice being provided to the affected artist (assuming contact can easily be made) prior to removal from the site and associated webstore, except in instances of criminal activity or gross misconduct, as determined by the label. Any money from album sales accrued prior to un-affiliation will be paid to the artist as soon as practicable, except in instances of criminal activity or gross misconduct, as determined by the label.

 

 

Are these terms and conditions subject to change, and if so, how?

 

MorningStar Records reserves the right to make alterations to its business model at any time, including the implied terms and conditions outlined via this FAQ Page and elsewhere. Major changes to the label's structure will not be made without reasonable notice being given to affected parties, and any alterations to the payment model as outlined above will be accompanied (or preceded) by a written or otherwise recorded explanation of the change, and if necessary, the reasoning behind the decision.

 

Album Artwork Specifications

 

Please refer to this page for a detailed breakdown of all Album Artwork Specifications, including on-demand CD and LP units manufactured and sold by ElasticStage LLC of the United Kingdom, and bulk CD units manufactured by Kunaki LLC of the United States.

 

It's Time To Reach Out

 

If you've made it through this entire page, you should have a pretty good idea of what MorningStar Records does, how we do it, and what our vision is. Now comes the fun part- we'd love to hear from you! Are you interested in affiliating, or simply asking how to create your own physical retail products? Drop us a line, and we'll get back to you as soon as the time allows. We can't wait to discuss all of this and more with you!