Episode
The Hidden Costs of Starting a Label with Charles D | EF EP 133
- Podcast
- Elevated Frequencies
- Published
- Jan 8, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2289
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://share.transistor.fm/s/9954a0b4
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Summary
Think running a label is just passion and good taste? Charles D is learning the hard way what it actually costs to build something from scratch. With releases on Drumcode and Pryda Presents, Charles has earned his stripes in techno. But now that he's launched KONKRTE, he's pulling back the curtain on what nobody talks about: the $2,500 per release, the £1,000 promo campaigns, and why most artists have no idea what they're signing up for. We get into his bootcamp tour with Eric Prydz (9 shows in 12 days, every set different), the imposter syndrome that comes from calling yourself an artist when you grew up in an immigrant household, and the difference between being a producer who makes things sound good versus being an artist who has something to say. Key Takeaways: • The actual breakdown of what it costs to release music on your own label • Why promo companies are eating most of your budget (and why you need them) • The difference between producers and artists - and why most never make the shift • Why imposter syndrome doesn't go away even after you've "made it" • The economics of running a label without burning your artists Need help building your artist brand or navigating the business side of dance music? Book a call with me on GreenRoom for personalized strategies that actually work: https://greenroomnetwork.com/creator/OliviaMancuso Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__ Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx