This is what I need to do for “Band A” – the band that I am currently “Murraying” – just sell their art. It’s that simple. There’s this guy “Andy” in the band – there’s always an “Andy” in the band – whose been asking what am I actually doing? This year I will sell their music, maybe merch, maybe concert sales too. There are 5 members, so at a minimum I need to sell $250,000. Fawwwwwk. Well, their bandcamp site has sold 2 copies of their latest album.
So, taking a step back, I believe if people listen to this music they will buy it. How do I get this music out to enough ears? Traditionally, a label helps to get the music on radio, written about in media, distributed, places the band on tours, different ways to reach an audience. 
But what do labels even do these days? – “Andy” asked. 
So I had to reach out to a friend. Sean Bohrman of BURGER RECORDShas always been kind to the Holy Crap Records podcast. We interviewed him for an early show and he’s introduced us to some of the bands we’ve played. Burger Records is one of the most creative ventures I’ve ever met. As well as being a somewhat traditional label (mainly focusing on distribution of tapes and underground bands like The Black Lips and The Brian Jonestown Massacre), they also host an annual around-the-world mass music promotion called the Burger Revolution. You know. We know. It’s an underground music festival that happens in Asheville (at Fleetwood’s) and in cities around the world. These guys just invented that in their minds and then made it a reality. 
Anyway, I’m a cynic. I entered into this conversation with Sean with the attitude that labels, bookers, and radio only care about the numbers – and my goal has been to buy social media likes for “Band A” and hire a publicity agent to get them some favorable media. I asked Sean how he finds new bands? “Word-of-mouth.” Simply, bands he likes tells him about other bands. So you can just be playing in a local scene making the best music you can – and that may be enough to get on that first label. And he listens to demos – if people send him a polite, personalized email about why Burger Records is a good fit for a band. Then we laughed and laughed about the “rock stars” – oh good times. Listen to the rest of the interview here: 
https://youtu.be/FhRBqURkXOE