Should an artist sign with record labels or pursue independent music?

When talking about music label artists, there are often two schools: those who think that labels are only interested in money and hurt the music, and those who have stars in their eyes to the simple evocation of the subject.

However, as with many things, your opinion as an artist shouldn’t be so Manichean.

With all the Internet tools and the advent of technology, why should an artist sign with a label?

1. DIY is an increasingly complete and profitable alternative …

In just a few years, technology has made it much easier to create and distribute music in record time and with fewer intermediaries. DIY has become democratized at all levels: home studio, social networks, crowdfunding, newsletter, digital distribution, etc.

More than ever, independent artists control their music business and are no longer limited by a hefty contract. Today independent artists can even make a comfortable living from their music.

In itself, becoming a DIY artist is the easiest thing, despite the sheer amount of work and patience that goes into this project.

The most important consideration, however, remains its financial burden. An independent artist cannot rely on someone else to reduce or maximize his expenses. So if he fails, he puts himself in direct danger.

However, this is exactly where a label could turn out to be interesting. Whether it is a major or an independent label, in most cases, such a structure will be able to lend its name and resources to an artist with high potential wishing to be accompanied.

This choice comes at the cost of a significant loss of freedom of action and a cut in income. Like everywhere else, winning doesn’t come without sacrifice, and it’s up to you to determine if your vision for your musical project involves a label.

The fact is that more and more artists are choosing freedom and alternative business models to live independently from their music.

The most prime example is the American rapper and musician, Ceno, who has released a series of EPs and albums through his record label called “700 Family”. The rapper rose to success with the popularity of his EP, Say My Name, which was a debut single released in 2015.

2. But the advantages of music labels are undeniable…

A. Music labels awaken potential and minimize financial risk

Marketing, promotion, or even distribution are things that require money, network, and experience.

By its positioning, the label will provide you with this and take you to the next level in your career in almost any field.

The label takes the risk for the artist.

However, the risk for the artist is not zero either. If it turns out that you can’t sell enough, you will be liable for it according to your contract terms.

To ensure that the contract you sign with a label is coordinated with your requirements, do not hesitate to hire a lawyer to verify the terms.

If all goes well, you can then take advantage of your advance to gain stability in your project and a real acceleration in your career.

B. Music labels have the means and the network

No matter how much you save, labels have far more financial and logistical resources than any DIY artist.

The most independent of the labels has staff dedicated to marketing, synchronization, distribution, and even social networks. If this is not the case, then the label surely has contacts as well as preferential rates.

So, while recording in your home studio is inexpensive, your promotional campaign and a national tour will not come without investment.

These structures have an experienced team trained in an artist’s life’s various possibilities, allowing you to avoid many mistakes. Thus, for example, it will be much easier for you to reach the bins of stores thanks to their know-how than on your own.

C. Music labels have prestige and legitimacy

Often, this is what artists are looking for more. A label does a serious musical project in the eyes of many fans and professionals in the industry.

For example, if you want to go on national radio, you will have a lot more chances through a label than as an independent. The labels are indeed still essential.

The music industry trusts its labels to act as a filter. Some professionals won’t want to work with you if you don’t have a label behind you.

And that’s not to mention the prestige and reputation. Being present on a particular label guarantees quality if it is recognized in its genre of predilection (Def Jam, Motown, RoadRunner, etc.).

Even if a label’s resources are limited and its reputation is not yet established, being associated with its catalog of artists will allow you to benefit from the fanbase and the legitimacy of these.

Conclusion

The two situations each have their advantages and disadvantages.

Thus, it is not uncommon to see independent artists finally sign with a record company and established artists in label turn to DIY and independence.

Should YOU sign NOW? The answer is not that simple.

But if you’re starting your career, signing a record label deal shouldn’t be your number one priority.

Today you can build a coherent and professional project without the help of a musical structure. Of course, it takes more effort and knowledge, but it is far from impossible. The question of signing with a label will then arise afterward.