It’s no secret that traditional methods of releasing music and connecting with listeners are evolving in response to the rise of digital music distribution, streaming services, social media, online marketing tools, and other technological developments. Our world is changing, and the music industry is no exception.
The days of sending out hundreds of demos in hopes of getting a scout’s attention are over. The industry’s biggest labels are still around and actively signing new talent. However, we can’t deny the role that social media and streaming services have played in helping musicians break out on their own.
There comes a time in every musician’s career when they must decide whether to take the independent route or to sign with a record company. And if you, just like thousands of other artists, are trying to decide whether you want to release tracks as an independent artist or sign a deal with a record label, this article is for you.
Being an independent artist: yay or nay?
First, let’s talk about the advantages you get when creating and promoting tracks on your own.
- Creativity is all yours
By maintaining your autonomy, you may control your artistic growth. You are at liberty to say what you want, try something new, or explore different musical styles. You may not always agree with the views expressed by others when you join a label.
Independent musicians can do whatever they want with their songs. Distribution, messaging, promotion, deadlines, artwork, and all other aspects are in their complete command. On top of that, independent artists can choose whatever path best suits their artistic goals. In many ways, this is the perfect position for an artist.
- Keeping all the profit
A hundred percent of all earnings from record sales, streaming, licensing deals, merch sales, and other revenue streams belong solely to the artists.
Don’t get me wrong, I can’t promise you’ll get rich just by becoming an independent artist, but you will get to keep 100% of the money you generate from your music.
- You own the copyright
Owning the copyright to your music is a necessary condition for monetizing it. In most record deals, the artist gives up some control over their music in exchange for financial compensation. This gives the label more say over who gets paid for using your music and in what contexts.
The master rights created by indie artists are theirs to keep. They are also unrestricted in their ability to strike music publishing and licensing agreements. In addition, they won’t need to deal with complicated contracts, high legal fees, or the loss of any control over their songs.
- Set your own deadlines
After years of dedication to the music industry, many musicians take extended breaks. An unending cycle of recording and touring isn’t unusual, especially for successful musicians, due to the schedule recording labels keep them on, which can be rather exhausting. If you decide to be an indie artist, you won’t have to worry about this. Since you aren’t limited by contract to pump out albums for a record company, you may create music, go on tour, and release records whenever you choose.
Flows of being an indie artist
- It’s not for you if you have no business sense
For those who choose the independent route, business acumen is a must (if your intent is to make a living). You need the ability to connect with and build relationships with other professionals in the music industry, such as musicians, attorneys, managers, club owners, etc. You need a firm grasp of marketing principles in general, not simply as they pertain to the music industry. In order to succeed, you must thoroughly comprehend all royalties, including who pays them, when, how, and why. Totalling all cash received and disbursed. This leads to our second point.
- Make sure you have enough money
When you’re an independent musician, you’re the one who holds all the money. Legal representation and advice from counsel cost money. Errors and omissions insurance, liability insurance to protect your roadies, and bonds or insurance to compensate the venues you rent… You see where I’m going with this, right? To fund things like advertising, distribution, tours, marketing, merchandising, recording, and mastering, you need investments. Cash, cash, cash.
- A big network is a must
Independent musicians just starting out in the industry have a small circle of friends and acquaintances to draw from. Whereas independent artists may have less success due to a lack of exposure, record labels will have more opportunities available to them because of their relationships with other music industry professionals like promoters, booking agencies, media, etc.
- The lack of free time
Putting out your own music might feel like a full-time gig. Setting up distribution, making all the release assets, developing a marketing plan, tracking sales, booking gigs, etc., all take a considerable amount of work. This additional effort wastes precious recording time. Burnout is a major problem for independent musicians who are doing everything themselves; as a result, they frequently cease and start their careers afresh.
Should you consider signing up with a record label?
It’s true that you’ll have less say over your music if you choose this route, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t still the best choice for many musicians. There’re lots of advantages to working with a record label, and here they are:
- A significantly larger budget. They’ll have money and connections, so you’ll have access to the greatest tools for you and your song. Mastering, distribution, marketing, touring, photography, and videography are just some of the services that record labels can give.
- Connections a record label has. The label’s preexisting fanbase is a major selling point for joining them. It has the potential to open up huge doors for your musical career. You may find it challenging to expand your professional circle and fan base without a label. Although the Internet has leveled the playing field, personal connections still matter greatly in the music business. Having connections in the industry may help you land big concerts and festivals, as well as open doors to new creative partnerships. When you’re signed to a label, you have access to a wide variety of influential people in your field who can help raise your name.
- Labels have a reputation. Depending on the label’s popularity, it may have established a recognizable brand within the music business. Because reputation is so important, this is a major help. A solid reputation is essential to finding successful business partners. They might not recognize your name, especially if you’re just starting out, but if they’re familiar with your label, they’ll have faith in you immediately. You may relax knowing that the advertising advice they provide you is founded on experience. In all likelihood, your chances of getting radio play and record deals will increase.
Disadvantages of joining a record company
- Not much say in the creative process. When you sign up with a record company, you give up a lot of creative control over your work. Without your permission, the label can negotiate and make choices regarding your music. Although the songs are technically yours, the record company still has the final say. If you sign with them, they will be able to dictate how your music is produced. They have the power to choose how and where your music is played, which distributors receive copies and the aesthetic direction of your album cover. You have decided to give them control, so if there is something you don’t like, tough luck.
- Not all of the cash is yours to keep. The label will take a percentage of all your earnings from any source. Sometimes, marketing costs might exceed earnings from royalties. Remember that they have been in the business for quite some time and can easily detect an inexperienced newcomer. This means they might not always give you a reasonable paycheck.
- You don’t own master rights. When you sign a contract with a record label, the label becomes the exclusive owner of all of your music’s master rights. They can make their arrangements for music publication and license without consulting you beforehand. This allows them to keep a larger portion of the money made from these deals.
- Be aware of what contract you’re about to sign. A common practice among large record companies is to offer artists lower royalties as part of their contract terms. Additionally, if you sign with a label, you will have to deal with these intricate contracts and pricey layers.
Which is the best, then?
One apparent perk of getting signed by a label is the stability that comes with having a regular income. Working for a record company is a lot like being a craftsman in that there is a certain way of life that you must adhere to.
Having a record label means you just need to focus on creating music and putting on shows. They will handle advertising, scheduling, recording, and signings.
In addition, they will provide you with access to superior resources that you would not have access to otherwise. They will make it much simpler to set things up and make a substantial, well-considered improvement to your musical ability. The record label will handle all the costs associated with promotional activities, including photo shoots, interviews, and recordings.
Yet we all know that nothing can be this perfect. Anyone could get a record contract if money was just handed out for doing less work than you would, but that’s not how it works.
They will take a huge percentage of your earnings since they will practically run your life and do everything they can to make you famous throughout the world.
But if you want to remain an indie artist, you’ll find yourself in a very different position.
Independent music is a great fit for those who have a deep connection to their music and style. You won’t have a multinational firm grabbing you by the ankles and shaking you until your pockets are empty.
You earn 100% of the profits from any shows, recordings, or interviews you produce, and you get to choose your guests and air times.
The catch is that you have to pitch in as well. Distributing the music, signing contracts, handling taxes, planning events, and enlisting the support of others to improve the sound are all necessary tasks. It’s a double-edged sword since you’ll be spending exactly as much as you take in. You’ll be the center of attention and wield tremendous influence, but your credit card will bear the brunt of the expense.
Independent music’s biggest names all paid their own way up the ladder of success via years of toil.
Summing up
Depending on your goals, you should decide whether to perform as a solo artist or try to land a record deal. To the extent that you want complete control over your musical output, the independent option is the only way to go. However, if you want your music to reach a wider audience, signing up with a record company is your best bet.
Each has advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately, it all comes down to how driven, skilled, and motivated you are.
Quick recap? You’ll have to roll the dice to survive in the music business.