Attention artists and bands, which is better, being on a major record label or staying independent? The answer is not as easy as you think.. Going major versus staying independent Many acts choose to go from an independent label to a major label if given the opportunity as major labels have considerably more power and financial means to promote and distribute product; thus increasing the chances of greater success Some acts, however, may choose not to go to a major label if given the opportunity as independence generally offers more freedom. Similarly, others may become independent label acts after having already experienced recording on a major label. Bradley Joseph requested to be let go from his major label deal with Narada/Virgin Records and subsequently became an independent artist. He states As an independent, business is a prime concern and can take over if not controlled. A lot of musicians dont learn the business. You just have to be well-rounded in both areas. You have to understand PUBLISHING! You have to understand how you make money, whats in demand, and what helps you make the most out of your talent. But some artists just want to be involved in the music and dont like the added problems or have the personality to work with both. Joseph suggests newer artists read and study both courses and pick one that best suits their own needs and wants. A successful independent label with a strong musical reputation can be very appealing to a major label. Major labels look at independent labels to stay current with the ever-changing music scene. If an act moves to a major label from an independent, they are awarded greater opportunity for success, but it does not guarantee success. About one in ten albums released by major labels make a profit for the label. Some artists have recorded for independent record companies for their entire careers and have had solid careers. Independent labels tend to be more open creatively, however, an independent label that is creatively productive is not necessarily financially lucrative. Independent labels are often operations of one, two, or only half a dozen people, with almost no outside assistance and run out of tiny offices. This lack of resources can make it difficult for a band to make revenue from sales. It can also be more difficult for the indie label to get its artists music played on radio stations around the country when compared to the pull of a major label. A testament to this fact could be that since 1991, there have only been TWELVE independent label albums that have reached the number one spot on the US Billboard 200 Album Chart. There have, however, been dozens of independent albums that have reached the top 40 of the US Album Chart. Some major labels have created an opportunity for independent artists to be featured on a distribution/marketing CD project with no strings attached in an effort to help boost awareness of the Independent Music community
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 15:06:34 +0000
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