Some thoughts on record labels or Major VS Indie
In the music label world there are 2 options: independent (or “indie”) and major label. Since both have their benefits, musicians can be confused on which is the better option. Let's look at the pros and cons of each.
Indie Record Labels
An indie label is one that is independently funded. It is not connected to one of the 4 major record labels.
Pros:
Artists keep the rights to their own music. With music being used for movies, television, and other soundtracks, it’s a huge benefit for musicians to hold the rights for their music. This allows musicians the option to use their music as they like.
Indie labels sign you because they love your music. Indie labels are generally smaller labels, that don’t have to answer to a board of directors that pushed them to sign a specific look or sound.
You’ll have a more personal relationship. Indie record labels to tend to have smaller rosters then major record labels, but that can be a good thing for artists. Artists may get the chance to work one-on-one with their representative, and get the chance to form a more personal relationship.
Cons:
Less funds. Let's be honest. Smaller independent labels are not but have the same money power as major record labels. The lack of money may mean a smaller budget for recording or production, or even marketing.
Smaller size. While the smaller size can be good for forming a close personal relationship with your representative, the smaller size may also mean that the label itself has less power within the industry.
Major Record Labels
There are four major record labels: Sony BMG, Universal Music Group, EMI and Warner Music Group. Artists are either signed to the central label or signed to subsidiary under them.
Pros:
Money, money, money. Major labels have the benefit of having far more funds than smaller indie labels. This extra money means they have bigger budgets for recording, production, packaging, distribution and advertising.
More connections. In addition to more funds, these big record labels have been in the business a long time and have more connections and networking experience under their belt. What's more, since they have been around for so long, they have the reputation to back them up.
Cons:
Tons of signed artists. With the larger size of the label, there are more artists fighting for the attention and help of the representative.
Not as artist friendly. Major record labels are in the business to make money, so you can be sure they will likely do what they can to make a profit off of your music. This can mean anything from smaller royalties, to less control over your music.
For the aspiring musician looking to get signed by a record label, there are two main choices: indie or major label. Each has benefits, and drawbacks, so it is up to each artist to figure out which type works best for them.
