Getting signed to a record label isn’t a requirement for a successful music career in this day and age, though it can be a significant step for many artists. The landscape of the music industry has evolved, offering various paths to success. Here are some pros and cons of signing with a record label, as well as alternative routes you might consider:
Pros of Getting Signed to a Record Label:
- Resources and Funding: Labels often provide financial support for recording, marketing, and distribution, which can help you reach a wider audience.
- Industry Connections: Record labels have established relationships with industry professionals, including producers, managers, and promoters, which can be invaluable for advancing your career.
- Marketing and Promotion: Labels typically have experience and resources to effectively market and promote your music, helping you gain exposure and build your fan base.
- Distribution: Labels can help get your music into physical and digital stores, making it easier for fans to access and purchase your work.
- Professional Guidance: Labels often offer professional advice and guidance on various aspects of your career, from image and branding to contract negotiations.
Cons of Getting Signed to a Record Label:
- Loss of Control: Signing with a label can sometimes mean giving up creative control and making decisions that align with the label’s vision rather than your own. This is what happened to IAMA’s Top winner Liz Longley, who was signed to Sugar Hill Records four years after her IAMA win. The record label decided that the album wouldn’t be released the way Liz wanted it to. So, she boldly decided to leave the record label and raised $150,000 through Kickstarter to buy the masters from the label (making her the fourth most-funded solo female musician on the platform).
- Revenue Split: Labels typically take a significant percentage of revenue from sales, streaming, and other income, which can reduce your earnings.
- Contractual Obligations: Record contracts can be complex and may bind you to certain terms, including long-term commitments or restrictive clauses.
- Pressure and Expectations: Labels may have high expectations and deadlines that can put pressure on you, potentially impacting your creativity and well-being.
5 Getting Shelved: Just because you’re signed to a major record label, doesn’t mean you will become the next big super star overnight. Being shelved is when a record label signs you but puts you as “back-burners” for your album project, essentially leaving you in musical purgatory.
Alternative Routes:
- Independent Release: With advancements in technology, it’s easier than ever to self-produce and distribute your music. Platforms like DittoMusic, Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and DistroKid allow you to release music on your own terms. Also check out this related article: How to Release an Album Online Today as an Independent Musician
- Digital Marketing: Social media and digital marketing tools enable you to promote your music and build a following without a label’s support.
- DIY Promotion: You can take charge of your own promotion by reaching out to blogs, radio stations, and influencers, and by organizing your own tours and shows. Also check out this related article: Why Radio Promotion Still Matters for Independent Music Artists
- Collaborations and Networking: Building relationships with other musicians, producers, and industry professionals can open doors and create opportunities for exposure and growth. Also check out this related article: Top 8 Tips for Successful Music Collaboration
- Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter or Patreon can help you raise funds for your projects directly from your fans. Also check out this related article: Top 8 Ways for Surviving Self-Employment for Musicians
Ultimately, whether or not you need a record label depends on your goals, resources, and how you want to manage your music career. Many successful artists today thrive independently, while others benefit from the support of a label.
Enter the 21st Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards), see: https://inacoustic.com/enter-here/
