For this issue we are only too happy to focus on the independent artist and the small record labels. As we all know it’s so hard to break into the music industry and to get the big major record deal. Many artists and bands turn to the indie route as an instant way of getting their music out to the masses and why not. You could wait a lifetime to get that major record deal and nothing may ever happen. The best way is to take your own destiny in hand and get things going without having to rely on the major record label system. We will try to examine some of the ins and outs of going the independent route. You might find that you are on the right track after all.

Too many artists think that being signed to a major is the ultimate and for a few that might be true. One of the difficulties especially for the new artist is where you fall within the major label roster. If you are not one of the priority artists on a major label you could find yourself in worse shape than if you were doing things independently. We heard numerous horror stories of labels actually working against their own artists in favor of others ahead on the roster list. One might never understand what the real truth is with your label and unless you are privy to the weekly radio conference calls, you may really never know,

With the changes over the past decade with respect to downloads of music and the lack of actual CD sales, many major labels have had to change the deals that were once helpful for the artist. To compensate for the shrunken revenue stream, labels have now entered the publishing, management and even booking business to get their money back. All of these changes leave very little for the artist at the end of the day. Groups that have already achieved success such as The Eagles have decided that it makes no sense for them to give up so much for so little in return and have chosen to release their new works on their own record label. We’re seeing this time and time again and for many more established artists it seems to be working out in their favor.

One of the biggest exceptions to the rule over this past year and half has been the success at pop radio for Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Their first few major hits were actually released on an independent label with several of them going all the way to #1. Once they found themselves in a power position, the majors came calling with deals that were far more favorable. This is an example of the way to do it right. Without having the power on your side, your deal offers from the major labels may not favor you much at all. Once an act is in the driver’s seat, they can then delegate the points of a deal in their favor. Until that time it might be best to control your own destiny by running your own label until the major label offer comes that makes sense to you.

As an artist or band running an independent program, there are so many advantages and opportunities out there. If you have the ability to raise some capital towards your venture you can control and create your own team structure. Whether it is in the promotion, publicity or marketing areas, artists can use the talents that are out there and create their own dynasty. With the recent and continued consolidations at the major label level, there are some amazing talents out there that are ready for hire. Many worked at some of the biggest labels around and they have the expertise, knowledge and connections to put your own system together that works totally in your favor. Here at New Music Weekly we continue to offer artists, bands and labels the tools of the trade in order to assist the independents in any and every way we can. Take advantage of all these opportunities.