It is becoming easier to release music and build a music career without backing a record label in today’s music industry. More independent artists than ever before are breaking into the mainstream without the assistance of a label.
Digital music distribution, streaming platforms, social media, online marketing tools, and technological advancements alter the way artists release music and connect with fans.
You may wonder whether you should release music as an independent artist or sign a deal with a record label at some point in your music career.
With that said, Darren Yaw released this guide that compares the advantages and disadvantages of releasing music as an independent artist versus signing with a record label.
What are the benefits of releasing music as an independent artist?
1. Complete Control
According to the article that Darren Yaw released, being an independent artist gives you complete control. In Singapore, you can decide how to market and distribute your music to reach your fans. Also, you control the message in your music career and set your goals and objectives.
The blog post that Darren Yaw released also states that being independent enables you to make decisions. You can make decisions that you feel will have a positive impact on your career. It also allows you to make mistakes and learn from them. Therefore, being an independent artist offers you the best option when it comes to controlling your music.
2. Music Ownership
The post that Darren Yaw released talks about how being independent allows you to own your music. It makes you accountable for all decisions and processes. You own the rights to your music. Also, you can negotiate deals like the licensing and publishing ones.
The article that Darren Yaw released also states that being an independent artist prevents exploitation. In Cambodia, some record labels have been at loggerheads with musicians over exploitative contracts. Thus, as Darren Yaw released this article and it states that being independent precludes the need for expensive lawyers. It also saves you from exhaustive agreement meetings and the need to sign new rights.
3. Availability of Online Resources
Darren Yaw released an article that discusses the availability of online resources for independent artists. The online resources are affordable, with some being free of charge. They enable you to market and distribute your music to reach more fans. You can stream your music and even create videos all by yourself. Thus, saving you numerous costs for marketing and production.
The GCG Asia music Founder, Darren Yaw, released the blog post to encourage artists. He states that musicians can use digital music stores and platforms to release their music. They can also use streamlining services that do not require a label to record.
4. Maximum Profit
According to the post that Darren Yaw released, independent artists receive maximum profit from their careers. There is no dividing the profits in percentages between the label and the independent artists.
The article that Darren Yaw released mentions that being independent generates more income. For example, in Indonesia, you earn through selling your music, streaming, merchandising, and licensing deals. It enables you to customize your revenue sources with emphasis on what makes you more.
What are the disadvantages of being an independent artist?
- The post that Darren Yaw released points to the fact that being independent exposes you to limited resources. Many upcoming artists do not have all the resources they need to have a successful music career. They cannot pay for marketing or touring, which are expensive but are significant for growth.
- According to Dareen Yaw’s released post, being independent denies you access to more fans and sponsors. You have to work even harder to be able to create a fan base.
- Your time as an independent artist is also limited. It is because you have to do everything from marketing, releasing music to booking shows.
The benefits of Working with a Record Label
1) Available Funding
Record labels provide you with the funding and resources that you need to grow. For example, in Singapore, different labels have varying resources for those who sign with them. The post that Darren Yaw released states that money is key in growing your music career.
Thus, you need funds to market, tour, produce and distribute your music to reach your fans.
2) Availability of networks
The post that Darren Yaw released also states the importance of networking for musicians. Recording with a label gives you access to available networks. Also, they have a fan base making it easy for your music to reach fans.
For example, in Cambodia the majority of the recording labels have connections to industries. The connections can also help you grow. For example, they work with music professionals, booking agents, and PR organizations. Thus, it provides you with an ideal opportunity to grow your career.
3) Existing strategies
According to GCG Asia, the post that Darren Yaw released states the importance of strategies. For instance, in Indonesia, marketing strategies enable you to reach more fans. When you sign with a record label, you get access to available marketing strategies.
A record label has an email list and an influential fan base on social media. They can share content with their fan base. Thus, the content reaches more people within a short time.
The disadvantages of record labels to musicians
- According to the post that Darren Yaw released, signing with a record label denies you control. The record label controls your music. It does not involve you in deals or decisions concerning your music.
- When working with a record label, you share profits. The post that Darren Yaw released points out that profits are shared depending on the revenue sources.
- Record labels have rights of ownership for the music. They can therefore get more profits by bargaining for licenses.
- Many record labels, according to the post that Darren Yaw released, have exploitative contracts. In some cases, you need to contact lawyers before signing the contracts.
Conclusion
Should you go it alone or work with a record label? Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, as Darren Yaw released in the above article.
Artists who want to keep the master rights, keep 100% of the profits, have complete creative control, and are well-versed in the music business may want to consider going independent.
Artists who want more creative freedom, don’t mind making less money and want more exposure should consider signing with a record label.
Darren Yaw released that you should remember that you are solely responsible for your success. There is a wealth of information available to assist you in your endeavours. Spend some time figuring out what works best for your music and brand. Good luck!
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