Releasing (Part 1) – Do We Still Need Labels?

November 11, 2020

This article is Part 1 in a two-part series about the role, pros and cons of the different ways of releasing music. Read Part 2 that talks about independent releasing here.

Music and Releasing

Record labels. They’ve been instrumental in every significant musical event in civilization’s recent memory.

The arrangement between a label and artist to promote and publish their music for a cut of the profits is our common understanding of how it works, but recent developments in the music industry raise some interesting questions about this age-old dynamic.

This article will breakdown the essential dynamic and functions of the label-artist relationship and apply it to the modern-day music industry. We’ll also look at changes in the present industry in which independent and solo artist releases are becoming ever-more common. In essence: Label Releasing and Independent Releasing. By the end, you should have a sufficient understanding to decide, when you’re in that position, “Do I want to release with a label?”

To Sign or Not To Sign?

It’s the dream, isn’t it? Every early-stage producer has felt that starry- eyed fantasy of their favorite label offering a contract. It’s hard not to see it as the holy grail for the new producer. But what is it, exactly, that makes this idea so alluring? And, more importantly, are music labels as relevant in our futuristic world of the internet-age? The last decade in particular has seen monumental shifts in how music is both released and consumed. So, onto the meat of the matter: for the aspiring artist, is gaining that official label contract still the ultimate goal?

It should be noted that there’s a fair difference between labels signing a particular release and signing an artist exclusively. While these two scenarios share many of the same pros and cons, here we’ll focus on the case of labels signing specific releases.

Labels and Their Functions

It’s seen as the pinnacle of success for many an aspiring producer – who wouldn’t want a contract offer from their favourite label? To better understand, let’s take a closer look at this process from start to finish. Little reflection is required to come up with some obvious reasons. If an established label wants to release some of your music, it’s a sign of a real step-up. The benefits of this affiliation in itself are extensive.

Advantages of Releasing with a Label:

Far-reaching promotion to a wide audience
Professional marketing on behalf of your release
Professional, bespoke artwork
Legitimate connections with industry professionals
Personal association with the label (opens a door for continued collaboration)
Prestige by association; build your reputation

While this is enough in itself for many producers, that’s not even to mention the all the behind-the-scenes work done for every release: accounting and finances; release scheduling, marketing techniques; links with tastemakers who could give your song that next level of exposure.

If that doesn’t sound like the sweetest deal an aspiring producer could ask for, then I don’t know what would. Which brings us neatly to the recent seismic shifts in the world of music-releasing. The benefits of releasing with a label are evident. So why has the last few years seen such a drastic increase in the number of artists opting to ditch the traditional label route and release their music independently?

The Explosion of Artists Going Solo

Growing exponentially, this increase in artists opposing the traditional route is showing no signs of slowing down. In the Drum & Bass scene alone, many the most prominent artists can be seen bucking the old trend and self-releasing by way of starting their own labels. Consider the following artists and think of two things their careers’ have in common: Alix Perez; Lenzman; Ivy Lab; DLR.

If you’re a Drum & Bass fan, you probably got the first connection: they’re all artists who’ve started their own labels. The second? They’re all artists who broke through on pre-established labels. Great though they’ve become, there would likely be no 1985 Music without Shogun, no The North Quarter without Metalheadz, no 20/20 without Critical, no Sofa Sound without Dispatch. Of course, it was the determination and talent of these artists that got them there, but they all cut their industry teeth with bigger imprints early on.

The current trend seems to be that once an artist is sufficiently established in the scene, they start their own label. However, this isn’t likely to become the only endgame. Plenty of successful artists show no inclination to go independent and are still sitting pretty, releasing music on the labels they call home. Artists like Skeptical, Logistics, Halogenix and Joe Ford are just a few examples. So why do some artists opt for independence, but not others?

If you run a label yourself and would like to become a reviewer on Mentor Audio, fill in this form or get in touch with us by email at hello@mentoraudio.com.