This article is Part 2 in a two-part series about the role, pros and cons of the different ways of releasing music. Read Part 1 where we talk about releasing through labels here.

The Allure of Releasing Independently

Considering the modern trend, there’s clearly myriad benefits to going independent. But what about it could be more enticing than the traditional route? As before, not much reflection is needed to see the attraction. A mere cursory glance at these labels will show how the ability to have absolute creative control over your art is, in itself, hugely attractive.

Advantages of Independent Releasing:

• Complete creative freedom
• You get 100% of the profits
• Work to your own schedule
• Total ownership of your music
• No legal issues on the rights to your music
• Complete creative freedom

You might have noticed that Creative Freedom made the list twice. That’s because it’s significance cannot be understated. The term “Creative Freedom” is an umbrella term containing much more than it sounds like. Creative Freedom means you’re making the music you want, not what some label wants. It means you get to decide which tracks go on that next release, and what order they’ll be in. It means you get to choose who does the artwork, and what type of aesthetic you want – you can even do it yourself if so inclined. It means you choose the type of promotional campaign. It means you don’t have to conform any stylistic expectations with your music. It means you’re under no obligation to change anything about the release, be it the artwork, track list, track order, promotion, or release date. It means you have the freedom to choose how you want to go about doing any and all of the above, and then some.

With Creative Freedom better established, add it to the other points listed above and it’s no mystery why so many artists are opting out of the old way.

Barriers to the Independent Release

With so many advantages to the independent release, why doesn’t every artist do it? Well, there are few common criteria met by those who have successfully gone solo. One of the most common is that they have already established a reputation and a loyal fanbase. They can be confident that, when they choose to release their music, there will be people listening and their release won’t fall out of existence with a weak flicker. Equally common is that they already have a respectable back catalogue and have developed their technical and musical abilities sufficiently that they can go on without guidance and A&R. Additionally, those starting their own imprints tend to have established a network of contacts to help out with for all the work required for each release, such as artists for cover art, people with marketing skills, a mastering engineer and, perhaps most importantly, contact with established DJs, tastemakers or radio-hosts; a necessity if a release is ever to gain any traction. There’s also a huge amount of work required, as well as some personal financial risk.

Common Factors in Independent Artist-Run Labels

• Established reputation and fanbase
• Pre-existing network of contacts
• Connection with prominent figures to promote the release
• Developed professional capabilities, both musically technically
• Resources to make financial investment

It would seem then, that there’s something of a barrier to entry for successfully releasing your own music without an established label. When done successfully, more often than not, the artist can check all of those boxes. So can you only release music independently if you are already an established artist?

Distribution Services

Thanks to the internet, it’s now possible for anyone to officially publish their own music and get it onto the likes of Spotify, Apple Music and all the big music retailers. Services like DistroKid (hyperlinks?) enable anyone at all, regardless of age, experience, or reputation to publish their music. The question of if this is the best option will have a different answer for each individual. Generally, the most important factors have some similarity with those previously listed for artists who start their own labels. A new artist with little-to- no following or reputation is not likely to find great success simply by virtue of getting their music published. On the other hand, and artist with a small following and reasonably developed skills could find some value in the process.

In Reflection: “So Which is Better?”

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer. There’s a multitude of important factors to be accounted for before a decision is made. As well as the points made here, each artist must also consider what they would be a realistic outcome of their release. For some, a Distribution Service might be the way to go. For others, should they have the prerequisites to start their own label, that would undoubtedly be a hugely rewarding path. But for many producers, especially newer ones yet to make a name for themselves, the benefits of an official label release appear have to the most to offer the new artist for all-round career progression.

As mentioned, there is a strong allure to the idea of starting your own label to release with. The complete creative control makes it an incredibly enticing option, not to mention the other benefits. For the aspiring artist, this could be seen as an ultimate goal; to have developed sufficiently in all the right areas to be in a position to start your own label. To earn the ability to be able to do so.

Now Then… Do You Want to Release with a Label?

Hopefully, you’re now informed enough to make the best decision for you when the time comes. If you decide you want to get things started by going with a label, as luck would have it, you’re already in the best place! Mentor Audio offers artists direct contact with labels and established figures to get feedback and guidance on their tracks, with the possibility of being signed if they like the track. Best of all, it’s free. So if you’re feeling like the label route is the one for you, you have the chance to start direct content right now. Clicking here will send you the register page, after which you’ll be greeted by your Artist Dashboard. You can learn more about how Mentor Audio works in our previous article on the topic.