Independent Artists

Is it worth the trouble to try to get a music label to sign you today? It’s really not. The digital world has become so dominant today, that you really can promote yourself; rather than having a label take a percentage from you. There are websites today like CD Baby and Tune Core, which are aggregators that allows you, the artist or group to upload your album to their site, and pay them a small fee to distribute, market, promote, and advertise, etc. you single or album. These are sites that also collect royalties for you and send your royalty check on a monthly basis.

The reason I chose to write this blog is because I am from the old school era of music, especially Hip Hop; I am talking about back when having a fan base didn’t matter to music labels, if they felt you were hot or should I say talented, they gave you an opportunity. The hottest and most legendary artists and groups was not given an opportunity or signed to a label because of their views on a video website and how many comments they had about their video; they were discovered by someone who was either in the music industry or someone who had connections to someone in the music industry. It was all about the vision someone had once they heard your voice or music back in the day. This is why it’s best to go the independent route, because if you can build your own fan base; which is what labels want you to do anyway; then what do you need them for?

Times have definitely changed in the music industry, especially digitally; so either you catch up or get left behind. Internet marketing and digital distribution have taken over the music industry, that’s why being an independent is the best option for some artists, musician, or group; it allows you to learn everything along the success of your career. It will also make you more alert about your choices throughout your career, because you are hands on with everything about it. Take advantage of the digital music world today, it’s never going to go away. Do as much research as possible about any questions you have for yourself about anything about the industry. There is no limit to the amount of knowledge one can gain about anything. Build yourself, career, and music to a success story, and you will become a brand that cannot be destroyed.

Check this video out:

This video will show all independent artists that a fan base was not necessary back in the day. Founders of Def Jam music label Rick Ruben and Russell Simmons signed artists like Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Slick Rick and LL Cool J, just to name a few, and none of them had a huge fan base, if any, but Rick and Russell was determined to get these artists names and music out the; and all those legends are now known worldwide, and also Hip Hop legends.