When we say “Music Without a Label,” we’re talking about an artist that hasn’t signed a contract with a record label.
Independent music is the way of the future. It’s the only way to survive in today’s industry. And it’s much more profitable than signing away 40% to 80% of your royalties, and the money you deserve, that other people pocket because of your creativity.
The average record deal is now a 360 deal. This kind of deal means that they pay for your recording, mixing, mastering, video production, copyright, publishing, management, graphics, website, promotion, booking, marketing, so on, so forth, etc. etc. Sound great right!
NOT!
This means that they OWN YOU! They own all of your intellectual property (copyright/publishing), which in turn means that they get a majority of your royalties. They take a cut of EVERYTHING! Your album sales, ticket sales, synch royalties (music in film or TV), and even T Shirt sales!
They also have a say in everything that you do. They control where you play, when you play, how you play, and what you play. Of course, this many not always be the case. Some labels really do have the interest of the artists as their top priority. However, the majority of these labels have a CEO that isn’t even a musician, or just doesn’t care about the quality of what they produce, how creative it is, or what kind of impact it will have on the world. All that they care about is if it’s going to sell and put paper in their pocket.
If you want to be in control of your own career, and you want your music heard by the right people, it’s going to take a lot of hard work. It’s going to take a lot of trial and error. It’s going to take a lot of people telling you that you suck and that you’re not going anywhere. It might mean that your family, girlfriend, or other bandmates says that it’s a stupid idea and you’re out of your mind!
BUT YOU CAN BE IN CONTROL OF YOUR DESTINY!
Look at artists like Macklemore. He has taken the world by storm. Macklemore is completely independent, and even hired his Fiancé to be his tour and product manager! He is in control of his music and his destiny! Wouldn’t it be nice to say that you play the music you want to, when you want to, to the people you want to!?!?!?
YOU CAN!
With the help of the internet, some good friends, and a lot of late nights and hard work, you could be the next Macklemore.
What Do You Think Of This Article? Are you in a position to do all of this? POZE can help pave the way and answer many of these questions for you!!
