Independent Or Major Label? Which One Is Best For You? Pt I

It's a brand new year and you're ready to grab the attention of a record label and skyrocket your music career to platinum status. You've been working really hard and you've now put together your cover letter, demo CD, bio and an 8x10 photo of yourself in an attractive package. But which record labels should you send your package to?

There are a lot of options and a lot of labels. It's important that you decide what's important to you as an artist before you submit your package to labels. The priorities and goals that you establish for yourself will shape your decision in choosing to go after a deal with a major label or an independent label. Let me explain why

Getting the attention you deserve

As a new artist, it may be important to you to have someone hold your hand through the process to help you get acclimated in the industry. If this is a priority for you, a major label may not be the best way to go. Major labels often have so many artists that not only is it unlikely that you'll get personalized attention, but your project may get pushed to the back burner to focus on more established artists on the label. Independent labels often have smaller artist rosters, which means you get more attention and are less likely to be overshadowed by a more established act.

Distributing your music

If it's always been your dream to buy a copy of your first album at the Virgin Megastore on Sunset Boulevard or in Times Square, then you probably don't want to sign with an indie label. Major labels are more likely to get your music in major stores across the country, which can potentially mean more record sales if marketed properly. Independent labels however have a much smaller sphere of influence when it comes to distribution. Your music will probably end up in smaller stores, scattered throughout the country, or be sold predominantly online.

Royalties

Independent labels are often more flexible, and generous when it comes to royalties. Choosing to sign with an indie label can mean the difference between getting 50% of your royalties as opposed to 10-15%. At a major label, new artists don't have much leverage to negotiate these figures, as generally only 10% of new artists actually generate a profit on a major label. On the flipside, while an independent label may give you a higher percentage of royalties, they also tend to give away a lot of music as a marketing strategy - and as the artist you will not get royalties on these copies.

It may sound like a tricky business, but give it some thought and I'm sure you'll figure out which type of record label best fits your goals and priorities. Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog, when I discuss a few more of the pros and cons of both independent and major record labels. In the meantime, check out some of the record labels we have listed in the Talent Resources section of our site and look at the casting calls we have posted for singers, musicians, & bands at www.EliteCastingNetwork.com.