Although everyone’s heard of the term before, many people don’t understand exactly what it means for a label to be classed as ‘independent’. In fact there is a great deal of confusion within the industry as well, particularly because many ‘independent’ labels may have deals with or go on to be bought out by major record companies.
In the truest form, an independent label should be an organisation free from financial support and influence from major record companies. The Association of Independent Music in the UK keeps a listing of labels that fulfil this requirement, and if you are wanting to record with a truly independent company this may be the place to start looking. In the United States, independent labels pride themselves on non-membership status within large establishments such as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and this refusal to conform to the music hierarchy is one of the positives some artists appreciate in their independent label.
Due to the intensive financial requirements labels face when producing and supporting new artists, many independent labels find that it is necessary to make deals with record distribution and licensing in mind. Major labels may be sold the international licensing rights or enter into a dual-release agreement, and may be counted upon to help with the publicity and distribution of the albums. Of course many artists look upon this as a positive, as it guarantees a certain level of publicity, however there are many who strive to remain independent, and who should be very clear about their aims with their label prior to signing any contracts.
In the truest form, an independent label should be an organisation free from financial support and influence from major record companies. The Association of Independent Music in the UK keeps a listing of labels that fulfil this requirement, and if you are wanting to record with a truly independent company this may be the place to start looking. In the United States, independent labels pride themselves on non-membership status within large establishments such as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and this refusal to conform to the music hierarchy is one of the positives some artists appreciate in their independent label.
Due to the intensive financial requirements labels face when producing and supporting new artists, many independent labels find that it is necessary to make deals with record distribution and licensing in mind. Major labels may be sold the international licensing rights or enter into a dual-release agreement, and may be counted upon to help with the publicity and distribution of the albums. Of course many artists look upon this as a positive, as it guarantees a certain level of publicity, however there are many who strive to remain independent, and who should be very clear about their aims with their label prior to signing any contracts.