Differences between Major and Independent Labels - Essay Example

Juan Hadipoespito 1625702 ENGL 113-02 What are the major differences between major and independent labels? A major label refers to music that hasa well-developed marketing and distribution channel by the time it is released while an independent label comes into the industry without any developed strategy of marketing and distribution. It is apparent that most artists began their music careers as independent labels before advancing to major label after gaining much fame and publicity. Consequently, almost all artists begin their career as independent performers unless they got sponsorship and support from other quarters in the industry. In the initial stages, they never have any contract with marketing firms. The independent artists sell their music by themselves and even organize for shows at a solo level. Many independent artists later get attached to marketing and promotion firms who help them do logistical organizations of shows. A major label is a term used to refer to one of the main recording companies that works as marketing and distribution of music under contract. It involves a combination of four record labels. The main companies include: Sony BMG, universal music group, EMI and warner music group. On the other hand, an independent label refers to a record label that functions without the aid of the major labels. For a musician, the decision to join a certain label mainly lies in the pros and cons of the labels. Analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the labels is very important in the course of making this decision. It is evident that the label of choice primarily dictates the pace and direction that an artist takes with his or her music career. One thing that however stands out is the fact that major labels prefer working with artists who have gained a remarkably fan base and hence utilize their expansive networks to market them on both regional and international platforms. Differences between Major and Independent Labels There is a big difference between major and independent labels and this has been largely centralized around their financial might and their level of professionalism in music career. In this light, it is apparent that musicians who have already accumulated wealth can afford to seek the services of major labels that in turn help in marketing their music to a bigger audience hence expanding their fan base across the globe. Additionally, it requires artists who have gained experience in the music industry and are well conversant with the art of stage performance among other dynamics encompassing the music industry. This enables them to perform exceptionally well in all the diverse platforms at regional and international level. On the other hand, the independent labels largely characterize musicians in their inceptive stages of their career. Most of them though not all, are not financially stable and would prefer marketing their music without seeking help from an agency or a management firm; as that will be costly and unprofitable. Furthermore, the artists need more exposure to gain experience in stage performance as well as grow fan support as an independent label before thinking of advancing their music to another new level that can be attained with the help of a major label among other agencies. Another outstanding difference between major and independent labels is the actual contracts they sign. Based on the contract, an artist subscribed to independent label has more benefit than an artist subscribing to major label. This is simply because in their contract, major labels do not allow artists to keep rights to their music; the major label can use it for what they want. This includes selling it off for films, television, commercials or any other ways they want. Thus, some benefits are taken by the parent company leaving the artist with little room to taste the fame (Brain 302). The marketing firms sign binding contracts with artists. The contract almost makes the artist an employee to the marketing firm. An independent artist however plans for all the shows and has a right to sell his or her music to films. All the proceeded in revenue gets back to the performing artist and not any marketing firm. Chance Rapper notes, “I can play whatever shows I want, I can release when I want, talk how I want, freely about any subject.” Similarly Zoe Keating notes, “I am independent because I didn’t want a bunch of men in suits deciding how I should release my music” (MUSIC.MIC, 2015) The other difference is in the proceeds made from the various labels ascribed to by a musician. Whereas most artists dealing with major record labels earn between 10% to 15% royalty to their music, artists subscribing to Independent labels commonly offer between 40% to 75% loyalty. This illustrates how much major labels take in for themselves while suffocating artists in terms of cash. Thus, an independent label may be more appealing to artist since it allows them to have to an extent of living on (Brain 268). However, those subscribed to major labels enjoy the advantage of performing in many shows and hence at the end of the day making an equally good financial gain. They also enjoy the privilege of only performing at the stage while the management team addresses the rest of the planning, hence very convenient. The artist only comes in when the shows are ready. This translates to the fact that artists in the major label have all the time to concentrate on the music hence improving their talent. The independent artist on the other hand will have to balance between the art and business. Mixing performance and business management sometimes proves difficult. The independent artist will have to compromise on one. Fans play a significant part in setting differences and similarities between major label and independent artists. The use of social media is a major constraint to major labels. This is because Major labels are not such close, do not comprehend and cannot work the fan base using online social media. Independent however formulate friendships with fans, the fans will buy their music and go to see them perform as well due to this as they feel more of a connection to their preferred artist (Brain 230). Independent labels are more attractive to the majority as the people buying and listening to the music and who will want that something extra (bond and connection with artists) that the major labels wouldn’t give them. On the same note, listeners who are not interested in artist may be inclined to consume music subscribed to major labels. Thus, understanding of this difference is not only beneficial to artists who want to bond with their fans but also music consumers who want to bond with their artists. This means that the knowledge of the major difference between major and independent labels can also be used by consumers of music. Thus in the selection process, consumers inclined on the side of bonding with the artist, with this knowledge, will prefer independent labels to major labels; and vice versa. Inasmuch as technology is made use by both the Independent and major labels (since both types can put demonstrations of music and videos on media such as YouTube or webs), independent labels take advantage of technology to a greater extent as compared to major labels; particularly when it comes to social media. The internet has a great impact on independent record labels this is because independent companies can advertise themselves and artists (Brain 230). Similarities Inasmuch as the difference between the above two record labels are outstanding, it is important to note that the two labels have some similarities that should be highlighted. Firstly, both independent and major labels use technology. Veronica notes that technology is mainly employed by both labels to demonstrate new releases of music and videos over the media such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and even websites (Veronica 230). In fact, with the continuous improvement of technology and assumption of social media, I doubt whether any label can survive into the competitive recording marketing without making use of technology. The center of interest of the two labels is one and the same. Despite the fact that major labels may be portrayed as profit oriented, both labels are. Independent artists too seek approval of fans in order to get more money from their music (beside the fan part). Thus, both labels’ interest may be termed to be money; on the extreme end (Rudsenske 127). Additionally, all the labels seek the approval of the fans for the sole reason that they are the one who determine whether music will be a hit or not. Thus for any of them to thrive in the music industry, they have to strive to please fans. In an interview by Christ recorded by TECHDIRT Macklemore explains why not being on a label helped him succeed. And to quote him, Macklemore says, “…And Ryan and I, out of anything, that were good at making music, but were great at branding. Were great at figuring out what our target audience is. How were going to reach them and how were going to do that in a way thats real and true to who we are as people. Because thats where the substance is. Thats where the people actually feel the real connection. And labels dont have that”. Conclusion The knowledge of the two labels above is vividly important to both artists, music consumers or any aspiring person who wants to start a music labeling company. For starting musicians, as seen from the above pros and cons (plus difference between the two labels), Independent labels may do well for them since they need yet to establish a bond with their fans and create a strong capital base. Additionally, upcoming music stars may not have the money to hire lawyers to protect their interests. This is unlike the well-established music stars (Clark 201). On the other hand, aspiring entrepreneurs who want to venture into record labeling business may assess their interests based on the above outline information to decide which label to venture in (Brain 140). Works Cited Rogan, Johnny. The Indie and new wave Music. NY: Guinness Publishing, 2000. Clark, Michelson. Organizational Structures and Cultures of Independent record labels: An Empirical Analysis. The journal of urban labor and leisure. 6(1), 5-6, 2004. Brain, Southall. The A-Z of Record Labels Paperback.Sanctuary Publishing, 2003. Print. Veronika, Kalma. Label Launch: A Guide to Independent Record Recording. Washington: St.Martin’s Griffin, 2002. Print John, Rudsenske. Start an Independent Record Label (Music Business Made Simple). New York: Schirmer Trade Books, 2005. Daylle, Deana. Start and Run Your Own Record Label. New York: Billboard Books, 2009. Print. TECHDIRT: https://www.techdirt.com/blog/casestudies/articles/20130401/03115322523/macklemore-explains-why-not-being-label-helped-him-succeed.shtml MUSIC.MIC: http://mic.com/articles/118796/these-are-9-artists-that-the-music-industry-will-never-own#.V9UMmWzZn Read More