Independent Music Labels

Independent Music Labels

Music record labels and music publishers that are not owned and operated by the major four record labels are called independent record labels, some independent record labels are very large and some have major distribution deals with major music record labels. Most independent record labels release music that is not considered mainstream and has a smaller audience then a major music record labels release. The rise of independent music labels started in the 1990s because it became affordable to own a home or small studio because of the new recording technology. The internet also gave independent music labels the opportunity to distribute their music worldwide without a large major or independent distributor. Most independent record labels are artist owned and have a niche or smaller target audience. Independent record labels do not have the marketing power of the big four major record labels and until recently did not share a large part of the overall music market. Get connected with Americas top music industry contacts.

All Music Industry Contact 2010 includes all of Americas most successful music record labels, Contact A&R, Music managers, producers & publishers including their contact information and credits.

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Independent music record labels usually get a higher return because they have much less overhead which includes music production and can easily recoup their initial investment with a much smaller amount of record sales. It is common for major or well established music artists to start their own music record label once their contract with their record label expires and they have already made a name for themselves. You can use our record labels directory to contact a&r reps and shop your music. Usually artists will make this move for more creative control and a larger portion of the revenue generated from record sales. It is common for these music record labels started by artists to remain independent as a music label imprint and sign a distribution deal with one of the majors which gives them full control of the creative side of their music but also gives them the marketing and distribution power from signing a pressing and distribution deal with one of the major four music record labels. Some independent record music record labels become so successful that major music record labels negotiate a distribution deal or even buy the label outright.

Some independent labels become successful enough that major record companies negotiate contracts to either distribute music for the label or in some cases, purchase the label completely. In the 1980s independent music labels were established by bands that were determined to self produce and distribute their records to stay true to their music and not have to sell out. Major music record labels were known for being unwilling to sign certain genres of music like punk rock without compromising the vision of the band and would try and make them more commercial. Since there were no major labels willing to sing some of the successful punk rock bands they wanted to release their own material. Side One Dummy Records is an example of a punk rock labels with a do it yourself attitude. Over the past 10 years they have become extremely successful signing bands such as Flogging Molly and marketing the Warp Tour compilation that features many major bands and does well in record sales compared to their low production operating costs. They use (ADA) Alternative Distribution Alliance to distribute their record which is the number one independent music distributor in the United States.

A&M / OCTONE RECORDS

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Aardvark Records: Aardvark Records is a UK independent music label. It's a independent music label that has artists on its roster and covers many different music genres.