Q & A
Each month, MusicBizAdvice.com answers your questions about the music industry.
Indie Label or Major Label: Are dollars the
main deciding factor?
Q.
As
a beginning artist when you’re shopping your demo, is it better to pursue
independent record companies or the majors? Should $$$$$$$$ signs be the top
consideration?—J.
A.
Nope. The top consideration is, what’s the best situation for your music and
your personality (meaning your persona onstage as well as your
personality as an individual)?
The dollars are only the second consideration when choosing between a major
label deal and an indie label, because if it’s a bad fit, the situation
isn’t conducive to making money. Or, if it’s a bad fit and money is
made initially, it usually doesn’t last because the artist often becomes
miserable and self-destructs.
The answer is unique to every artist, so neither is “better.” Only you and a
good manager can decide what’s right for you and your music. And if you
don’t have good management in place, you probably shouldn’t be looking for a
deal yet.
Other factors to consider can be found
here, where we covered this subject
before. ;)
Good luck!
Randi Reed
Editor-in-Chief / Founder
MusicBizAdvice.com
Q&A Home
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