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WHY DO I NEED A RECORD LABEL?
The truth is you don’t. But you probably want a Record label… unless you have an unlimited amount of time and money – and even then you would probably want a label. Record labels handle the business end of the music business – freeing your time to write, record, and perform. Indie labels play a fundamental role in developing and establishing artists, ultimately preparing them for the next level.
There are several advantages to working with a label – here are 10 of them:
#1 Record Labels Provide Promotions, Marketing Plans, and Marketing Materials
There’s not enough time to do everything on your own. With a record label, you get expertise working for you with years of experience in promotions, marketing, and branding. The experts know the dos and don’ts of building artists, and are able to assist with marketing collateral and strategies to expand your audience and grow your fanbase.
#2 Record Labels Have the Resources to Promote Material Properly
You can spend a lot of time and money promoting music and have very little to show for it at the end of the day. Record labels have the tried and true experience to get the best return on the promotional dollars spent to maximize the artists’ exposure.
#3 Record Labels Provide Support for Videos and Photoshoots
Music videos are one the most important promotional tools available, but they can be expensive and time consuming to make. Additionally, professional photos are must for any EPK. A record label has the resources to streamline these processes and to be able to build for you the look you want, and at a fraction of the cost.
#4 Record Labels Have Booking and Touring Resources
Record labels maintain relationships with professionals throughout the industry. This is especially important when it comes to booking agents, tour managers, and tour support. The right shows, with the right payment, and a solid support team is what it takes to make a tour both productive and successful.
#5 Record Labels have Greater Access to Media Outlets Including Magazines, Radio, Podcasts and Blogs
Record labels have more sway, more contacts, and can offer their artists more opportunity. Many outlets don’t deal directly with artists at all, and even those that do give priority to record labels. They know that labels are more professional, more focused and have already vetted the artists. Record labels have rapport with their contacts and the inherent trust provides preferential opportunities.
#6 Record Labels Can Help with Production Costs
It’s easier than ever to self-record, but modern production standards still require professional expertise to stand out from the crowd. Record labels have access to the professionals and resources necessary to achieve top quality, without the guesswork.
#7 Record Labels Give you the Opportunity to be A Part of a Community
When one artist succeeds the entire record label family benefits. Upon joining a record label, you immediately become associated with that label’s artists, get the benefits of that exposure, and the credibility from it as well. This translates to better touring opportunities, lower overhead from shared resources, better promotional opportunities and greater exposure. Every label-mate enjoys the same industry clout just by being label-mates. Don’t underestimate how valuable this can be.
#8 Record Labels Provide Industry Guidance and Business Acumen
Electronic distribution is easier than it ever has been, but how do you make the most of it? Record labels understand the metrics, how to leverage multiple distribution channels, and how to capitalize on the markets that are popping.
#9 Record Labels Can Provide Support for Physical Media and Other Tour Essentials
Touring is essential for promoting your music, but there’s a lot that goes into it before the tour begins. Sale-able goods such as CD’s, vinyl, T-shirts and other swag need to be produced before the tour. Tour essentials such as signage, lights, trusses, sales and inventory tools, etc. – the needs are extensive. Record labels have the resources, contacts and knowledge to ensure that tour prep – and the tour – goes smoothly and is successful.
# 10 Record Labels Have Contacts and Resources Throughout the Industry
Record Labels are in contact with every facet of the industry. Years of relationship building leads to solid rapport with trusted contacts that can be called upon as needed. If the label can’t do something itself, they know someone who can do it, and do it well.