I've been signed to record labels including spinnin' and in my experience, it's not always about the music being good enough. labels are just like the lottery sort of. I've had good music that labels have said they really like but rejected because their current budget has gone on a bigger artist. and some of the tracks I've had signed I don't feel is my best work but the labels needed to fill a space in their release schedule and I was in the right place at the right time. also, another issue is I got no say with the promotion and they told me specifically NOT to do any promo myself and that they'll handle it then they proceeded to not put much effort into my promo and my track didn't get many streams. yes, it is true label releases get more support and respect than self-releases as I've had big DJs change their minds about playing songs I've self-released because they found out it's not on a label. this is why I'm starting my own label to take back control and sign myself. I wouldn't recommend other artists to do this though, I'm doing it because I have the Spotify and radio contacts, lots of regular TH-cam views on my channel, etc, to promote tracks successfully. (also this is my throw-away account I'm not revealing which artist I am)
@@mcgritty8842 I'm not a massive artist I'm just a decent size artist. not all signed artists become superstars, unfortunately. but I did use my label releases to get a bit more attention on my own TH-cam channel though. I will not be able to reveal who I am though as it's in my contract that I can't talk about stuff like this which is why I'm using a throw-away account. also, none of what I've said is a lie. I can't speak for all artists but what I've said is 100% true for me.
Yall don't listen to this man. This dude is acting like independent artists aren't seen as successful or professional unless you sign to a label. He has an old school way of thinking that independence is bad but being in debt to a label is good. There are way too many artists to count that are highly successful w/o a label. If you are an artist and want to know how to be successful and seen as professional, hire a TEAM of people to help your growth. All a label is, is a business that takes a good cut of your revenue to do the job YOUR team could do. Heres my last secret, most msjor labels already outsource that stuff. They go to independent PR firms, marketing agencies, etc. So if studios are outsourcing, why can't you handle the outsourcing yourself? I have no anger towards this man as I do not know him personally. We have seen plenty of proof that self-releasing music isn't a bad option
Over all - I totally agree that most producers need to be told this tough love truth. Most producers aren’t working nearly hard enough to reach the world class production standard. But I’d like to also offer 2 cents. Here’s some of my credentials to prop up my point - I had a no.1 trance release on beatport, through a label a few months ago, a no.1 beatport single as well. I came second in an Anjunabeats remix contest this year. I’m also a sound designer for FL studio ( next release). I’m a producer of 13 years. What I find is, that electronic music is incredibly unforgiving when it comes to anything truly new or inventive. Labels are so incredibly careful about what they will sign. I’m constantly having to re- evaluate whether I should ‘be myself’ or ‘just get signed’. I’m at the point where I can make anything I want - technicality doesn’t hold me back - I could sell out to whatever label I want, I know exactly what the ‘formula’ is for each label.. I’m constantly working on the craft and re engineering numerous styles. Labels want the same cookie cutter formula, over and over. They need to pay the bills and I get it, but rarely will they risk anything truly new. If you’re a producer who is reading this, most likely you need to work harder on your productions, you need to work harder on reverse engineering and using references…. But… I’m concerned for the rare few producers out there who have worked their ass off - and are at a world class standard who aren’t getting signed due to bravely being themselves. We need more than ever producers who take the artistry seriously, just as much as reaching that professional standard. Over all - I agree with this video. Most producers need to at least get a bunch of signings under their belt to be taken seriously.
Eh, I have mixed feelings about the points listed (sorry for the length): -Should I abstain from releasing on Spotify in absence of a track getting signed? Maybe, I'd like to think of Soundcloud as more anything goes because it is less known, but then Spotify is reserved for more polished stuff. If a more polished track is getting extremely positive results from more than 90% of random strangers you share it with... (trained & untrained ears alike)... maybe the issue is more on the labels being risk averse. Which isn't really a criticism of their taste or anything, just they lack confidence because they don't have the market research from an unbiased resource (mind that, anything you put forth is inherently biased) and there really isn't any incentive for them to do that research on every single track they receive (moreover that'd be a logistical nightmare). So, if you have confidence in a track's success based in market research you've done with random strangers (some of whom get converted into fans because of the track)... a self-release might be worth it. Also, you might respond "so why not share that market research." Well, I didn't write down the data, just made mental notes. So in the future, I might do better to write down the data so I can point to it... but also, there are totally nefarious ass wads who'd falsify that kind of data anyway so I'm not sure if documenting it would really be any better than a 'trust me bro'. --- On the other hand, I ABSOLUTELY agree that 'labels not signing' should be taken as feedback to indicate 'you need to keep upping the quality' or similar messaging. I.E. Don't get complacent just because you have alternative strategies at your disposal. Positive feedback... while it feels good, doesn't help you improve. Negative feedback, while a tough pill to swallow, is the MOST important to pay attention to. Randy Pausch - 'Your critics are the ones telling you they still love you and care. Worry when you do something badly and nobody bothers to tell you.' --- I'd actually take that further... if the label offers you are getting are not favorable terms, keep upping the quality until you get offers that ARE favorable.
You've raised some valid points about releasing music with labels, and they're all true. However, as with everything, there are two sides to the coin. I've released music with labels like Armada, Black Hole Recordings, FSOE, and I also release my own music. One significant upside is that you retain the rights to your own music, giving you the freedom to do whatever you want with it. Perhaps the most important aspect is the creative freedom it allows. Most labels have their own style preferences, which can limit an artist as they're expected to conform to that sound. However, there are downsides to releasing your own music, as mentioned in the video - it involves significantly more work. I've had to network with people and acquire various new skills like sound design, mixing, mastering, design, 3D animations, marketing, etc. Overall, this journey has made me feel far more 'successful' (relative as it is) in terms of who I am, compared to following a linear path of releasing exclusively with labels. Ultimately, you have to know what you want, and in the end, there's no definitive right or wrong answer-just the right answer for yourself.
I'm producing melodic techno for 5 years now. Like you said, I released to early and my tracks weren't good enough. Now after a few years I think I'm ready for labels. So the last 6 weeks I sent out emails, contacted them on soundcloud and instagram...and what can I say? Not a single response! They don't even listen to the music nor answer messages. None of them!
I have been trying to sign records to Soave and Monstercat for the last couple years and getting my music to that level of quality is definitely the real challenge! Working on networking and building relationships with artists and those labels and trying to collaborate to help bring my music to that next level. The label hustle game really pushes you harder than you would push yourself if you just self released!
Hey, I’m 16 years old and have been producing music for 3 years now. I just want to know what would be the best thing to do starting now? I only self-release on TH-cam and SoundCloud and I really need to put myself out there.
I have a suggestion. Take all your music off all dsp's. Put it on youtube and SoundCloud only. Make business cards, hit up open mics, attend other artists shows and show love to those in your community. Put your music on unique USB's or flashdrives and sell those, invest some money into merch and stop worrying about "streams". This is how we're going to stay losing. Spotify, apple music, tidal etc. DOESN'T CARE ABOUT ARTISTS; YOUR STREAMS DON'T MATTER. ITS ALL A WORTHLESS COMPETITION OVER MONHTLY LISTENERS AND STREAMS FOR NOTHING!!!!!!! They're making bank off of everyone while we receive pennies in return while we have this egotistical prideful mindset of "wow look at my monthly listeners and streams, I can't believe so and so only has 90 monthly listeners" man SO TF WHAT. Nothing will change if we don't change the way we do things as artists.
Interesting video man, completely disagree though, labels are dead and in no way indicate quality. Plus they own everything, take creative control ect... the list goes on. I found this an interesting watch it may be the case for more BGM producers it may also be the case for artists in the USA perhaps? But for actual artists that have "songs" not just "beats" sorta thing I definitely do not agree in anyway at all, in Australia signing with a major is the fastest way to disappear forever and be in debt for life.
mehh i got mixed feelings about this, even deadmaus said if he could change something from the past it was that he wishes he didnt sign to a big record label and had he been more patient and released independently as he would have had more creative freedom, he could remix his older tracks and have 100 percent ownership on most of his stuff . Of course i understand what a label can do for you but it comes at a price and at the end of the day you have to decide if you want to be in control of your music 100% or if you want a label to "dictate" your success. i feel like you should release a track or 2 with a good label to extend your audience but not your whole catalog because if if anything ever goes south even with a contract well guess who has it worse in the end of the day. Also If your confident in your music and you already have somewhat of a following it feels way more possible. this advice feels more aimed towards the very beginners starting out, which then makes every point very valid! however as you start to grow sometimes big labels arent always the best game plan in the long run, example i can give is if you have a song you are super proud of and its mix and mastered and you send it to a label that you want to release with and after sending it you either dont receive an answer at all or you receive an answer after 5 months saying no, well thats 5 months lost of people who could have been listening to your music who enjoy what YOU created and not what a labels "prefer". i speak from experience, i had a 2 track e.p that i wanted to release with a label and they rejected it 3 times until i had someone on the inside convince them to release it and it ended up being the top 2 selling tracks on that label on beatport out of 180 tracks released previously with this label, so my point is yeah it might suck that you don't get the reach the big label can offer but at least you put it out there rather then having it rot away in your finished tracks folder because a label didnt want it. Most big label releases usually happen through a "contact" anyway or if your just god producer that is already famous and can release his music with anyone he wants to because it will actually give more exposure to the labe then the artist. yeah i cant name 20 artist of my head to you but i also think its because its way easier to give in to the "big labels" to launch your career instead of trying to make something for yourself which you then own 100% for the rest of your life and yes its not about the money but it sure helps when you own 100% of it and you have full control over everything at the end of the day. I'm not bashing this video but imho i believe if you really work hard on your craft you can do everything by yourself just as good, yes its more work but at least YOU get to make ALL the decisions and you dont have to answer to anyone, rely on anyone else or forfill any requierments for anyone else. if your doing it for the love of music then none of the above even matters in the end. theres 8 billion people in this world and theres bound to be others that will like your music, if you stay consistent it will come regardless.
yes but you miss the point , today there is no real benefit to release on labels if you are unknown , you give them the rights on your music while you almost doesn't get nothing in return . djs today need to preform to make real money not couple of dollars , dj today need to do work for people to earn , just to release music in labels it will not give you anything unless they arranging you shows and for that you need to build yourself , to preform everywhere you can to promote yourself and in general to be something by yourself in order that big labels or festivals will want to work with you ' just releasing professional music on labels its not really a thing .
Released 2 tracks via 2 small, independent labels and it was a really bad experience. No support whatsoever, even had to do additional paid promotion...what's the things to consider when working with smaller labels? Could you name some red Flags?
Reputable feedback on campaigns, AAA DJ support always helps, if they can't tell you what their marketing strategy is (e.g plan marketing assets, when do the promos go out, what is their Spotify playlist apprach, or they can't show you previous support of the label then they probably don't have a clue on what they are doing or are just too small.
🤯Stuck with your music career? Need PERSONALIZED help and development? Apply to our program… www.cosmicacademy.com
I've been signed to record labels including spinnin' and in my experience, it's not always about the music being good enough. labels are just like the lottery sort of. I've had good music that labels have said they really like but rejected because their current budget has gone on a bigger artist. and some of the tracks I've had signed I don't feel is my best work but the labels needed to fill a space in their release schedule and I was in the right place at the right time. also, another issue is I got no say with the promotion and they told me specifically NOT to do any promo myself and that they'll handle it then they proceeded to not put much effort into my promo and my track didn't get many streams. yes, it is true label releases get more support and respect than self-releases as I've had big DJs change their minds about playing songs I've self-released because they found out it's not on a label. this is why I'm starting my own label to take back control and sign myself. I wouldn't recommend other artists to do this though, I'm doing it because I have the Spotify and radio contacts, lots of regular TH-cam views on my channel, etc, to promote tracks successfully.
(also this is my throw-away account I'm not revealing which artist I am)
This is definitely marshmello
@@mcgritty8842 I'm not a massive artist I'm just a decent size artist. not all signed artists become superstars, unfortunately. but I did use my label releases to get a bit more attention on my own TH-cam channel though. I will not be able to reveal who I am though as it's in my contract that I can't talk about stuff like this which is why I'm using a throw-away account. also, none of what I've said is a lie. I can't speak for all artists but what I've said is 100% true for me.
Yall don't listen to this man. This dude is acting like independent artists aren't seen as successful or professional unless you sign to a label. He has an old school way of thinking that independence is bad but being in debt to a label is good. There are way too many artists to count that are highly successful w/o a label.
If you are an artist and want to know how to be successful and seen as professional, hire a TEAM of people to help your growth. All a label is, is a business that takes a good cut of your revenue to do the job YOUR team could do. Heres my last secret, most msjor labels already outsource that stuff. They go to independent PR firms, marketing agencies, etc. So if studios are outsourcing, why can't you handle the outsourcing yourself?
I have no anger towards this man as I do not know him personally. We have seen plenty of proof that self-releasing music isn't a bad option
Over all - I totally agree that most producers need to be told this tough love truth. Most producers aren’t working nearly hard enough to reach the world class production standard.
But I’d like to also offer 2 cents.
Here’s some of my credentials to prop up my point -
I had a no.1 trance release on beatport, through a label a few months ago, a no.1 beatport single as well.
I came second in an Anjunabeats remix contest this year. I’m also a sound designer for FL studio ( next release). I’m a producer of 13 years.
What I find is, that electronic music is incredibly unforgiving when it comes to anything truly new or inventive. Labels are so incredibly careful about what they will sign.
I’m constantly having to re- evaluate whether I should ‘be myself’ or ‘just get signed’.
I’m at the point where I can make anything I want - technicality doesn’t hold me back - I could sell out to whatever label I want, I know exactly what the ‘formula’ is for each label.. I’m constantly working on the craft and re engineering numerous styles.
Labels want the same cookie cutter formula, over and over.
They need to pay the bills and I get it, but rarely will they risk anything truly new.
If you’re a producer who is reading this, most likely you need to work harder on your productions, you need to work harder on reverse engineering and using references…. But…
I’m concerned for the rare few producers out there who have worked their ass off - and are at a world class standard who aren’t getting signed due to bravely being themselves.
We need more than ever producers who take the artistry seriously, just as much as reaching that professional standard.
Over all - I agree with this video.
Most producers need to at least get a bunch of signings under their belt to be taken seriously.
you can come down off your high horse now
Eh, I have mixed feelings about the points listed (sorry for the length):
-Should I abstain from releasing on Spotify in absence of a track getting signed?
Maybe, I'd like to think of Soundcloud as more anything goes because it is less known, but then Spotify is reserved for more polished stuff.
If a more polished track is getting extremely positive results from more than 90% of random strangers you share it with... (trained & untrained ears alike)... maybe the issue is more on the labels being risk averse. Which isn't really a criticism of their taste or anything, just they lack confidence because they don't have the market research from an unbiased resource (mind that, anything you put forth is inherently biased) and there really isn't any incentive for them to do that research on every single track they receive (moreover that'd be a logistical nightmare).
So, if you have confidence in a track's success based in market research you've done with random strangers (some of whom get converted into fans because of the track)... a self-release might be worth it. Also, you might respond "so why not share that market research." Well, I didn't write down the data, just made mental notes. So in the future, I might do better to write down the data so I can point to it... but also, there are totally nefarious ass wads who'd falsify that kind of data anyway so I'm not sure if documenting it would really be any better than a 'trust me bro'.
---
On the other hand, I ABSOLUTELY agree that 'labels not signing' should be taken as feedback to indicate 'you need to keep upping the quality' or similar messaging. I.E. Don't get complacent just because you have alternative strategies at your disposal. Positive feedback... while it feels good, doesn't help you improve. Negative feedback, while a tough pill to swallow, is the MOST important to pay attention to.
Randy Pausch - 'Your critics are the ones telling you they still love you and care. Worry when you do something badly and nobody bothers to tell you.'
---
I'd actually take that further... if the label offers you are getting are not favorable terms, keep upping the quality until you get offers that ARE favorable.
Appreciate the response!! ♥️ There’s always more than one way to do it!!
You've raised some valid points about releasing music with labels, and they're all true. However, as with everything, there are two sides to the coin.
I've released music with labels like Armada, Black Hole Recordings, FSOE, and I also release my own music.
One significant upside is that you retain the rights to your own music, giving you the freedom to do whatever you want with it. Perhaps the most important aspect is the creative freedom it allows. Most labels have their own style preferences, which can limit an artist as they're expected to conform to that sound.
However, there are downsides to releasing your own music, as mentioned in the video - it involves significantly more work. I've had to network with people and acquire various new skills like sound design, mixing, mastering, design, 3D animations, marketing, etc. Overall, this journey has made me feel far more 'successful' (relative as it is) in terms of who I am, compared to following a linear path of releasing exclusively with labels.
Ultimately, you have to know what you want, and in the end, there's no definitive right or wrong answer-just the right answer for yourself.
Depends on why you produce. It may just be a creative outlet
Dang, num 3 hit the hardest. You get comfortable knowing you can just self release all the time and you stop growing or pushing harder
♥️♥️👊
I do a mixed approach. But going for labels does push you so in the end he's right.
any way that works! this is just what has been working for our students! thanks for the comment
I'm producing melodic techno for 5 years now. Like you said, I released to early and my tracks weren't good enough. Now after a few years I think I'm ready for labels. So the last 6 weeks I sent out emails, contacted them on soundcloud and instagram...and what can I say? Not a single response! They don't even listen to the music nor answer messages. None of them!
I have been trying to sign records to Soave and Monstercat for the last couple years and getting my music to that level of quality is definitely the real challenge! Working on networking and building relationships with artists and those labels and trying to collaborate to help bring my music to that next level. The label hustle game really pushes you harder than you would push yourself if you just self released!
♥️♥️
When you said hit the like buttno,it glowed 😳
Really good inside on thise side if music. Thanks again Justin!
My pleasure! ♥️👊
I don’t like contracts.
Hey, I’m 16 years old and have been producing music for 3 years now. I just want to know what would be the best thing to do starting now? I only self-release on TH-cam and SoundCloud and I really need to put myself out there.
I have a suggestion. Take all your music off all dsp's. Put it on youtube and SoundCloud only. Make business cards, hit up open mics, attend other artists shows and show love to those in your community. Put your music on unique USB's or flashdrives and sell those, invest some money into merch and stop worrying about "streams".
This is how we're going to stay losing. Spotify, apple music, tidal etc. DOESN'T CARE ABOUT ARTISTS; YOUR STREAMS DON'T MATTER. ITS ALL A WORTHLESS COMPETITION OVER MONHTLY LISTENERS AND STREAMS FOR NOTHING!!!!!!! They're making bank off of everyone while we receive pennies in return while we have this egotistical prideful mindset of "wow look at my monthly listeners and streams, I can't believe so and so only has 90 monthly listeners" man SO TF WHAT.
Nothing will change if we don't change the way we do things as artists.
Preaching to me today!
♥️♥️
Interesting video man, completely disagree though, labels are dead and in no way indicate quality. Plus they own everything, take creative control ect... the list goes on. I found this an interesting watch it may be the case for more BGM producers it may also be the case for artists in the USA perhaps? But for actual artists that have "songs" not just "beats" sorta thing I definitely do not agree in anyway at all, in Australia signing with a major is the fastest way to disappear forever and be in debt for life.
💯 🔥 ❤
Self releasing will be effective when you already have a loyal audience after releasing your works from good labels
mehh i got mixed feelings about this, even deadmaus said if he could change something from the past it was that he wishes he didnt sign to a big record label and had he been more patient and released independently as he would have had more creative freedom, he could remix his older tracks and have 100 percent ownership on most of his stuff . Of course i understand what a label can do for you but it comes at a price and at the end of the day you have to decide if you want to be in control of your music 100% or if you want a label to "dictate" your success. i feel like you should release a track or 2 with a good label to extend your audience but not your whole catalog because if if anything ever goes south even with a contract well guess who has it worse in the end of the day. Also If your confident in your music and you already have somewhat of a following it feels way more possible. this advice feels more aimed towards the very beginners starting out, which then makes every point very valid! however as you start to grow sometimes big labels arent always the best game plan in the long run, example i can give is if you have a song you are super proud of and its mix and mastered and you send it to a label that you want to release with and after sending it you either dont receive an answer at all or you receive an answer after 5 months saying no, well thats 5 months lost of people who could have been listening to your music who enjoy what YOU created and not what a labels "prefer".
i speak from experience, i had a 2 track e.p that i wanted to release with a label and they rejected it 3 times until i had someone on the inside convince them to release it and it ended up being the top 2 selling tracks on that label on beatport out of 180 tracks released previously with this label, so my point is yeah it might suck that you don't get the reach the big label can offer but at least you put it out there rather then having it rot away in your finished tracks folder because a label didnt want it. Most big label releases usually happen through a "contact" anyway or if your just god producer that is already famous and can release his music with anyone he wants to because it will actually give more exposure to the labe then the artist.
yeah i cant name 20 artist of my head to you but i also think its because its way easier to give in to the "big labels" to launch your career instead of trying to make something for yourself which you then own 100% for the rest of your life and yes its not about the money but it sure helps when you own 100% of it and you have full control over everything at the end of the day. I'm not bashing this video but imho i believe if you really work hard on your craft you can do everything by yourself just as good, yes its more work but at least YOU get to make ALL the decisions and you dont have to answer to anyone, rely on anyone else or forfill any requierments for anyone else.
if your doing it for the love of music then none of the above even matters in the end. theres 8 billion people in this world and theres bound to be others that will like your music, if you stay consistent it will come regardless.
How did he made it to Pryda, think there’s no demo mail?
yes but you miss the point , today there is no real benefit to release on labels if you are unknown , you give them the rights on your music while you almost doesn't get nothing in return . djs today need to preform to make real money not couple of dollars , dj today need to do work for people to earn , just to release music in labels it will not give you anything unless they arranging you shows and for that you need to build yourself , to preform everywhere you can to promote yourself and in general to be something by yourself in order that big labels or festivals will want to work with you ' just releasing professional music on labels its not really a thing .
Released 2 tracks via 2 small, independent labels and it was a really bad experience. No support whatsoever, even had to do additional paid promotion...what's the things to consider when working with smaller labels? Could you name some red Flags?
Reputable feedback on campaigns, AAA DJ support always helps, if they can't tell you what their marketing strategy is (e.g plan marketing assets, when do the promos go out, what is their Spotify playlist apprach, or they can't show you previous support of the label then they probably don't have a clue on what they are doing or are just too small.
great reply!@@chejoseofficialTV
What's up, Justin!!!🙌🏻
♥️♥️
Great tips
thank you! 👊 ❤️ glad you enjoyed this!
Ok but now a serious amateur question from a rock guitarist: How are you gonna start then?
💖💖
♥️👊
Thank you Justin. Always appreciate the excellent content from Cosmic Academy. I love the business advice you give. You guys are the best!
appreciate your support!
Nah
LOVEE IT
thanks!!
If a record is not published and nobody outside its origin listen to it, does it actually exist at all?