Why Does Getting Famous at a Major Record Label Seem Easy?

When you’re an independent artist, not only should your focus lie on delivering quality music but also making sure you are putting in the work that is required for marketing, promotions and syncing it. Major record labels already have teams allotted and departments that overlook each aspect to make sure that the label is using every resource possible to bring in “record-breaking hits”. 

Sometimes, as an independent artist, it might even seem like the record label has a well-kept secret of the services that are provided to their artists. Here are 7 major divisions out of a few at a record company that would benefit unsigned/independent artists. 

A&R

“Artists and repertoire (A&R) is the division of a record label or music publishing company that is responsible for talent scouting and overseeing the artistic development of recording artists (singers, instrumentalists, bands, and so on) and songwriters.”

MARKETING

“...The marketing department is responsible for creating the overall marketing plan for every record the label is releasing.” This also involves publicity, advertising, album cover, artwork, web campaigns, merchandise etc. 

PROMOTION

The promotion division works on getting the records played on the radio. Although, in some places, the roles of marketing and promotion overlap.

PRODUCTION

This is the production of physical copies like CDs and vinyl. You would have to decide on whether this is something you want to do as an independent artist.

CATALOG/SYNCH

This is an important revenue stream for independent artists. The Synch division works on placing tracks on TV Shows, movies and commercials. A lot of major artists are also making their way to license more music towards this division.

FINANCE 

The finance division keeps track of a company’s income and expenditure, as well as tracks and pays royalties. Although the finance divisions job at labels is not something an independent artist would need to worry about, it’s good practice to keep a record of your budget and expenses.

LEGAL

As an independent artist, you might not have the funds to keep a lawyer on retainer. What you can do however is, consult an entertainment attorney who can just walk you through some of the things they do. They definitely will teach you a thing or two you didn’t already know.

In conclusion, it is easier when you have a label providing you with all of the above-mentioned services. Of course, the belief we once had that only a major record label could help an artist rise to the top of the charts is slowly dissipating. There have been debates on whether independent music labels are better than the good ol’ major record labels though that might be more of a subjective question rather than an objective one. The important takeaway is that the typical “success” of an artist depends on the effort placed into strategizing and sharing their work.