In your opinion, do you think it makes sense for a new artist to stay independent or sign with a label if the chance presents itself?
That’s the million-dollar question. There are pros and cons to each. I would say it depends on the artist’s priorities. Do you want creative control, meaning you have complete control over the direction of your music? Do you want 100% rights retention, so all your earnings go in your pocket? If so, stay independent.
On the other hand, things like funding, connections and reputation are some of the benefits that a label comes with, but each option is definitely a gamble.
Another thing to be careful of is the type of deal you sign, if you choose to. A 360 deal is one of the worst deals you can sign. Digital sales, Tours, concerts, and live performance revenue, merchandise sales, endorsement deals, appearances in films and television shows, ringtone sales and so on are elements that a record label is entitled to take a percentage of if a 360 is signed by an artist.
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Topics #Ike Mann #independent artists
