Music scouts arenโt around in the way they used to be. Itโs not as easy to get signed now, as you canโt just send labels your tracks and hope for the best. Things have gone digital, and often you have to rely on being discovered by the right people. Some artists never want to be signed, while others want it straight away. Thereโs no right or wrong here, you need to find what works for you. Deal or no deal?

Sometimes when people decide to turn their music into a career they think signing to a label is the only option for them. However, this isnโt the case. There are multiple ways you can grow as an artist. Labels can be really beneficial, but you donโt have to believe thatโs the only way your music will grow. It can be done alone, it will just take more time and effort. Some people donโt want to have to take on the logistics themselves and thatโs completely fine. If thatโs not something youโre interested in, or if you struggle with it, then a label could be for you. Itโs just about deciding what suits you best.
Being an independent artist
Deciding to do it alone means youโll have more creative freedom. No one can tell you how and when to create music because no one else is involved with the process. If you decide to change the genre you favour, you can. Experimenting with what you and your audience love is something you can do with no restrictions. With a label, their opinions come into the mix. You need to agree with them when youโre going to make big changes.
All of your earnings go directly to you. Of course streaming stores etc will take a cut, but once all of this is done, your earnings donโt have to be split further. You can take home everything thatโs left. This money can then be used toward promoting yourself. It might be you decide to upgrade with certain tools youโre using. This could help you expand further, because your profits are going back into your music. It might mean you earn more money than you would with a label.
Youโll own your own copyright. No one can claim rights to your music because it will be solely yours. Often when signing to a label, you need to sign some of your rights away. The label will then have control over your music and if you decide to leave them, you might struggle to gain these rights back. Theyโll be able to say where and when your music can be used. Despite you having your own opinion, if they want to allow someone to use your tracks, often they can without your knowledge.
Being signed to a music label
Signing with a label means youโll have access to more resources than you would alone. You can reach out to other people across the music industry and get help with pushing your music further. Youโll likely have connections with other creatives such as; graphic designers, videographers, marketing teams and photo editors. All of these individuals could be useful when youโre designing your campaigns, or preparing to release new music. One creative might know others, and it could snowball from there.
Building a network is something all artists need to do as quickly as possible. You never quite know what doors it will open for you. Meeting just one person could change your future. They might know other people who could help benefit your work. Relationships are important to your growth and the more you make, the more you will be able to succeed. It will be a lonely time of your life if youโre not looking to expand relationships. Being part of a label cuts out the work of finding these contacts. Often, theyโll have other people on their books you can reach out to.
Labels have an upper hand. Often other artists and people within the industry will hear youโre part of a label and treat you with more respect because they still see labels as an important part of the industry. Depending on who you sign with, youโll be held higher than other artists because youโve been spotted. Theyโve noticed you. Itโs no secret labels know what theyโre doing, so youโll often be looked at as though you also know whatโs happening in the world of music. It might just make you stand out.
Which should you choose?
This is a decision youโll need to make based on your own work. If youโre someone who likes having full control and enjoys all elements of being an artist, then you might want to stay solo. Itโs not impossible to grow and gain a huge following by yourself. Sometimes, artists grow alone and then get signed once theyโve got big enough. This is because the bigger you get, the more work youโll have on your hands. It can get a bit too much for some artists, and suddenly they donโt have the time to keep up with everything they have to do.
Often artists will start out on their own and then sign if they need the extra support. Itโs not a permanent thing being signed, so if it doesnโt work for you, itโs something you can get out of. However, itโs important to look closely at any contracts first because you might lose rights to your music, or have to work with them for long enough before you can leave. Labels certainly can get you more work. Theyโll have connections to bigger venues or recording studios. It takes the pressure off you, so it could be worth it. But, itโs something you have to weigh up for yourself.