Independent Record Labels Artists And Institutes Research
What an Indie Label is about
An independent record label (or indie record label) is a record label operating without the funding of or outside the organizations of the major record labels The boundaries between major and independent labels, and the definitions of each, differ from commentator to commentator. In practice, however, the traditional definition of a 'major' record label is one that owns its own distribution channel. Some independent record labels, in particular those with successful performing artists, sign dual-release agreements (and make other deals) with major labels and may rely to some extent on international licensing deals, distribution agreements, and other arrangements with major record labels. Major labels may also wholly or partially acquire independent labels. "Today, big music can seem like the only game in town and many newcomers think the only way into the industry is "getting signed", getting a "recording contract" or "record deal". Musicians working locally cheerfully call themselves unsigned, unpublished, semi-pro, amateur, etc. rather than what they are. But these DIY and indie acts are the music industry every bit as much as the majors. Maybe more so. Although mainstream TV and radio is dominated by major label acts, a 2004 survey found over 4,500 live music events in the UK every day (1.7 million a year, MORI poll). Compare that with TV. The mass and diversity of local acts puts the handful of bland national icons in perspective. There's a lot more happening outside the media bubble. But the influence of big business gets attention, and it's easy to forget that what's happening in music isn't what's happening on MTV, Radio One, or in the charts." Other nominally "independent" labels are started (and sometimes run) by major label artists but are still owned at least in part by the major label parent. These spin-off labels are also frequently referred to as vanity labels or "boutique labels" and are intended to appease established, powerful artists and/or to give them latitude in discovering and promoting new talent. According to Association of Independent Music (AIM) A "major" is defined in AIM's constitution as a multinational company which (together with the companies in its group) has more than 5% of the world market's for the sale of records and/or music videos. The majors are (currently) Sony BMG, Warner, EMI, and the Universal Music Group (which incorporates Polygram).(...) If a major owns 50% or less of the total shares in your company, you would not (usually) be owned or controlled by that major. In that case, you can join AIM
AIM The Association of Independent Music (commonly known as AIM) is a non-profit trade body established in 1998 by UK independent record labels to represent the independent record sector, which constitutes approximately 25% of the UK market. AIM currently has over 800 record label and distributor members. Most recently AIM have featured in the press over their contract negotiations with Apple for rights to distribute their labels' content on the iTunes service. AIM label tracks were not available on iTunes UK at launch, but contract terms have since been agreed with many of the independents, although negotiations are understood to still be on-going with others. In September 2008, AIM became a founding member of UK Music which represents all aspects of the UK music industry.
UK Indies
These labels are independent from the Big four record labels and typically specialize in different forms of indie rock, punk rock, and styles of alternative rock, electronica, jazz, uk garage and hip-hop. Dancing Turtle records
Grand Central Records
Fat Cat records
Snakes and Ladders Records
Hyperdub Records
Hungry Audio Background research; Ownership ;five partners: Adrian Cooke, Stewart Nash, Alan Southgate, Rob Childerhouse and Chris Bourn. Location ;Hungry Audio is a Norwich/London based independent record label. The label was launched in November of
2004
Artists/bands Includes;
The Telescopes, Sennen, The Walk Off, The Aprons, Stuffy / The Fuses, My favorite, Mia Vigar and Master Solo. The genre of music this label primarily aims its audience to are within the Rock/Indie culture. Many Indie Labels stick to one genre to narrow down their target audience and to also cater to alternative and niche audiences. Hungry Audio's first release was the Winter EP by The Telescopes. The
single immediately gathered positive reviews by the NME, Drowned In Sound and numerous websites. The Drowned In Sound review ended by stating, "Welcome Hungry Audio to the big bad world of the record industry. May the rest of your gifts be as astoundingly beautiful as this." Early 2005 saw the label release the 'Happiest Days of My Life' single by My favorite. The song also received
equally glowing reviews and later featured in the 2006 movie 'Another Gay Movie' starring Graham Norton amongst others. In the autumn of 2005 the label released its first longplayer by a then local unknown band called Sennen. The album went on to feature in numerous end-of-year polls including Drowned In Sound. The album was also
picked up by Radio 1's Steve Lamacq and 6Music's John Kennedy who featured tracks from the album on their shows. The label has also continued received much exposure on BBC Radio stations in the UK. BBC Radio 1 has played the Master Solo on several occasions on and even featured the label as its DIY Label of The Week in February whilst 6music featured "The Walk Off" single on its station.
Marketing When independent record labels are looking for bands/artists to sign they research into the popularity and success of the artists before making a decision to sign them. This means that before a band or artists is signed they must create they’re own fan base, placing them in a participatory culture market. This means that marketing of the band or artists has already established itself through digital means or by local interest. This makes it easier for their record label to market and distribute the music of the band or artist Hungry Audio specifically cater to a more niche audience meaning that distribution by physical means may cost them much more than digitally marketing their artists. Hungry Audio follow these methods of marketing within their label;
• • • • •
The Hungry Audio website A Shop page that takes users straight to the CD’s and Digital downloads. Bands/Artists blogs, personal profiles or twitter accounts Features band articles and reviews in magazines such as NME Select bands have played on BBC Radio 1 (Master Solo)
Distribution Physical Hybrid Retailers such as;
Amazon.com and
Play.com
Albums and singles purchased straight from the websitewww.hungryaudio.co.uk/
Digital ITunes Live streamingLastFM
Exchange/ Consumption A new way to listen to music would be on M Flow, it is a cross between ITunes and Twitter. M flow is a good way of buying music and making sure everyone (consumers, retailers, record labels etc) is still in pocket, because once you have bought a track you can forward it to followers who can listen to it once. If they buy it, you get 20% (of the purchase price) as credit towards buying another track, and the cycle goes on. Record companies use it to develop artist fan bases with direct fan contact (as if it were MySpace or another social network). you can also follow people and receive the tracks they have bought and recommendations from them
.