Why Modern Record Labels Need to Step Up: A Better Way for Artists

Why Modern Record Labels Need to Step Up: A Better Way for Artists

Introduction

The music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the rise of streaming services and digital distribution platforms making it easier for artists to reach a global audience. Gone are the days of traditional record deals and a monolithic industry dominated by a few major labels. With the rise of digital music platforms and streaming services, artists now have more control over their careers than ever before. However, despite these advancements, many record labels continue to operate under outdated models that exploit and undervalue their artists. In this post, we'll explore why modern record labels need to treat their artists fairly, and how EDM Recordings is revolutionizing the way artists are promoted and compensated.

The Importance of Fair Treatment

Fair treatment of artists is not just a moral imperative, but also a business necessity. When artists feel valued and respected, they are more likely to produce high-quality music, engage with their fans, and promote their work effectively. Conversely, poor treatment can lead to dissatisfaction, burnout, and a decrease in artistic output. This can be costly for labels, who invest time and resources into developing an artist's brand only to see them flushed out in favor of a more lucrative partnership.

The Rise of Digital Distribution

The digital revolution has democratized music distribution, making it easier than ever for artists to release their music to a global audience. Despite this, record labels often still control the distribution channels, taking a significant cut of the revenue. This raises questions about the value added by record labels in the digital age. Do they deserve to take a larger slice of the pie, or should they be content with a smaller share of the revenue? The answer lies in their willingness to adapt to the changing music landscape.

The Problem with Modern Record Labels

1. Lack of respect for artists: Record labels often subject their artists to humiliating experiences, such as poor communication, missed deadlines, and inadequate marketing support. The general disrespect toward artists by major and mid sized record labels should be a warning sign to any new artist looking to build a career in the music business.

2. Failure to follow up on single releases: With the proliferation of online music platforms, single releases can easily get lost in the noise. Record labels frequently fail to promote their artists' new music, letting potential fans down and hindering the artist's career.

3. Rejection of releases: Artists are often refused a legitimate chance to release their music, based on arbitrary decisions made behind closed doors, and even after releasing a single, the doors can close and an artist may find it difficult to follow-up with past success.

4. Ease of access to digital distribution for artists: With platforms like DistroKid and CDBaby artists can distribute their music directly to streaming services and online stores with ease, yet record labels continue to dominate the market with one-sided agreements that favor only the owners and top executives.

The Risks of 360 Deals

Many modern record labels have shifted towards 360 deals, which require artists to surrender a significant portion of their creative control, compensation, and profits in exchange for a recording contract. These deals can lead to artists being locked into unfavorable agreements, with no clear means of escape. Never sign a 360 deal, as they will always be a conflict of interest for the management of the artist.

Why Every Track Matters

Any track an artist creates can become an important part of their catalogue. If you sign a single release to a label that takes away your rights, and the single becomes the most important release of your career by gaining global recognition, it can cause long-term damage to your career by enabling hostile ownership of your track. Any track can suddenly have a major impact on an artist's career, as we have seen time and time again with past releases that initially had little attention suddenly gaining international recognition through sample usage or commercial playback, even sometimes finding themselves in the DJ sets of top industry veterans. This is why retaining your rights and having a flexible agreement is so crucial. Don't let industry thieves dictate your career, don't let them decide your fate, never sign away your rights.

A Better Way: Why EDM Recordings Stands Out

In contrast to these exploitive practices, EDM Recordings offers artists a more dignified and empowering arrangement. My team believes in empowering artists to take control of their careers, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work, and providing them with effective promotion and marketing support, all while maintaining the rights to their music and catalog.

Here's what sets EDM Recordings apart:

* Higher Royalty Share: EDM Recordings offers artists a significantly higher royalty share, up to 60% and greater, compared to the industry standard of around 50% or less.

* No Up-Front Costs: EDM Recordings does not charge upfront fees or assume any costs for signing artists, and will never offer a deal taking away an artists freedom.

* Effective promotion: Our team understands the importance of targeted marketing support. We work closely with artists to ensure they receive the promotional backing they need to break through in the competitive music industry. The label provides ongoing marketing support, including promotional campaigns, social media management, and data analysis to help artists grow their fanbase.

* Agile distribution: We utilize up-to-date digital distribution platforms to ensure that artists can distribute their music quickly and easily, reaching a global audience. No sitting around waiting months or years while the track sits on the sidelines, waiting for it's moment to shine.

* Creative control: EDM Recordings offers flexible agreements that allow artists to progress in their career and help build their catalog, by allowing artists to maintain control over their work and intellectual property, it is a clear advantage for any upcoming and established artists looking to branch out from the mainstream record contract, which are typical of blocking artist rights and limiting royalty share.

* Industry Relationships: EDM Recordings has established strong relationships with key industry stakeholders, including music streaming platforms, promoters, and other labels, to help promote and reach new audiences. For new and upcoming artists, this can be a make or break moment for getting in the spotlight, and when you do reach the spotlight you want to be in the right position to reach the next level, don't let major and mid labels take advantage of you, know what a good and favorable agreement looks like before getting there.

Conclusion

In today's digital age, record labels must adapt to the changing music landscape and prioritize fair treatment and respect for their artists. By offering better deals, higher royalty shares, and a digital-first approach with the option of physical formats, record labels like EDM Recordings have attracted and retained top talent while fostering a healthy music ecosystem. By choosing EDM Recordings as a partner, artists can take advantage of a modern, empowering approach to music distribution and promotion. Say goodbye to outdated business models and join a forward-thinking team that genuinely supports your artistic vision and success. Artists no longer need to settle for poor treatment or limited opportunities; with EDM Recordings on their side, they can focus on producing great music, building their fanbase, and achieving success on their terms.

Visit EDM Recordings at the links below

https://www.edmrecordings.com
https://www.soundcloud.com/edmrecordingsofficial
https://www.instagram.com/edmrecordingsofficial
https://www.facebook.com/edmrecordingsofficial

About the author

Casey Keyworth is a music industry veteran with over 15 years of experience in the professional music business. Casey has navigated the complexities of the industry, fostering strong relationships with major labels, top artists, and touring venues. His wealth of experience informs his approach to music distribution and promotion, ensuring that EDM Recordings can deliver results-driven solutions to artists and labels alike.

Guided by his extensive industry knowledge and a commitment to empowering artists, Casey has successfully cultivated a reputation as a trusted partner in the music industry. By prioritizing fair treatment, creative control, and effective promotion, EDM Recordings offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional models prevalent in the industry. With Casey at the helm, artists can rest assured that they're in capable hands, and that their music and careers will receive the attention, support and respect they deserve.