Is A Major Label Right For You?

In this week’s episode hosts Blasko and Mike Mowery assess Paul Resnikoff’s article “Why A Major Label Doesn’t Want to Sign You”. Let’s dig in… The major labels — Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment — are sometimes referred to as the ‘big three’.  They own a bunch of other sub-labels and have major publishing interests as well.  They are big-time global entities. Generally, major labels have more money and stronger relationships with platforms like Spotify.  In fact, they own a major portion of Spotify, and can push a priority artist into coveted playlists. There are also independent labels, often called ‘indie labels’.  Those labels have far less marketing power, but can be a better fit for many artists. So here are some reasons why a Major might not be a good fit for you…  Reason #1: You’re ‘difficult’ and/or don’t work hard. This isn’t the old music industry anymore.  There’s less money to invest, no more $16.99 CDs to sell, and way more pressure to show results.  So artists not only have to carry their weight, they have to work well with others and work hard. Not even music managers are willing to be babysitters anymore. Some of the biggest managers in the business flat-out refuse to deal with divas. Reason #2: You’re not playing the game right. I wish this world was perfect and everyone got a fair shot But it’s absolutely, positively not a fair game.  That said, there are ways to game the system in your favor. For starters, don’t always go directly to the front door of a major label.  An alternative approach is pairing up with a major manager.  That manager will then try to get serious consideration from a label. Sometimes those artists are signed to smaller labels, other times not.  But the point is this: there are a lot of side doors that people don’t use. Reason #3: There’s no ‘data’ on you. This probably should be #1 with a bullet.  Because it’s 100 times more important than meeting the right people or playing the game right. It’s data.  As in, are there people listening to you online, going to your shows, following you, remixing your music, etc.?  Do your numbers show that? Reason #4: Your data is bulls—t Here’s the thing: labels can sniff that out pretty fast.  Oftentimes there are dead giveaways.  And even if they do get interested based on fake data, they’re going to realize there’s a problem the minute the check out your show or see you in person. Reason #6: It’s not a good match. Step back: do you really need a major label in the first place? In many cases, a major label will actually set you back. Do you want that?  Because even if you do get signed, there’s not guarantee of success. There’s also a catch 22 here.  Because once you have enough traction and data to get noticed, you also have the beginnings of a completely DIY career.  And there are tons of reasons to stay DIY. Head over to www.outerloopcoaching.com for more industry resources and classes from your host Mike Mowery. Email any questions or comments to [email protected] Find Blasko on Twitter and Instagram: @blasko1313 Find Mike Mowery on Twitter and Instagram: @mikeoloop ManageMental is part of the Jabberjaw Media Network. www.jabberjawmedia.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices