Dubstepforum.com

I raise this question being completely ignorant of what labels really bring to the party. I've never been with a label and tbh - I'm not sure if I ever will (mostly because I do this as a hobby).

Being a web developer by trade and knowing first-hand the empowering ability of the giant known as the internet. Back in the 80s when it was really first being discovered, many people knew that the internet had the ability to completely wipeout the middle-man.

Apart from being associated with a specific sound - what exactly does a label give you that you can't get through your own means and marketing ability on the internet?

Shortlist:

- Credibility
- Promotion
- Distribution
- Finances (to press physical product)
- Finances (to pay for mastering costs)
- Finances (to pay graphic designers)
- Finances (to pay an advance)

well physical mediums for one are costly, also (not so much the case nowadays save a few) a guaranteed quality control aspect, which is one of the main factors of successful labels who take their time with releases. that and it looks good on fliers

amphibian wrote:
Apart from being associated with a specific sound - what exactly does a label give you that you can't get through your own means and marketing ability on the internet?

I think this is it - the contacts and marketing ability (and many labels don't have much of either). The point of being on a good label is that your music will get around more than your self promotion will (or lack thereof).

I know there are lots of people who spend a shit load of time promoting themselves, but I don't really have the time, or the patience, to do it. The thing is I think if you promo yourself more (and actually produce good music) labels are more likely to hear of you, so basically it's a tricky situation

strategy, connections you don't already have as an artist to PR/radio/print/management/bookings etc, a roster of like-minded artists...

at the level that dubstep's at, $'s the least of it. deals are recoupable, but we're talking about hundreds of dollars of available profit for most releases here-- not millions.

I always thought labels are the fading progessive interface between those who clearly understand (and produce) music and those who do not understand but consume music. It's quite the masterful transition

They give you time, to do, what you do best, Produce, thus leaving them to fill the out forms................................

amphibian wrote:The Benefits of Labels?

Are countless.

Depends on the label. Some of them are good at promoting your tunes, paying on time, giving you sales reports and nurturing your growth.

But a lot of them aren't so pick wisely who you work with.

i expect free mp3's to suck balls as a rule of thumb. labels provide quality control and represent a certain sound.
for example, gazillions of mediocre free releases/lack of quality control killed breakcore IMO. electronic music is an ocean of piss and labels are the islands you wanna land on. or so. i'm tired as fuck so i don't know what i'm talking.