In this day and age, record companies are becoming almost obsolete. We’re here to teach you some reasons why you don’t need a record deal to release your own music – and how!

Have you noticed a shift in the music industry? Nobody is wondering how they get signed anymore. It’s 2019, which means record companies and the deals they offer are slowly becoming obsolete. Don’t get it twisted – the majority of unsigned artists would love one. There’s nothing like the security and the resources that are afforded to you when you on the books of Sony or Columbia. Still, it’s not the most important thing in the world. The music industry has become less exclusive and that has opened up new lanes for artists.

Here’s what you need to consider if you want to make it big without a label:

Equipment

Without music to release, there is no way to create a buzz. The good news is that you don’t have to pencil in study time. All musicians need today is a high-quality laptop and audio software. Not only can you record using these programs, but you can also edit and make post-production changes to ensure the standard is on point. Ableton Live and FL Studio are among the best in the industry but don’t forget about iTunes either. Apple is for beginners yet everyone has got to start someplace.

Fan Base

Once you have music, you can release it but nobody will listen. A solid fan base is crucial for your tunes to go viral and catch fire. Then, there isn’t a stopping point as a rolling stone doesn’t gather moss. You can promote your music with a professional agency if you want someone by your side offering advice. Lots of them exist so it isn’t hard to find one with the essential features. Alternatively, musicians can self-promote their discography. The likes of Chance the Rapper released mixtapes which were adopted by his adoring fans. Now, he’s a multimillionaire with skin in the game. We’re in a whole new wave of ‘SoundCloud rappers’ – do your thing!

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Streaming Services

There’s no need to press vinyl or record onto a CD today. People aren’t consuming music in the same way, which is why you need to get on board the digital bandwagon. The likes of Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, and YouTube are the main culprits for music consumption in the 21st-century. Therefore, it’s imperative that your songs are on these platforms to increase awareness. Thankfully, some distributors will get the tunes out to every streaming platform that matters. There are no record labels involved and no middlemen screwing up the deal.

Sharing

Sharing is caring, especially in this industry. You can’t blow without releasing music to the world and getting them to take notice. Although there are billions of people on the planet, this is easier to say than to do. However, with the help of YouTube and SoundCloud, it’s not impossible. Creating profiles on these platforms allows you to engage with fans and spread the word. Who knows, an A&R guy or girl might hear it randomly and want to sign you to the label. Unlike most industries, you’ve got to be willing to put your art out into the world for free.

The opportunities are there. Still, it takes hard work and a desire to succeed to stand out from the crowd.

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