Help Build A List Of Music 2.0 Powered Artists
Yesterday, I started a list of artists that have built successful careers without the help of a major label. The goals are to prove that its not only possible but actually happening and to offer these artists as examples that others can learn from.
The submissions so far have been great, but some of the comments have questioned what criteria should be used. Bruce Warila of Unsprung Media and Music Xray has suggested two on Music Think Tank that I agree with wholeheartedly:
- "If previously signed to a major label (or an affiliate of a major)…disclose this."
- "Success to me = each band member (or the artist) is consistently generating over $50,000 USD a year after all expenses…" (more)
As the list grows, I'll re-post it in list form and maybe we'll vote some acts on or off the island as meeting the criteria. For now, share your thoughts and add to the list here. And please Digg, Stumble, Tweet and blog about the list. The more complete the list, the more value it has.
P.S. – If you do post something about the list of music 2.0 powered artists with a link, please come back here and tell us about it (including the link) so I can thank-you on Hypebot for spreading the word.
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That’s Bruce Warila of Unsprung Media who made the suggestions, not Dubber.
Thanks Kyle and sorry Bruce. The post is now corrected…
“Success to me = each band member (or the artist) is consistently generating over $50,000 USD a year after all expenses…”
+1
I want to hear from artists that are making this kind of income primarily from internet sales of CDs, merch, and digital downloads. THIS is the kind of success which historically required the support of a major label. Any decent band can play on the road 12 months a year and make a decent living – but that’s no long term strategy for survival!
Drake hasn’t signed to anyone and is doing world tours with Lil Wayne. I don’t think Young Money Ent counts since it doesn’t seem to have distribution
You know it really should be totally label free be it indie or major. There have always been successful artists stretching back over the decades on pure indie labels (including indie distribution).
How many artists are doing it for themselves totally label free?
Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions Just and FYI that we’re trying to keep the bulk of the discussion on the original post here: https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2009/06/dont-need-a-major-label.html
Something that I’d like to see more fully explored is what does it take to get featured status on iTunes and MySpace. Money? Connections?
Most unsigned artists don’t even bother to go after commercial radio play because it is largely closed to them.
Music on TV shows has been a better promotional avenue and some unsigned artists have broken through that way. But it helps to know which music supervisors and licensing agents to send your music to.
In an industry still operating on the “who you know” principle, it can make a difference what package of industry contacts you can put together. If you are an unsigned, unknown artist with few financial resources to hire your own team, your primary marketing vehicle is going to be various forms of offline and online word-of-mouth plus whatever good reviews you can get.