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# Revenue For Unsigned Artists Grew 35% Last Year
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/unsigned-artists-revenue-up-35-last-year-according-to-new-study/
- Published: 2019-07-11T11:59:00.000Z
- Updated: 2019-07-11T11:59:00.000Z
- Description: A new study from MIDiA Research and indie distributor Amuse shows that independent artists are the fastest-growing segment of the global recorded music business, the beginning of what may be. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2019/07/unsigned-artists-revenue-up-35-last-year-according
- Author: Bruce Houghton
- Tags: DIY Advice & Tips, Indie Music, Music Business, Streaming, indie, unsigned artists, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 09:55

[![Indie](https://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e20240a4973318200d-200wi "Indie")](https://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e20240a4973318200d-popup?ref=hypebot.com)A new study from MIDiA Research and indie distributor Amuse shows that independent artists are the fastest-growing segment of the global recorded music business, the beginning of what may be the biggest paradigm shift within the music business in decades.The survey of 250 musicians globally offers a snapshot of how artists without labels make money, as well as their career aspirations.

[![image from www.billboard.com](https://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e20240a46df823200c-500wi "image from www.billboard.com")](https://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e20240a46df823200c-popup?ref=hypebot.com)**Key Findings**

- **Artists without record labels generated $643.1 million in 2018, up 35% from 2017.** Independent artists represent a segment of global scale with real impact and influence. They are also more streaming native than label artists.
- **Labels are not a prerequisite.** Artists now view labels very much as one possible means to an end. Less than a third of label artists consider it important to be signed to a record label, while for independent artists (i.e. those without record labels) this rises to a little more than half.
- **Earnings are the biggest obstacle.** Nearly three-quarters of independent artists earn less than $10,000 a year from music, and average incomes are also low even for signed artists. Most artists have ‘plural careers’. Whether signed to a label or not, over two-thirds of artists feel they will have to keep up other work alongside music in order to make ends meet.
- **The age of artist empowerment has arrived.** Despite the challenges of a music career, the vast majority of artists now feel they have more control over their careers than ever before. With their choices, both increasing and improving, nearly two-thirds of artists have a positive outlook about their career path.

**Download the free report [here](https://www.midiaresearch.com/downloads/independent-artists-age-empowerment/?ref=hypebot.com).**