Record Label suggestions?

[Danny G]

Have 2 self released instrumental solo albums I'd like to do something more with. I wrote and recorded both for the RPM challenge and pressed copies for the hell of it, hence the roughness of the music and production.

Rather out of the loop as far as underground music and not sure what labels are out there that might be into this.

Much more a label can do than I can do myself, and having some sort of backing will give more incentive for the players I will be bringing in to form a band.

Thanks!


http://dannyg.bandcamp.com

[Lumpy]

IMO, don't mention RPM challenge from here on out. I think that would be a turn-off to a label, but maybe I'm wrong. I don't see it adding any appeal.

IMO, don't mention how it's "rough" from here on out. It makes it sound like you compromised on the sound. Since you're a solo indie artist, that's already expected. Don't talk about it like it's a work in progress (if you want somebody to spend time & money on it).

1. Label who has already released music by one of your bands.

2. Label that releases stuff that sounds like your type of music. Bonus if they seem to have an active release schedule (not just one new album every 6 months).

3. Instrumental music can be hard. If it sounds like songs minus vocals, that will be hard.

4. Nothing wrong with self releases.

5. I like lists.

[Danny G]

Thanks Lumpy, and good point. I've figured RPM was a selling point but I can see that it might hurt.

[clockwork green]

I just don't see a point for record labels for most bands. Unless you want tour support, video production or to land opening slots for stadium gigs you're better off recording and releasing on your own even if that means only using mp3's instead of CD's (I spend $100-400 a month on music and I've maybe bought 2 CD's in the last 3 years) or vinyl. I'm planning on only releasing material as mp3's or vinyl with digital download in the future.

[Metal and Beer]

^ Yep, in 2012 I barely see a need for 'em

Dear Labels,
   Yeah thanks and all, but we got this from here on out...lates
Signed,
Musicians and Bands

[liquidsmoke]

I still buy CDs. One of my favorite labels these days is Shadow Kingdom. Iron Man, Altar Of Oblivion, Ironsword, Revelation, Pale Divine, Manilla Road...

[Lumpy]

What about licensing your music for TV/film/commercial soundtrack use. You might be able to tap some of your TV/video contacts for info or help. You could make some money doing that.

http://www.musicnomad.com/Sell_Your_Music/TV_Movies_Commercials_Video_Games

[mawso]

^ Yep, in 2012 I barely see a need for 'em

Dear Labels,
   Yeah thanks and all, but we got this from here on out...lates
Signed,
Musicians and Bands

I think it depends how far you're trying to go with your music, but labels are still really good at putting music out to a much bigger audience than bands would be reaching on their own.  I mean, that's the only way they make their money really is by finding people to buy your shit.  All the CDbabys and reverbnations and bandcamps of the world are great and all but they don't lift a finger when it comes to actually getting a fanbase.

Most of the big success stories of guys who have grabbed headlines by doing really well with their own digital distro are people who had a big record deal at one time, and built up their fan base with the label behind them - trent reznor, radiohead, public enemy.

Pretty much any stoner rock band who tours regularly or has any sort of name recognition or whatever has some sort of involvement with record labels.  They're not going in for these deals just out of sentimentality or nostalgia or whatever.

[Danny G]

I'm awaiting on ASCAP to officially approve Danny G Music before getting that side rolling. Tv/vid games and especially film scoring are something I want to get in to.

All good advice re: labels, thank y'all!

I'm more in favor of going the label route for the time being. I'm so busy trying to make a living playing in other peoples bands that I have little time to pursue my own. And dropping everything i'm doing to pursue my own music full time would mean getting a day job to cover the bills. Kind of a catch 22.

But I am finally putting a band together called Ocean of Stars to at least start playing this material out and remind people I still play guitar, heh.

But with the limited time I have to pursue it even as a side project, having label backing and that extra stamp of approval will add extra legitimacy and help score better gigs, plus much more promotion for the albums than i can do myself.


Sent from a can on some string using Tapatalk

[Danny G]

Have been in contact with Ripple Music and will be sending stuff to them


Wish me luck...

[clockwork green]

^ Yep, in 2012 I barely see a need for 'em

Dear Labels,
   Yeah thanks and all, but we got this from here on out...lates
Signed,
Musicians and Bands

I think it depends how far you're trying to go with your music, but labels are still really good at putting music out to a much bigger audience than bands would be reaching on their own.  I mean, that's the only way they make their money really is by finding people to buy your shit.  All the CDbabys and reverbnations and bandcamps of the world are great and all but they don't lift a finger when it comes to actually getting a fanbase.

Most of the big success stories of guys who have grabbed headlines by doing really well with their own digital distro are people who had a big record deal at one time, and built up their fan base with the label behind them - trent reznor, radiohead, public enemy.

Pretty much any stoner rock band who tours regularly or has any sort of name recognition or whatever has some sort of involvement with record labels.  They're not going in for these deals just out of sentimentality or nostalgia or whatever.

That would make sense and yet labels often don't do anything even if it's in their own best interest.  You should watch "I need that record", it's streaming on Netflix.  We all know that labels only care about money but the frustrating thing is that they're not even good at making it.  Unless you really stretch your definition of stoner/doom bands there are probably a dozen or so that can make it their full time job (High on Fire has day jobs).  If you really want your music in film, commercials and video games that's far more on you than any label unless you find just the right very small label but that will depend on how many bands they have and what your relationship is with them.  Rap music has been one of the best when it comes to promotion and DIY record production.  There are tons of local stories of guys selling 25,000-50,000 records essentially out of their trunk but it's a hustle (one I'm not interested in).