What Does an Independent Record Label Actually Do?
· 6 min read · Addy Records
Anyone can upload a track today, so why sign to a label? A good independent label brings much more than distribution.
A&R and development
A&R (artists and repertoire) means finding artists and helping their music reach its best version — feedback on arrangements, mixdowns and which tracks to release.
Release planning
Labels plan release dates, artwork, remixes and the rollout around each record, so a track arrives with momentum instead of disappearing on day one.
Promotion and networks
Established labels have relationships with DJs, press, playlist curators and promoters. Getting a record into the right DJ's hands can matter more than any ad spend.
Questions to ask before you sign
Every deal is different. Before signing, make sure you understand:
- How royalties are split, and how often you're paid
- Whether the deal is for one track, an EP or longer
- Who owns the master recordings, and for how long
- What promotion the label will actually do
Making house music? We want to hear it.
Addy Records is an independent London label. Send us your demo and social links.
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