Totally depends on what deal a record label is going to offer, but I'm a pretty big fan of self releasing. I'm sure there are pros and cons to each, and we have some good relations with labels, but I like the freedom to do whatever we want as we see fit.

• Jamie
  SSS Agent #181
  Cartoons drenched in reverb!
  The Mystery Men?
  El Capitan & The Reluctant Sadists

I had a record released on a European label (El Toro Records). They contacted me I did not send anything to them, they found us on myspace in 2007. I've NEVER had any luck sending copies to labels - that's a dead end in my opinion; unless you can prove you have a large draw in one or more areas and if you've already had success with self releases. There's no more artist development. I financed the recording and the record company fronted 100 free cd's to basically pay back some of the recording expense. Since then we've never seen any money from other sales. That being said the label paid for the cd pressing, artwork, promotion materials, sent the cd for reviews, put on streaming sites such as itunes, etc and put the cd in stores/online stores.

From a financial standpoint we would make more capital if we self released.
Though I would not have a team in place to send cd 's out for reviews, get on radio, send to stores, distribution, etc

I think you're better off with a self release to get a solid name going in your area and/or in the industry. Get on good profile shows opening for other acts or on your own. Show you know how the business works, show that you can do things on your own - give and show that you can be trusted with financial investments. That's what it's about: Is a record company, management, booking agent willing to invest time and money into your band(?) If you're not ready for a label there are tons of bands who are very successfully doing it on their own first. The days of getting discovered or having an unsolicited recording listened to are very VERY slim. Also are you willing to allow a label call the shots? Indie's grant some freedom larger labels well that's another thing all together.

Bottom line did having a record released on a small independent label help my band any? Probably not much, there was no money to tour and no way to really track sales/royalties, etc. While the reviews boosted our self esteem it didn't help jump to the next level. We were surprised with just getting a release and some nice reviews.

Think of it this way, your band is a product can you make money off your product? Sell Cd's, sell tickets, sell merchandise, etc - this is how a record company thinks. Can they make money if they invest into your band (product) if not, they will pass. This amount will vary.

All the best to you and your journey!

Last edited: May 07, 2014 17:46:31

I have had fantastic experiences with the few labels I have worked with over the past few decades. But I have plenty of friends and acquaintances with equally bad stories to share.

The truth is that, in most cases, the current environment is so overrun that you are unlikely to find a label that will even bother to listen to you until you already have a proven track record. I am a big supporter of bands self-releasing their first EP and promoting the hell out of it. The numbers add up and look very good to labels, large and small. The reason for this is that releases aren't selling anywhere near what they used to. So signing new bands is a very risky venture for any label. Prove to them that you can sell product and you will be in a better position.

As far as self-releasing goes, there has never been a better time to do so. Setting up distribution is so much easier now than ever before, in both digital and physical format. Promotion is right at your fingertips. Just plan wisely leading up to the release, and budget quite a bit for postal fees for mailing out promotional material.

Someone mentioned above that that you are financially better off doing self release. Yes, it is nice to have someone to help with all of the 'business' responsibilities with a music release. But, in the end, that help comes at a price. When bands are making less than ever in this industry, it isn't a bad idea to keep your overhead low and the majority of the funds coming back to you.

THE KBK ... This is the last known signal. We offer Sanctuary.

www.thekbk.com
http://www.deepeddy.net/artists/thekbk/
www.reverbnation.com/thekbk
www.facebook.com/thekbkal

Ryan, another thing that might not need pointed out...but I will anyway... You have such easy access of communication, through SG101, to almost every major and minor band in the genre. With that comes a vast catalog of collective knowledge, contacts, etc. Our debut EP was self-released and has, to date, sold insanely well. This was all due to reaching out to the members of this board for help and information.

As far as physical distribution goes, even if you aren't on their labels, Deep Eddy, Double Crown, etc. offer distribution in their online stores. Them, along with Surferjoe and a few others overseas, pretty much immediately get your music within easy reach of the individuals that follow this genre. Beyond that, a very small investment to CDbaby fills in all the other gaps. With that comes your music on ITunes, Spotify, Amazon and a ton of other online distributors.

After that it is just all about getting out there and selling the product. That comes through touring, networking with other bands, and making sure to get copies in the hands of blogs and websites with nice sized traffic.

THE KBK ... This is the last known signal. We offer Sanctuary.

www.thekbk.com
http://www.deepeddy.net/artists/thekbk/
www.reverbnation.com/thekbk
www.facebook.com/thekbkal

My experience is even if you have some type of physical distribution on a self release, unless your on specialty genre specific radio shows/podcast or touring it's very difficult to expect someone to purchase your cd if you're unknown. The plus to a label is they already have built relationships, radio, advertising as well as a track record of quality releases - it's not impossible to get self physical distribution just don't expect too much from it. It's just reality without a track record, tour, marketing, magazine advertisements it's very very difficult as there's a ton of others in the same position.

I think you'll have more luck on iTunes, spotify, etc where you make be found as a "suggestion" vs hoping someone takes a chance in a record/cd bin at a brick and mortar store. I do think CDBaby is a good starting point for physical distribution in addition to live shows cd sales and selling direct from your website.

Start local, think globally, build a following, etc