Major Record Labels Vs. Independent Record Labels: Which is the better option for an upcoming artist?

Abstract

The focus of my senior project is comparing the success between independent record labels and major record labels. Through history, support from a major record label was necessary to ascertain success, but with technological advancement's independence is more accessible for up-and-coming artists. As an aspiring artist within the music industry, I actively collected data from scholarly journals, books relating to business in the music industry, and music related magazines and blog articles to articulate what defines success for an artist. Academic resources support that music industry advancements contribute to the success of both major labels and independent labels. By comparing and contrasting success in both labels I discuss the empowerment of music and technology, style and subculture, live performances and monetization, the impact of major record labels, the rise of independent record labels, and labels within pop culture. As independence challenges the notion that an artist needs a major record label to achieve success, I discuss which label option is best for an artist to ascertain in the ever-changing industry of music.