Being An Independent Recording Artist vs Working with a Major Record Label - Dan Shafer

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[@VictorAndradaMusic]

like most other things in life: DIY is the way to go, fame is an illusion, if you believe a career in music will solve your personal problems, you might end up hurting yourself when you discover you've been used to make money for others who aren't passionate about what they're doing. You MUST love what you do.

[@lawngnome412]

with all the social media making it so easy to get your name, face, and music out there, as well as people having 'home' studios that are great quality that aren't tied to a music label, i think it's better for an aspiring artist to do it on their own, or in the least without a Label looking over their shoulders and pushing them in certain directions. it can work, its just harder. the music "dream" is mostly that, a dream. The chances of the rapid stardom that people seem to think will happen with a Label is just a lie. it takes the artist putting themselves out there touring, playing shows, making appearances, and making new music. which can be done without a label.

[@derrickjay_]

lawngnome412 well said, very very well said. thank you for this comment, really. I am a rapper and i'm trying to get somewhere with my music, so i'm doing a lot of research on building my career and i came across this video and seen your comment and i had to screenshot and read it everyday. thank you so much for this comment again 🙏🏾

[@aw55550]

are you getting along with your music ?.

[@derrickjay_]

aw55550 i haven't been recording music, but i been writing and studying old school rappers

[@pdkmanagement4998]

Derrick, its been 3 months. Lets hear it buddy. >>>>

[@DanMansion]

lemme know if my music SUCKS! IDC IF ITS ANNOYING soundcloud.com/dapper-dans-mansion/sets/trash-fi

[@trackmusic252]

Say it with me don't sign a 360 deal.

[@thekushalnp]

Don't sign a 360 deal

[@ghxstwav3847]

too late

[@michaeldavis2585]

Chasing money Will lead you to misery ,do it for the music not for the money ,money comes in time

[@jadedivine8842]

Exactly you gotta truly have the passion for it.

[@bruagamusic8703]

michaelcorbin2540t you are more than 100% correct

[@mylajames9299]

how can you be more than 100 percent correct. how do you actually calculate percentage wise how correct someone is ? Is there a chart somewhere or a truth calculator that you arrived at your figure with . How can someone be more correct than just being correct in their estimation or in their opinion. please let me know because i would like to see if cnn or msnbc or any of the current piece of shit news media outlets can actually be less than zero percent correct. I am 100 percent certain that don lemon is a 100 percent piece of fucking shit . I would like to calculate his percentage of being as wrong as he is. Im doing a paper on the percentages of people being correct and or incorrect. thanks

[@kjphantom3445]

michaelcorbin2540t I just wanna make music that’s good that fans like but I just wanna know where the money is going and if the record label gonna fuck me up

[@joecoleman288]

Makes it so clear - the example that a record label is like a bank is a perfect simile. In spite of what they can do, I can't imagine how the stress of paying back that loan would have on my creativity. I decided to start a small business, with the desired outcome to use my earnings from it to finance my interests (drumming). It is so nice to solve the money problem so you can create and enjoy life without owing anybody jack squat!

[@shawingo8757]

This is why I am completely fine staying an Indie artist. (I mean if GOD bless me with a record deal, I’ll look at it as a blessing.) Until the meantime I’m cool with doing everything on MY time, MY way, & receiving all of MY coin$! Lol Record labels is basically just a big loan that you have to pay back. So who’s REALLY WINNING?!😏🤟🏾 #IndieLivesMatter #FollowMe @1wingo #LoveMySupporters!

[@ShanraePrice]

Thank you for sharing this

[@TrophyWinnersTV]

Insightful info.. ...Khristian B

[@timmytube12]

Good info thanks

[@timtrocke]

Tim Jacques hey I’m a Tim too 👋

[@marisabe1114]

At 1:11 , ......What was he about to go on about how you "OWN" nothing as an artist after auditioning and participating in a Talent TV Show like American Idol & AGT? A friend of mine told me something similar to this a while back, before I auditioned for AGT, that by signing their contract any thing I do music wise & etc. , before a certain amount of years that the contract states, they fully own all the rights to all your work until after that certain time frame. When I did look over the contract for the audition, it said nothing about this.... Can anyone confirm or deny this from me? I'm very curious...

[@sahr94]

i think its when you get a certain stage in the competition that you get offered that

[@arthowardmusic3209]

They're going to own your performances on that show, from your first audition to your victory song. If you make it big and want to include that stuff in a DVD, you'll have to pay them for a license to use it. If you win and someone from the show becomes your producer or manager, yes, they're going to take a hefty cut for bringing you from nowhere to somewhere.

[@mikedoyle7300]

Do you remember when the winners would go on tour sell out venues and never receive a dime. It's very sad and disgraceful how they are exploited. I once considered such a competition until I read the fine print then it was like no thanks. If you really believe that you have American idol talent then do it yourself write your own stuff or sing and record covers. Whatever .if you think you have what it takes you be willing to stand alone and right people will join you. With today's technology available to us. We all have a shot. Good luck. Kid.

[@cinzafenix08]

Cool 😎 cheers from Portugal 🇵🇹 listen to our songs

[@tonysantucci4966]

I need a chance I know I will be signed in minutes.

[@trackmusic252]

50 millions record sold and you broke. Something anit right o that's right crooks and 360 deals.

[@lavenderbee3611]

Prince was an interesting case study of someone who went the major label route and became a huge star throughout the 1980's. Warner Bros made him a star, something that would not happen otherwise. However, at heart he was a real DIY type of guy and was making all the music himself anyways. By the mid-90's he was a totally free agent after a nasty dispute with Warner and then ended up getting involved in marketing, promotion, distribution, etc. I think he was the first artist that tried to sell music online through a music club, mail order, and even downloading. Prince basically got rid of all the middlemen and made it work because he did have a huge fan base and killer live shows. In many ways, he set the template for independent artists. It's certainly easier to record now than when it was an analog environment.

[@devooski4751]

I want freedom in my music. It’s so easy to advertise yourself just upload videos on social media. Raw videos. And the number one to work on is your talent and just playing music. And taking it to a level where no musician has ever been to. I noticed most record label songs sounds rushed and forced. That is why I want freedom. I wanna make songs that are 2 to 5 years old. Not 3 months a full 10 album. That’s too expensive. The most expensive thing to have is building your musical talent and talent can be worked on if you think about it everyday and doing the work needed to sound godly. Atleast these are my thoughts. If it helps great if it doesn’t great lol 😆

[@user-ob9zo9cr4c]

that's the problem of you, that thinking ''too expensive'' money over music or even taste. it's stupid. u must invest in yourself in any way, and stop thinking it's expensive.

[@aw55550]

Mushroomhead are a pretty good example of an fully independent, international successfull metalband in 2017. With hard work and skill its definetly possible to make a living out of music.

[@itsrelativ3967]

Unfortunately in this music industry (which is not really what you think it is), you have to be a business man/maybe a jack of all trades and cut out the middle-man. There's things you can do to be a successful musician without paying a bunch of scammers for promotion and signing a dead end record deal. I'm not saying don't trust anyone, but keep your circle small.

[@micmica1827]

I agree, unfortunately the majority of musicians are not business minded and have poor communicational skills

[@aektabhojak]

@@micmica1827 I disagree on the business minded thing but I agree on the poor communication skills.

[@Slaymayas]

Precisely

[@itsrelativ3967]

We are now seeing the evolution of the hybrid musician. One would have to be a teacher, lawyer, accountant/CPA, mechanic/engineer, personal trainer, or fashion designee by day to sustain their musical goals independently. It is true that labels do look for shallow artists who will sign for the big $$$$ and not understand what they've agreed. With all the info and education it still happens due to desperation.

[@garysmith8073]

Alot of young people want to be stars but alot of the work they don't wanna do.

[@carloconopio6513]

Thats why there is a music company . Not all people can be an independent artist.

[@jasondelotel]

This is the best, greatest video I've seen. This man is great. He tells the truth about all of the music industry. Screw all the record labels. Do it yourself. It's true. If you love it, keep doing it yourself. Believe in yourself. Grow those grass roots. You will have a career without a major label robbing you of everything they can get their hands on and control. Keep the control for yourself. Just gig. Do your music . Sell your own CDs. Keep your own money. Just keep gigging, like Willie Nelson did. You can do this. Just drive on!

[@roygregorysr5327]

That is true do it your self

[@michaelparker641]

So true, yet unknown. so many artists are trying to make it in the old music business.

[@ronaldmurphy9152]

the 85/15 is the real problem

[@nyacoustics8373]

Banks sure as hell are not giving out loans out now during a global covid 19 pandemic for shit never mind a wannabe musician. 44 million people unemployed in America currently. Businesses closing up left and right. The last thing they could care about is some dude in his basement with a big dream and a song.

[@kahko7829]

my mans said "myspace" LUL

[@kronk358]

How many of them? At least they didnt say LUL

[@kronk358]

@@FideiDefensor1970 Sure it does. Did you not understand it? Im asking how many "mans" said myspace. And pointing out that it's LOL, not LUL. He is making fun of something someone said with 2 grammatical errors in one sentence. Which is terribly ironic.

[@kronk358]

@@FideiDefensor1970 Don't worry, you're not a know it all. You didn't even know what my comment meant.

[@JRClark]

i need to see this...i feeel better about my music and videos im promoting

[@timtrocke]

J.R.Clark what’s up JR Clark. How have you been promoting your videos? I’d be interested to hear.

[@nyacoustics8373]

Banks don't give loans to musicians lol

[@cimarronhopper3924]

Ummmm Micheal Jackson

[@rich-kid]

Mmmm bro please stop

[@Lengsel7]

Banks are too honest, compared to record companies.

[@cimarronhopper4605]

Why cuse im honest

[@micmica1827]

Thanks. This is an honest and strait forward advice.

[@ROCKNROLLFAN]

PRINCE was a GENIUS cuz he was independent before it was even known.....

[@boowtbwj1194]

THAT WAS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE THAT WHY HE WROTE SLAVE TO ON HIS FACE......HE REALIZED HE DID NOT OWN HIS MASTER RECORDINGS AT 19 YEARS OLD WHEN HE STARTED jb.shalom

[@ralmcg]

I would say that Ani DiFranco is smart because she owns her own label (Righteous Babe Records) and was never signed to any other record company.

[@boowtbwj1194]

@@ralmcg U can own your own label But what type of partnership agreement do U have for Distribution and marketing Branding going etc.. How will u get your product In the Walmarts targets and big Boys for sales or even globally jb

[@ralmcg]

@@boowtbwj1194 I am not, nor am I planning to be, a musician. I'm just saying that Ani DiFranco did it without signing to a record label. She did this before the internet became popular, before social media, before streaming. She started her record label in the early 1990's.

[@boowtbwj1194]

Rocknrollfan Wrong it was much later In the beginning at 19 yrs old He signed with Warner Bros Records Album FOR YOU later on he realized he was a SLAVE trying to get out of bad contracts with them....then he went out on his own using the internet... Still wind up renegotiating a new deal For distribution marketing and his MASTERS recordings... what put prince on the map was the movie score PURPLE RAIN.... CAUSE MUSIC WOULD NOT SELL PLATINUM NOW ITS BEEN SELLING CAUSE HE IS DEAD AND PRODUCED FOR OTHER ARTISTS..jb.shalom

[@catharticpsychichealer2091]

People need to start understanding that earning royalties independently takes time. It doesn't happen overnight. Although royalties are low; there is no cap on it. So if you own one copyright and derivative works from the general public and other media publications start using your music for a licensing fee you own all of that one dollar vs borrowing 2 million from a record label. Over the years your royalties will work for you. People are more likely to use licensed music versus getting sued for copyright infringement.

[@TheWinterShadow]

What comes down to is greed on the part of the artist. You can sell a 1000 downloads and feel good about it then sell a million and be in debt. But people are blinded by the image and fake money.

[@RubenSanadi-u6j]

Ok brader terima kasih banyak dan semoga dilain waktu kita ketemu lagi yh terimakasih semuanyah kawan terima kasih banyak

[@YariBeatsMedia]

I wouldn't take a budget nowadays, unless i can get a monthly salary, or just the salary itself as far as contracts.

[@AnthonyCarrier]

Not too many independent artist are ever going to get the opportunity to open for major signed artists and I would think most major artists are signed...either I can pay the record label to let use their resources or never obtain major artist status...! I just couldn't do it without Maximus Moose's expertise and his contacts...

[@RealRayAl]

Being indie is hard and a lot of work so most people move towards a label

[@nenej12]

but its possible to leave that situation and make a living being independent

[@usosbrutalino7646]

Creating own studio and buying great gadgets that will help your music is very hard it only works in reach countries such america

[@jazzhallman]

I am writing a research paper on this topic. Any other video or article recommendations ?

[@Hevletica]

Idem, could you share the paper?

[@mikedoyle7300]

Does this guy remind you of Rand Paul.?.

[@linehanbros]

touring has been efected in 2021 because of the pandemic

[@rogercraig7203]

Now 2020, with 800 Million Amateur musicians, 60% fewer Pro musicians. People all expect free music and don't want to pay a penny to the hard working musician. And now no gigs - what next?? With no budget to make quality music, say goodbye to adding Orchestrations, horn sections, choirs and great sax solos to music! And maybe some guy will come up with another 'Dark side of the moon' or 'Sgt. Pepper' out of his bedroom in Bakersfield!

[@wavtunemusic]

Connect the dots 🎹

[@SOSManagement]

Listen to Daddy folks, he's spot on.

[@akbreezy1422]

What?! How tf shall the "star artist" get 100% of his income? How will he handle his team, his tours, his recordings, his creative process etc.?? A manager usually does more than the artist himself and the 20% commission are totally okay.

[@nokb7271]

Thank you very much for this info. It's an eye opener!. I'm alittle confused right now. I live in UK and i want to know if i NEED to register with USA based companies such as ASCAP/ BMI?. I heard there's PRS which is a UK based performance rights organisation. Is it the same as ASCAP and BMI but just a UK version? I'm confused honestly...lol. Lastly... What is Sound exchange, nielsen BDS radio and tunecore? Thanks

[@pepperjanehq]

Nok2la Lee Hi I’m in Australia where our royalty collecting body is APRA, and it will collect US royalties for us but it’s optional for us to sign with a US collector like ASCAP and it looks like Sound exchange is another one of those. Nielsen BDS Radio is a radio analysis tool that I suppose is useful in monitoring whether you’re owed royalties from certain stations. Tunecore is a distributor just like CDBaby, Ditto, Emu Bands, you need to know this stuff so you can compare their fee structures (you need to go through one of them to get distributed on Spotify, and they significantly speed up the process of getting on iTunes. Good luck researching. Which is kind of the point, indie artists have all the powers, it’s a matter of figuring it out AND putting in the leg work. I’m sure there will be workshops in the UK that can teach you in depth how to get your music physically/digitally out there, but all the info is all over the net anyway. It’s good you watched this clip, keep going!

[@sebastianmartiny2452]

This was oddly much about gaining money - How do you better come out with your music when the goal isn't cash gain?

[@HYPETIZE10]

Sebastian Martiny it's about spending money to make the music and market the music. So yeah, money is needed

[@raynbirdmusic]

HYPETIZE10 it's an investment you create the music to build a following to sell merch to keep going. money is needed to keep it going

[@Hevletica]

My fav video.

[@user-ob9zo9cr4c]

on your own

[@LoriFoster]

The Music, Movie and Literary business are are similar in the fact the biggest brightest stars are fewer and there are more people doing their craft for a living or at least an income. The gate have been torn down by the internet market place. All 3 entertainment business have a Netflix model in their space, multiple versions in fact. Even fewer people make huge bucks but more can make money.

[@marlenebelgrove3357]

How would you like to be able to sign? indie. rock pop or maybe even rap go on KZbin and watch videos of singers you look up too figure out their. styles

[@anand10ful]

That was really awesome piece of advice..thank you

[@edwardmowatful]

That last point about bad management deals had me wondering if he was thinking about David Bowie… Bowie was huge from 72-76, but his manager took his fortune. He was savvy in pursuing a collaboration with Nile Rodgers after a chance meeting in a bar (bypassing record company gatekeepers). His established iconography guaranteed people’s attention, but it was a new decade with a new aesthetic, and if the music didn’t connect it might have been a very different outcome for his career. He chose wisely knowing Nile had a proven track history of melodic hooks and pop sensibility that could rehabilitate his career. It stands as an example that maintaining your instinct for choosing the right people who can help you produce good work makes all the difference. It’s a matter of getting out there and finding them, trying things out and keeping an open mind.

[@delia_watercolors]

Indie/small labels are just as horrendous as major labels. There are many sad stories of artists purposely signing to an independent label thinking they can avoid being ripped off or controlled. It's all rosy in the beginning and then things go down hill.

[@mcleanartists]

It takes two.

[@lisas5979]

So...why did you go on to do The Voice?

[@ReelBlissFilms]

Same thought. But well, once an opportunity knocks, you gotta entertain it. No harm in trying. Besides, if not for The Voice, I wont get to hear his lovely voice.

[@brightbite]

To be made a fool of... with no pay. But the TV station gets all the great ratings for making you into chopped liver on national Tell- Lie-Vision.

[@DanShaferMusic]

Because on the third time I was asked, I said yes. There was no X Factor or American Idol that year/season/ and the Voice wanted to gain that audience. They needed successful Artists who already had an audience or back story. If you notice, I was not the only one. Billy Gillman was already a child star, Sundance Head and others on the show had very successfull Fathers and or Mothers who were musicians, actresses etc... If you are going on the show you have to have something excisting already, The show only shines light on that which is already there and enhances it!! I always wanted to be an Artist but chose Family. I sang on hundreds of records and some of the most Iconic Commercials like Transformers (Robots In Disguise), Aliens 3, Coors Lite, BC Powder, Tetly Tea, Matchbox, etc... I wrote for many as well. My family was grown and I thought this would bring me out front, and it did. I am gratful for the opportunity, and know what and why I was doing it. My best to you and your family!

[@lisas5979]

@@DanShaferMusic Thank you for the insight. Best to you and yours as well. .

[@onez2467]

very well said one of the most clear, careful going through pop term and conditions tho mate theyl come for you lool anyway great video

[@himswol]

My Space?

[@anthonyenon4113]

very interesting video. :) thanks for this vid.

[@YoungBlaze]

why is there no date on when this was uploaded

[@DanShaferMusic]

around 2009

[@user-xt6bd9ch8g]

Aug 2014

[@Tojoj22]

Great advice

[@gdoll835]

DatPiff/GDOLL69

[@zeezee7856]

Stop trying to get over by stealing. If you go to prison, you caused it.

[@daveburns6816]

What’s radio

[@timtrocke]

Dave Burns disappointment

[@cicerombira]

to get money somehow right now i m working,my boss needs pple to build his business,i dnt know everythng,even in a music group there is different talents,i dnt know if its that easy for you guys to create a quality production without help,without other pple skills,man can be pregnant,he needs a woman,it's not that easy

[@timtrocke]

This video is interesting so far.

[@PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE]

Excellent analogy!

[@F20ization]

Thank You Don for your video tutorial.I have my own style of music that i created,but i am still looking for a serious investor.But here is not easy.What advises may you give me?or If you find anyone else may you contact him and we meet?Thanks

[@mikedoyle7300]

Don't rely on others there's always something you can do for yourself. Earn the money and invest in yourself. If you wait for some fairy tale " investor " to just shower you with their hard earned money. Your dream will never have a chance. Good luck.

[@juniordunkley2751]

Listen I need a major label because I want the world to hear I need to sell out stadium why should I play 2 bit bars If Drake can do it so can I

[@dcozzen]

Very inforrmative! Good points!

[@JokkePlays]

This is from 2014. Imagine how this is relevant in 2022...

[@ajat3202]

Industry never really changes

[@YoungShizzie]

thanks

[@SwellMclovin]

🙏🏾

[@AlphaWolfMusica]

Thank you

[@NickLAnderson]

🙏🏼

[@RoniLoud]

You are great.

[@derekirons2615]

SOMEONE INTELLIGENT PLEASE COME FORWARD N BE OUR COLLECTIVE ARTISTS VOICE NOW! -WE NEED TO CONVINCE EVERY DAMN ARTIST KNOWN N UNKNOWN TO PULL ALL SONGS FROM EVERY STREAMING SERVICE THEY ARE ON NOW!! WE NEED TOO SHUTDOWN ALL STREAMING FOR GOOD!! WE WILL FINALLY STAND TO MAKE A GOOD LIVING BY FORCING MUSIC LOVERS TO BUY FROM US DIRECT OR THRU ITUNES AMAZON WHOM EVER- THIS IS FAR BETTER THEN A FITH OF A PENNY PER STREAM!! WE CAN DO THIS FELLOW MUSICIANS!! POWER TO THE MUSICIANS!! PASS THIS ON NOW!!

[@lilbink9453]

⚓️

[@Benjamin_Lees_]

It's all about money now days isn't it? What happened to starting a family that you spend your life with and make amazing music not caring about the money?

[@timtrocke]

Benjamin Lees I don’t care about money , I love music for musics sake :)

[@nokwandajali7122]

Thank you

[@servenobeyrealestate9498]

It time to ink it lets go

[@yw5316]

great video

[@rockypeter8296]

Listen to "Be My Girl" by Rocky Peter. Absolutely Brilliant!!

[@ginabegoodpierre3662]

how record labels break artists?

[@NucaAlex]

debt

[@leeillman7195]

There's no money in music

[@inukimeko]

Great video

[@Charmingphotography]

good video

[@Jonotheproducer]

great points!!!

[@barblin159]

great advise

[@arsirey]

I don't understand him. He's not using complete sentences. He cuts halfway through a sentence and cuts to something else. Wow.

[@mikedoyle7300]

He is speaking freely. This is not a rehearsed seminar. When he does that he is checking what he's saying because he knows some of what he thinks and would like to communicate is controversial and revealing and that the truth is a powerful thing. And I think at the same time he wants to make as few enemies as possible. Just my opinion.

[@mikedoyle7300]

You almost have to read between the lines. So to speak.

[@arsirey]

@@mikedoyle7300 I agree, he should speak freely. I just want him to finish the idea in his head. So I can understand what he is trying to express.

[@arsirey]

@@mikedoyle7300 😂🤣😂🤣. Not an easy task.

[@mikedoyle7300]

Hi Arsi. Basically what he said is major labels are a scam.you would be wise to do it yourself. I know it's not easy but it's not rocket science either. Seek out the help you need and get it done. Like the shoe guy says " just do it "

[@sambana88]

so how do you be your own manager?

[@tableauxofficial7895]

You have to know the top dogs ... Or else it's all independent work. Generally speaking : most well known artists end up sueing or robbing back the money owed to them. From incubus to Destiny's Child they got screwed.. I mean it's pretty public. Go check it out if your not aware. But basically you can do it. You just need mad connections and equipment.

[@michaeldavis2585]

rather have a record deal than being on line doing all the work

[@TheJroddude]

6:03 * *Leans forward, FARTS, Smiles :)* *

[@TheCandel34]

Good tactic of breaking concentration for him to start talking. Gonna use that one.

[@leeillman7195]

I was just reading when he did it

[@EG-qp7nt]

Playing covers doesn't get your music heard. You get paid to play covers not your own music. Or you can play your own music but you probably wont get paid. That's not sustainable.

[@dannymain542]

How do you get paid playing covers? Who wants to hear someone play covers and pay for it when you can pay and go see the real artist.

[@spellerlittlewing]

Wrong I made two Ep and I have my own publishing company and I get paid and royal

[@DanShaferMusic]

@@spellerlittlewing Good for you Gee. Peter Frampton just spoke about his 50 MILLION Down Loads of "Do You Feel Like I do" and received a whopping $17,000.