Rise of the Netlabels
Up until a few years ago, the majority of music fans had never heard of netlabels. This has changed as more and more netlabels are being created and promoted on mainstream music forums and have become a great source of finding free music and new talent.
“What are netlabels?” I hear some of you say. Netlabels (also known as online label, web label) are similar to record labels but are based online only. Usually netlabels release their material for free under a “Creative Commons” license deed.
Over the past few years, musicians have become disillusioned with the music industry because of illegal filesharing and how the record labels have never been able to cope with the problem. Record labels aren’t taking risks with new talent anymore, and as a result new artists are turning to netlabels to release their material. Some of them are setting up netlabels of their own.
Is this a good thing or a bad thing? I think it is a good thing as new talent can now get thier music to the masses without the need for the middle man. And if this gets them more exposure to the right people then it can only lead to good things for them in the long run.
Dont get me wrong, artists on netlabels DO want to sign to proper record labels. But, they can now have the best of both worlds by giving some of their music away for worldwide promotion and still earn money from releasing via record labels.
Over the past couple of years, netlabels have grown in popularity and getting more hits. I have seen this with my own eyes. And they will continue to grow.
Its only a matter of time before one of those netlabels becomes so popular that big record A&R take notice and snare the artists from it.
Or even buy it.
Barry Walker is owner and webmaster of BDWRekordings.com – Dance Music Netlabel.
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