With cracks appearing in the very foundations of major record labels, small independent labels driving on empty with the petrol warning light glowing, and some artists successfully taking the D.I.Y approach, is there really a place for the record label in today’s ever changing musical landscape?

Well in my opinion the answer to this question undoubtedly has to be yes, but then I would say that wouldn’t I, after all, I run a record label!

However, I am constantly asking myself another question; “what does a record label actually do?” This question pops into my head almost on a daily basis, which might sound a bit worrying - running a business and apparently not understanding what the heck it is we are supposed to be doing! But I actually believe this is quite healthy, in an industry turned upside down by digital media, recession and greed questioning your very existence and being prepared to adapt your business model to keep up with the changes is possibly one of the keys to survival.

Talking Junk
Having said all that, I now feel the need to provide you with some kind of solid proof to back up my theory that there is still a place in the music industry for record labels. So I’ve had a chat with the team and convinced them (over a few glasses of wine) that it would be a great idea if we took you behind the scenes of our tiny record label and shared some of our past and future experiences, whether they be good, bad or ugly!

I did have to dish out rather a lot of booze to convince everyone (including our artists) that this is a good plan.  At first glance it may seem a little crazy giving out back stage passes so people can see how bad we really are at running a record label, or potentially proving myself to be completely wrong about the need for record labels at all, but here’s a few reasons why we think this could work for all of us:-

1. We are contacted by many solo artists and bands who are looking for a recording contract and seeking advice on how to progress their careers. So if you are a creator of music, our journey may just provide you with a few useful gems of information along the way which may help you to make some decisions about your own way forward.
2. If you are in the music industry or are considering starting up your own record label, we hope that sharing our experiences will help you to avoid some of the pitfalls and problems we have encountered, and you never know, we may even be able to help each other out at some point? But above all hopefully we can have a bit of a laugh about it all.
3. If you are a music lover, this may well turn out to be a fascinating journey for you to become involved with. We can certainly guarantee plenty of ups and downs, successes and failures and a few tears and tantrums. And you never know, perhaps you will fall in love with one of our artists along the way and become a fan!

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