Unsigned Artists - Success Without Record Labels

Released on: September 11, 2007, 3:19 pm

Press Release Author: Lathum

Industry: Entertainment

Press Release Summary: Unsigned artists have a greater chance of success today than
ever before. On one hand, composing and performing songs without the shadow of a
struggling record label hanging overhead leaves musicians free to express themselves
instinctively from the soul. On the other, it requires a lot of work behind the
scenes, but can offer can offer greater rewards in return.

Press Release Body: Unsigned artists have a greater chance of success today than
ever before. On one hand, composing and performing songs without the shadow of a
struggling record label hanging overhead leaves musicians free to express themselves
instinctively from the soul. On the other, it requires a lot of work behind the
scenes, but can offer can offer greater rewards in return.

Brooklyn-based band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah broke through in 2005 as a result of
the commotion started online among a community of blogs and music sites, such as
Pitchfork Media. As a result, their self-financed, self-released and self-titled
debut album has sold more than 200,000 copies. Band bassist Tyler Sargent explained
to Paste magazine (12/6/06) why the band has remained unsigned, despite their
success: \"Because there are so many new avenues opening up these days...if you have
good songs and the right relationships you can just totally bypass this whole label
system. Which is just great for independent music...and this way, we get 80 percent,
or at least a larger chunk of (our earnings). And it just makes more sense.\"

The truth is, the major label end of the music industry is in \"turmoil,\" as noted by
CBS Evening News (5/28/07), as \"CD sales plummeted 20 percent the first three months
of this year.\" In the same piece, Wilco\'s lead singer Jeff Tweedy stated that
\"Technology has evened the playing field. If the artist can gain more power over the
situation--over the economics of the situation--why wouldn\'t they take it?\"

While the Internet has become the most vital and effective marketing tool, taking
music to the streets has become the bread an butter for many acts. On a smaller
scale, Heath & Jed have made a living off of the CD sales and tips they\'ve received
playing the streets and subways of New York City. In their Gothamist tour diary
(8/14/06), they revealed: \"We've sold over 10,000 CD's this year. One fan at a
time...We came and we conquered and we made some money to live another day as
musicians, doing what we love.\"

Sony\'s Connect music site did a feature on unsigned Fullerton, CA band Cold War Kids
who \"have risen to the top of the hipster rock heap through their relentless
touring.\" In the related interview, lead singer Nathan Willett talked about the
process of peddling their homemade EPs during their non-stop tours: \"Basically (the
EPs) were available at our shows at best, and we ran out of them a lot, and it was
kind of a bummer because we couldn\'t put the effort into being at home and getting
more made. But it was cool because we had a limited amount of them and people seemed
to want them, and we were surprised that people wanted them as much as they did.\"

There are no rules to follow when it comes to unsigned bands promoting their music.
From utilizing their fan base to promote local live shows, new releases and
merchandise, to reaching new fans outside via online communities like Facebook and
social music sites such as Echoboost, the extra effort will only aid them along the
way. As long as they have quality songs, the talent to perform them live and a
dedicated work ethic to spread the music, nothing can stand in their way.


Web Site: http://www.echoboost.com

Contact Details: 1 North 2 West
Orem, UT 84606
801 123 4567

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