independents vs netlabels?

[holden]

Hey folks!

So, there are several of you that post around here that have actually released your music to a broader audience. I need you advise and/or opinions!

Though it's a bit of a laugh, i am now actively shopping my music to small independent labels specializing in experimental electronic or straight-up dance. There are hundreds of labels, many defunct or foreign, so it's hard to know their reputation for helpfulness, release schedule, or sometimes even their preferred style. But who knows, maybe someone will bite. It's a niche market, and i have absolutely NO delusions of "Making it big" or making any money out of this. Really, i'd just like to take some of my better tracks and have a physical result that more than a dozen or so people actuallty might hear.

On the other hand, there are hundreds upon hundreds of "netlabels", many releasing really excellent free electronic music as mp3 or lossless, under the creative commons license. They provide the hosting, maybe a bit of promo to other online distributors/archive.org, and perhaps a lil artwork. But many others are kinda unprofessional and totally obscure.
Quick and easy, but it is all sort of "virtual". I'm quite in to having a physical version of music, although i'll admit that runs counter to the mp3 culture and the fact that the record industry is kaput. i guess if the intent is just to have your music heard, it's great.

So, what do you think, if i had to choose between finding an indie or DIY on a netlabel? Can you help me further consider the pros and cons?

Cheers,
holden

[Buji]

There is no right or wrong answer to this as the Industry is so up in the air at the moment there is no foolproof direct route to get yourself the best deal.
I would say that an Indie label is effectively a net label anyway so the only pro in your case is that you might get a physical release and a digital release at the same time on an indie where as you would only get digital on a net only label! So many avenues to go down at the moment which is also a great thing as it is open to do something new Underworld are a perfect example of that at the moment.

You should get your music on this site:-
http://www.i-dance.com

You upload your music and dj's/producers of all styles of dance music review and give you marks out of ten and advice in turn for your reviews on them. If you get good feedback the site sends your track exclusively to selected labels!
I just got one of my tracks selected and sent to 52 labels, so will let you know if this pans out well!

cheers, Jez.

http://www.i-dance.com/buji

[holden]

Thnaks, Buji...i just signed up there....
http://www.i-dance.com/geopainter

it will be interested in receiving and giving feedback. Nice work on your track, too! Sure enough, it's really great!

Anyone else have thoughts on the advantages of netlabels or indie labels?

[Camiel]

Hmmm, maybe I should register there as well. I can remember that someone spoke to me about this on last Amsterdam Dance Event. I didn't know that you have to pay for it though.

Holden, another option is the following.
If you can label your kind of music, you can check the record labels on a mix cd with that kind of music and send your tracks to them. At least you can be quite sure that you don't send your tracks to a deadmetal label for instance. I'm thinking about this option. I will check for example various cd's by dr. Lektroluv.

[Camiel]

Holden I've joined i-dance as well (on trial). http://www.i-dance.com/TinFoilHats.

[Camiel]

Hi Buji! LOL, I didn't realize it was you I've reviewed and asked if you're an Underworld fan.