In the 90s and back, the only way to "make it" the music industry meant that you had to sign with a record label (especially a major record company).
Fast forward to 2020 and that is no longer the case. In this day and age, it's easy to release a single or an album project.
Most artists are either self-signed and doing everything by themselves or have some sort of a licensing deal with a record label.
By record labels, I'm referring to a major record label in this context. A major record company is your Sony/BMG, Universal, Warner Music Group and EMI.
In fact, I believe there are only three major labels remaining because EMI was absorbed into Universal Music.
But having said that, the labels should also be given some credit for helping to break unknown artists into superstardom.
But Do Artists need record labels?
Well, it depends on the artist's goals and wishes. For example, if you want to make a living as quickly as possible, then signing a record deal might make sense to you.
The big three major labels have the resources and finances to promote and distribute any artist. So everything would happen quicker if you were signed to a label - better promotion and distribution = Success! Right?
But signing a standard record deal means you have to give up the rights of owning your music which can come back to haunt you later in life.
If you want to build a business and a music career steadily then Independence would be the way to go. However, being an independent artist is not easy and requires one to make huge sacrifices along the way.
You have to pay for everything - every expense that you can think of. And that money has to come from somewhere.
But you would be in charge of your career and the material that you produce and put out.
So in conclusion, there is no one size fits all advice for all artists. Know yourself and assess your needs and that should help you to make the final decision.
Good luck and all the best.
