Thanks to the digital era of music, resources and opportunities to industry success has expanded significantly. Record labels have held "top dog" roles in the music industry since the invention of the phonograph (the first device to record and play back music.) Seizing this opportunity, labels sought out musicians to produce the initial physical copies of music and negotiated agreements with retail shops to distribute and sell these copies, making them the first music accessible to public consumers.

Traditionally, record labels were essential for an artist’s success, controlling the means of production, distribution, and promotion. They held exclusive access to CD production facilities, retail distribution networks, and promotional channels like TV, radio, and billboards through media and retail partnerships. These elements were pivotal in reaching audiences and generating revenue but were locked behind the gates of label contracts.

. Previously, record labels were not only essential for producing mass copies of CDs and securing retail partnerships to sell those CDs in stores (a model that dominated revenue generation in the music industry), but today, these practices have become relics of the past. Artists now harness streaming platforms to distribute their music to their audience through services like Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, etc. that allows them to produce income directly, eliminating the need for physical distribution.

This shift to digital means major labels' primary marketing methods now involve search engine marketing (SEM) and social media campaigns utilizing the tools they offer businesses a platform tailored to use their collected user-data to launch targeted ad campaigns and reach an audience tailored to interests that align with you. On their platforms, techniques that are accessible to anyone with an internet connection, not just industry giants.

This new accessibility has rendered traditional record label contracts obsolete. These contracts, often exploitative, were structured more as loans where artists had to pay back their advances, and labels retained significant control over their earnings and rights. Now, with the tools to manage their careers independently available online, artists no longer need to relinquish control or accept unfair terms for the chance of success.

At Genesis, we empower artists with the knowledge and resources to thrive independently in this new digital ecosystem. Join us to navigate the music industry with transparency and take control of your artistic and financial future. Click “Learn More” to discover how we can help you redefine success in the music world.