Unsigned recording artists are looking to be discovered, and independent record labels (indies) are looking for unsigned recording artists. For bands and solo artists, indie labels provide outlets to an ever-growing fan base that continues to demand new and unique music.

True independent record labels negotiate recording agreements with artists, engineer recordings, and negotiate release agreements with national and international marketers quite independently of major record label companies. On the other hand, indies may sign agreements for release, distribution, and licensing with major labels. And major labels have initiated independent record labels (that are not so independent) of their own, which sign emerging artists and operate and distribute recordings under the auspices of the major label company. On occasion, once independent record labels will submit to partial or whole ownership by major labels.

Independent record labels have cornered a small but significant share of the music industry from the very beginning of recording history. Some real heydays have been experienced by independent record labels at times when popular genres of music have revolutionized the industry, such as in the 1960s and 1980s.

With the development of computer technology in the recent decade, reproduction and piracy of recorded music has become easily accomplished and widespread, especially in Asian and Eastern European street markets. In response, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) was established to provide independent record labels, recording artists, and buyers some protection against sales of pirated reproductions. The RIAA logo on a label should indicate that the label is truly of the independent record labels genre in the U.S. and elsewhere, though actually controlling piracy is extremely difficult.

Independent record labels, at any rate, thrive, and they are always looking for new material. Increasingly, recording artists create their own indie labels and distribute their own recordings.

This article provides a brief overview of independent record labels. If you would like to submit an article about independent record labels or any other music-related subject, please feel free to do so here at Media Positive Radio.