Mainstream VS. Indie

Mainstream VS. Indie

One Direction (Mainstream)


Lanterns In The Lake (Indie)



Questions:
1. What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages to being signed to an independent label?
Advantages: The artist gets more artistic freedom and choice with his/her art and is less likely to be manipulated as there is less demand from fans. Another advantage is that the artist is less likely to be dropped by the label because there are lower expectations with independent labels, meaning they can take more risks with artists and are not pressured to drop an artist from the label if something doesn't go according to plan.
Disadvantages: Low finance means they cannot afford merchandise and rely merely on advertising through the internet which may restrict the amount of fans they gain.

2. What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages to being signed to a mainstream label?
Advantages: Mainstream labels have a lot of money behind them and therefore can afford to sell their artists through OOH advertising and buying merchandise, etc. as well as using social networking sites to reach out to the fans.
Disadvantages: Lack of artistic freedom and choice. An artist can record a whole album, only to have it not released by the label. E.g. Nas's album.

3. How important do you think merchandise and ancillary products are to the success of the band and to the audiences?
I believe they are extremely important to the success of an artist or band. The merchandise is crucial in reaching out to your target audience. The merchandise has to accurately suit the characteristics and personalities of the fan base. E.g. it would not make sense for a band from the Rock genre, to release pink duvets with pastel colours because their fan base are highly unlikely to purchase such things.

4. How many different ways can fans of the bands find out information about them?
Through their official websites, social networking sites (Facebook page, Twitter feed, Instagram, etc.), Wikipedia.

5. Would you rather be signed to a mainstream or independent label? Explain why.
The answer to this question all depends upon how the person defines success. They may view success financially or artistically. If they measure success according to how much money and fame they gain, then mainstream would be ideal as they have the adequate finances to market the artist and their art. Whereas, if they measure their success according to how many people actually listen to their music, then an indie label would be perfect as they focus more on the distribution of the music to the fans. They focus less on what they're getting in return for it.