West Pier Recordings

Do I need a record label?

In today's music industry landscape, the relationship between artists and major record labels has often been fraught with challenges. Issues like exploitation, poor deals, lack of transparency, and compromises on artistic integrity have plagued many artists. However, amidst these challenges, there's a growing trend of artists taking charge of their own promotion, releasing their music independently, and building their fan base from the ground up. This newfound autonomy allows artists to keep hold of their master’s and gain valuable experience in navigating the complex realms of marketing and technology, which is of the upmost importance.

This DIY approach empowers artists to develop their sound, hone their skills, develop their regular gigging and ‘on the road’ strategies and establish their reputation within the industry. Yet, as artists progress in their careers, there often comes a point where they seek additional support from a record label for further development, strategy-based release schedules, label guidance, and perhaps management. Ideally, artists look for a proactive label that not only offers financial investment but also shares their vision and is committed to propelling their success without curtailing their direction too much, if at all.

Many artists are drawn to independent record labels over major ones for several reasons. Independent labels prioritise flexibility and collaboration, developing a supportive environment for talent and future success. Surprisingly, as of 2024, the big three majors—Universal Music UK, Sony Music Entertainment UK, and Warner Music UK—control 85% of all UK music releases. These majors typically seek artists with at least 200,000 social media followers and often offer deals skewed heavily in favour of the label (70/30 split, sometimes 80/20). Yes, shock Horror! In contrast, independent record labels provide a viable alternative, bridging the gap in social media following requirements and offering more equitable deals, typically in a 50/50 split.

The goal for most artists is to transition from their day job to a full-time music career, and independent labels play a crucial role in making this dream a reality. An independent record label can propel an artist's career to a certain point, leveraging their connections and resources. If an artist demonstrates exceptional talent and has amassed a substantial fanbase, independent labels can broker deals with major labels to provide additional support and resources. This symbiotic relationship ensures that artists retain the foundation and rapport they've built the independent label while gaining access to the broader reach and resources of a major label.

So do you need a record label? the answer is probably yes, well at least at some point anyway, especially if your career is going in the right direction, so try not to be totally discouraged by record labels as they can really help your career and if you have the right label and the correct relationship with them, you will be on a good road to success, especially if you are awesomely talented and mentally prepared for the busy road ahead.

While it's true that signing with a record label may entail relinquishing some rights to owning your masters, it's crucial to consider the benefits. A record label invests time and resources into promoting and advancing your career as an artist. If this investment contributes to your career progression, the trade-off can be worthwhile. It's essential to find a record label that collaborates with you, developing a mutually beneficial relationship. Transparency and teamwork are key to creating a positive working environment for all involved.

At West Pier Recordings, we are working with our next artist preparing content for 2025. In the meantime if you are a successful gigging artist and you are looking for advice or possible meaningful collaboration, please get in touch with Julian. (julian@westpierrecordings.com) Lets chat :-)

1 year ago | [YT] | 1

West Pier Recordings

🎉 OUT TODAY: The Hotel EP by Victors! 🎉


We’re thrilled to announce that Leeds/London-based band Victors have just released their highly anticipated 5-track EP, The Hotel! On West Pier Recordings. 🎶✨


Check out the vibey music video for the title track, “The Hotel,” and experience the full EP by following the links in our bio. Don't miss out on this well-crafted new release! 🌟


#NewMusic2024 #the1975 #synthpop #victorsleeds #indiepop #indierock #victorsofficial #singer #songwriter #victorsofficial #TheHotelEP #leedsbands #popmusic #ukmusic #newmusicalert #britishpop

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

West Pier Recordings

The world is such a large place that we thought that it would be interesting to show our viewers how West Pier Recordings got its name.

Julian the label manager grew up in Brighton and was sat on the beach in 2003 whilst watching the West Pier unfortunately burning down in front of a large crowd that had gathered. This experience and having grown up in this seaside resort, left an indelible mark and long-lasting memories. Fast forward 21 years and West Pier Recordings was born.

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

West Pier Recordings

🎶 UK-based indie heroes ‘Victors’ are back with a bang! Their new EP 'The Hotel' drops digitally on May 31st, 2024. This 5-track gem blends Indie Pop, Dream Pop, and Indie Rock into a delicious musical cocktail that's sure to get your ears buzzing. 🎵



Following their recent successes with "Nothing Seems to Matter Now" and "Keep Living". This EP is packed with tracks that promise to hit you right in the feels department.



Wanna sneak peek? Check out the teaser video – it's like a sampler platter for your ears. Don’t miss your chance to be the first to experience 'The Hotel EP'. Pre-save it now and it'll pop into your music library like magic on release day. VIP vibes, right? 🎉✨



The Hotel EP Pre-Save Link: ingrv.es/the-hotel-m7a-5



#newmusic2024 #the1975 #synthpop #indiepop #victorsofficial #newmusicalert #popmusic #ukmusic #Spotify #youtubemusic #applemusic #KeepLiving #geeemurph #music, #singer, #artist, #songwriter, #livemusic, #newmusic #virginmusicuk

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

West Pier Recordings

Great to see VICTORS gaining further international coverage and being featured in the Rolling Stone - Argentina.

If you don't speak Spanish, it is translated here for easier reading... “Keep Living” is the second single of the 2024 vintage by Victors , a trio from Leeds, England, with impeccable talent for electronic pop and tireless choruses, who can equally comfortably cite both The xx and Michael Jackson among their influences. The electro-indie intention is evident, but so is a certain eighties vibe, although not necessarily in the sense in which that decade is usually reviewed but with the focus on the soul and clubber elegance of the bridge to the nineties. While The Hotel EP arrives at the end of the month, you can also listen to the previous single, “Nothing Seems to Matter Now” on all platforms.

es.rollingstone.com/arg-escucha-lo-ultimo-de-neil-…

#newmusic2024 #victors #virginmusicuk #newbandstofollow #the1975 #thexx #singer #victorsofficial #gorgeousradio #synthpop #indiepop #indierock #newmusicalert #popmusic #ukmusic #rollingstonemagazine #rollingstoneargentina

1 year ago | [YT] | 1

West Pier Recordings

🎸 Dive into the world of Victors! 🎶 Get to know the band up close and personal as they share their musical journey and creative direction. 🌟 Don't miss out – stay connected with their music and follow their artistic evolution. Subscribe now to be part of the Victors community!

Victors on YouTube: youtube.com/@VictorsOfficial?si=W51dwlxvX4yYL3Ta


Plus hear their latest release (26/2/24) 'Keep Living' by clicking this link...ingrv.es/keep-living-n2j-7

🎵#musiclovers#SubscribeNow#westpierrecordings#MusicalJourney#newbands#musicartists#songwriter#singers#ukmusic#livemusic#indiepop#popmusic#victorslive #victorsofficial

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1 year ago | [YT] | 1

West Pier Recordings

Victors return with their 2nd single taken from their upcoming EP 'The Hotel' out on 31st May. You can hear the full track by clicking this link with multiple platforms access, depending on your preferred platform. Additionally, the 'Keep Living' video is released on YouTube on 3rd May 2024. ingrv.es/keep-living-n2j-7

1 year ago | [YT] | 1