Macklemore: The Importance of Remaining Independent in the Music Industry

Most recording artists and bands want to get signed to a major record label and make it big in the industry. Most artists believe that getting signed to a major or independent record label is the “only” way to make it in the industry. What most recording artists and bands don’t realize is that being an independent artist can be just as beneficial as getting signed to a major or independent label. In some cases it can be better than getting signed to one of the big majors.

Most recently there has been an independent recording artist who has said that not being on a record label helped him succeed. Recording artist Macklemore explains that his success is a testament to how independent recording artist can make it big in the industry. He has currently sold over 4 million copies of his song “Thrift Shop” with views on YouTube reaching over 200 million. In an interview with Chris Hardwick on the Nerdist podcast Macklemore explains his logic of remaining independent. He states that the success of the song “Thrift Shop” is an example of how the music industry is changing.  He stated that it gives off the notion of a do-it-yourself attitude behind the music.

Macklemore also explains that there is no need for a record deal at this point in the game for him and Ryan Lewis. He stated that with the power of the Internet and the real personal relationship that you can have via social media, there is no need to get a label involved. He states that people complain about how MTV doesn’t play videos no more and how YouTube is totally the new way to view new music videos. He states that record labels go and spend millions of dollars on branding an artist and they have no idea what they are doing. The thing that sets Macklemore apart from the rest is his ability to figure out his target market and identify who is going to be receptive to their kind of music.

It is important to remain true to your craft and figure out what your target market is. Don’t waste energy on trying to get the labels to pay attention. Target your fans and have them pay attention to you!