Blog Task 11- Difference between Mainstream and Independent

Mainstream Artist/ Group- One Direction 

Signed to: Syco Music & Columbia Records
Signed By: Simon Cowell

Merchandise: T-shirts, Clothes , Bags , Perfume and many more. This is a form of advertisement/ promotion and also making money.

Background on One Direction:
They all auditioned for X-Factor then got put into a group which lead them to coming 3rd place.

Advantages and Disadvantages?

Advantages of being a part of a mainstream label are that

• It allows instant publicity e.g Radio play, Video Airtime etc
• Signing Bonus
• Distributes to a larger audience leading to artists being known world wide
• Have financial support
• Can collaborate with popular artists

Disadvantages of being a part of a mainstream label are that

• Each individual gets a smaller percentage of money
• No artist freedom
• Major label politics which could amount to never ending pushbacks
• Labels can be exploiting the artist

Independent Artists- Lanterns on the Lake 

Signed to : Bella Union

Merchandise: Albums, Records and T-shirts

Background: They are not very known but the have been in small gigs and concerts.

Advantages and Disadvantages?

Advantages of being a part of a Independent label are that

• you can have your own independence when it come to your songs/ music
• freedom to do exactly what you want
• have control over decision making

Disadvantages of being a part of a Independent label are that

• Your'e not known globally 
• you have no financial help
• you're completely independent so you have to do everything yourself
• less profit due to it being a smaller scale

How many different ways can fans of bands find out information about them?

There are many different ways in which information in relation to your favourite bands can be found. Mainly through the use of social media e.g. Facebook, twitter , Instagram etc. Another popular website which contains important information on artists/bands is Wikipedia it includes everything... ranging from previous experiences in which the artists have experienced, their age , and many more.

Would you rather be signed to a mainstream or Independent?

In my opinion I'd rather be signed to a mainstream because there's a lot of support financially which is important as a artist so you can promote , create music videos , go on tours. Whereas starting off as an Independent artists can be tricky unless you have some form of connections which will help you become noticed a lot more. With reference to my research I'd rather be mainstream and then gradually become independent.