In this day and age, you do not need to sign to a record label to be a professional musician. But you do need systems to be able to work for yourself.

For decades until now, labels handled all the systems needed for artists’ success: funding, studio access, producer connections, royalty accounting, distribution, marketing, and administration, etc.. If you were signed to a label, the business infrastructure came built in.

Of course, these contracts also came with heavy strings attached. While artists could lean on their label for more sales, they lost the creative freedom they had before signing. They weren’t getting paid how they expected. Their work lives and creative direction were directed by labels to try and maximize profits. It didn’t take long for artists to realize that record labels were in business for money, not the love of music.

This put a sour taste in artists’ mouths, so now, many choose to manage themselves and forgo the hassle altogether. 

Today, access to the music industry is decentralized. Platforms like DistroKid and TuneCore let artists release music at a global scale without a record deal. Streaming services like Spotify make it possible for anyone’s songs to get discovered, while engines like TikTok can amplify music more than the radio. 

Because it’s possible to do so, more artists are staying independent for control over their time and creative freedom. Of course, this implies a lot of work.

If you are independent, you are now your own creative director, A&R, operations manager, finance department, and release coordinator. You’re busy. Naturally, without organized systems for managing your music business, it could fall apart.

Undocumented splits, lost files and chaotic studio sessions will kill your momentum. Get your paperwork in order.

One system you should know of as an independent musician is split sheets. If you’re new to music and you don’t know what split sheets are, they are a way for you to keep track of the collaborators on each song or work. They detail each collaborator’s percentage of ownership in the record on the publishing and master side. After all collaborating parties come to terms on the percentages of ownership per song, they all sign off on a split sheet certifying the agreement.

This can be very helpful in the future when it comes to negotiating deals, licensing your music. Split sheets help protect your wallet by ensuring you’re paid for the contributions you’ve made to a song. They also protect you legally, in case you get sued.

Speaking of getting sued, one way to avoid that is by staying well-connected and maintaining a good reputation in the industry. That means working face-to-face with industry locals, like other producers, musicians and recording studios. 

Don’t box yourself into your home recording studio; it makes it hard for others nearby to get to know and trust you as an artist. And don’t be afraid to book small venues for shows, as those can really stir word of mouth and springboard your local career before going (hopefully, if you want) global.

This is where StudioBook can help: with easy, reliable studio booking. When it comes to your studio booking system, we’ve got you covered. Just find, book and pay for sessions on StudioBook. The software is meant to help artists and studios manage all their bookings in one place. 

Instead of relying on a record label to book studio time, artists are doing it themselves on our platform. And it’s helping them grow their careers and network with other artists. 

Don’t overlook the value of real-life connections and collaboration as you dive into your music career. For serious artists, easy booking management shaves hours off their workload every month.

Making and releasing music consistently is how you’ll stay visible and build a following sooner than later. Be discoverable, be visible, even if you’re just doing it for the sake of consistency.

As an artist, it’s impossible to believe everything you release will be a masterpiece. Don’t get stuck on making things perfect, just make them to industry standards and refine your sound over time. Your artistry is an evolution, not an epiphany. 

Success won’t happen overnight from one song or social media post. With that in mind, plan how you’d like to show up for listeners online. How often should you post? What channels will you use?

Strategize your marketing and content so it’s recognizable and deploys in a constant stream. Even if you’re not releasing new music as much as you’d like, you can still keep posting the songs you have released (or other behind-the-scenes content) to show followers you’re still here. 

Don’t let people forget about you. Book small shows when it feels right. Post online regularly. Show your face in nearby recording studios. Keep creating. Before you know it, you’ll have built yourself a reputation that makes people want to shake your hand.

You don’t need a record label to look, sound, or operate like a professional musician. The more you practice and optimize your business systems, the more professional you will be. 

Protect your work, build a music community in person and online, and stay consistent. These little systems play into the grand scheme of your music career. Once they’re in place, all you have to do is stay organized and show up.

What do you think about signing to a record label?

As an indie musician, what’re the first processes you put in place? Drop a comment below.

If you’re a vocalist, instrumentalist or engineer/producer looking for a recording studio, find and book one on StudioBook.io! Make an account, book a recording studio near you, and show up to record.

Do you own a recording studio? Make some extra money by renting it out on StudioBook.io. List your services, equipment and hourly rate, get booked, get paid per session.

To collab with us on Instagram, post a video of your studio session, tag @StudioBook.io and add us as a collaborator!

We’re also on Threads. Check us out and join the conversation.

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