Independent record labels are on the rise

Conventional record labels may soon lose their place in India if the new breed of musicians have their way. Musicians these days prefer to record and distribute their own music.
The better known bands in the city have taken to this trend quickly and progressive rock band Slain has released their maiden album, Here and Beyond, independently. With the internet playing such a massive role in everybody’s lives, all that musicians need is to be savvy with the web to make themselves heard.
“Isn’t it better to own your music rather than give it to a record company?” asks Naresh Nathan, the bassist of Slain.“You can record your music over and over, until the sound is right,” he adds.
Marketing and distribution play a vital role in how well an album does, and the internet has opened up a whole new world. Listening to music is just a click away and it helps underground artists’ songs go viral. “It’s best to record and put your music out there on the internet for your audience,” says Naresh.
With video sharing sites, it makes sense to put music on the internet. The hype behind being signed by a record label has crumbled, and more bands are seeing the benefits of production. “Record labels just help in the distribution process. You don’t own your music,” adds Naresh.
Thermal and a Quarter (TAAQ), was among the first bands in Bangalore to record its tunes independently. Over the last 15 years of its existence, TAAQ has taken great pride in its “do it yourself” motto. “You can download music online and that makes it accessible,” says Hansel Laxman, who helps manage TAAQ, adding, “Labels are now trying to adapt to the changing paradigms, trying to monetize the digital space and capitalizing on artists’ live earnings.”
The fact that independent labels get a lot of recognition gives musicians encouragement. Home-recorded songs are being recognized and winning critical acclaim as well. Snakeism, the debut offering by Adam And The Fish Eyed Poets, a solo act by Kishore Krishna, won an award for the Best Indie Album of 2010. “I recorded Snakeism on an awful setup,” says Kishore, adding, “But I did manage to get some of my ideas out there and for free.”