Independent record label facts for kids

An independent record label, also known as an indie label, is a music company that works without funding from the huge, worldwide major record labels. Think of them as small businesses in the music world. Many indie labels join groups that support them, like the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), which helps them connect and work together globally.

Many indie labels got their start by focusing on specific types of music, like jazz or blues. They often support new and exciting sounds that aren't yet popular. For example, an indie label first signed Elvis Presley! Today, indie labels release all kinds of music, including rock, soul, hip hop, and world music. Music from these labels is often called indie music.

What Is an Indie Label?

Independent record labels are smaller companies that make and sell music. They are not owned or funded by the three "major" record labels: Sony, Warner, and Universal. While indie labels release a lot of different music, they often have a smaller share of total music sales compared to the majors.

Many musicians start their careers on indie labels. It gives them a chance to grow and be creative before possibly signing with a bigger company.

Sometimes, the line between an indie and a major label can be blurry. A successful indie label might partner with a major label to help sell its music around the world. Also, a major label might buy an indie label, or even start its own small label that looks independent. These are sometimes called "boutique labels" and are often created for famous artists.

The History of Indie Labels

Indie labels have a long history of discovering the next big thing in music. They have often been the first to support new sounds and genres that major labels might have ignored.

The Early Days: Jazz and Rock 'n' Roll

After World War II, many small recording studios popped up. This was a big change for the music business. These small studios started their own labels to release music in genres like country, jazz, and blues.

One of the most famous early indie labels was Sun Records. In the 1950s, it was the first to record superstars like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Sun Records played a huge role in creating the sound of rock 'n' roll.

These early indie labels gave artists more freedom to experiment. They didn't need to sell millions of records to be successful, so they could take risks on new ideas. In the 1960s, famous labels like Motown and Stax brought R&B and soul music to the world.

The Punk Rock Boom

In the 1970s, the punk rock movement gave indie labels a new burst of energy. Punk was all about a "do-it-yourself" or "DIY" attitude. Bands didn't want to wait for a major label, so they started their own or signed with small, independent ones.

In the United Kingdom, a label called Stiff Records released the first British punk single. In Australia, the band the Saints released their first song on their own label. This inspired thousands of people to create and release their own music.

By the late 1970s and 1980s, indie labels like Rough Trade, Mute, and Factory were very important. They helped launch the careers of many famous post-punk and indie rock bands. The success of these labels led to the creation of the UK Indie Chart, which tracked the sales of independently released music.

Indie Music Today

In the 1990s, indie labels were key to the rise of alternative rock. The American label Epitaph Records released the album Smash by The Offspring, which sold over 12 million copies. It became one of the best-selling independent albums of all time.

Today, indie labels continue to be a powerful force in music. They have been very important in growing genres like underground hip hop. Artists like MF Doom found success on indie labels such as Stones Throw Records.

With the internet and streaming, it's easier than ever for artists to release music independently. Many modern indie labels, like XL Recordings (home to artists like Adele and Radiohead), have become very successful. In the world of K-pop, companies that started small, like Big Hit Entertainment (the company behind BTS), have grown to become global giants, showing the power of the independent spirit.

Worldwide Independent Network (WIN)

The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) was founded in 2006. It is a global group that represents indie music communities from many different countries. WIN helps indie labels work together and ensures they have a strong voice in the global music industry.

WIN's members include trade groups from all over the world, such as:

• A2IM (USA)
• AIM (UK)
• AIR (Australia)
• CIMA (Canada)
• IMPALA (Europe)

These groups work to support local indie labels and artists, helping them compete with major companies. In 2016, a WIN report showed that the independent music sector made up over 37% of the global music market, earning $5.6 billion.

Images for kids

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  MF DOOM was a pioneering artist in the underground hip hop scene. His success on indie labels brought more attention to the genre.

See also

In Spanish: Compañía discográfica independiente para niños

• Australian Independent Record Labels Association
• Independent music
• List of record labels
• Record label