Record Label

Trends for 2023

Upcoming innovative record label ideas we’ll likely see more of this year!

Fans are becoming more aware of how challenging it is to run a record label. I’ve noticed record labels taking a break, publicly sharing their struggles, and comfortably putting their labels on indefinite hiatus.
More and more labels are being forthcoming with their business’s financial struggles, which I believe, leads to more empathy and support from the general public.
Ultimately, I’ve been noticing record labels becoming more transparent with the entire process from managing artist relationships, mastering, manufacturing, shipping, and accounting. We shouldn’t assume fans know how everything works, day-to-day transparency can breed empathy and patience.

There are a lot of traditional release initiatives that can be abandoned with very little consequence. This can include things like single premieres, playlist pushing, pressing to vinyl, or any part of the release process that you’re not comfortable with!
I’ve been a big proponent for building long lead times into your upcoming releases. Having said that, there are always exceptions to rules, and there’s something exciting about surprise releases or labels who reinvent the way they release new music!
One of the biggest consequences of the pandemic and increased costs has been the unsustainable nature of touring. This has resulted in some bands completely abandoning lengthy tours in exchange for more writing, recording, and releasing.

Co-releasing an album with an international label can help expose your artists to previously-unattainable markets. By giving another label exclusive rights to their home region, you are putting the release in the hands of someone who is more familiar with the local distribution channels, press outlets, and indie record stores.
An additional benefit of co-releasing is the ability to share responsibilities based on each other's specialties. For example, you might have streaming and Playlisting figured out, but need another label to help with physical distribution.
One of the best parts of co-releasing with another record label is the inherent support you provide one another. Running a label can be a lonely job, and co-releases can provide you with someone to commiserate with.

At the start of the war in Ukraine, a lot of labels stepped up by creating compilation albums with the money earmarked for Ukraine musicians and labels who needed support. There have been all sorts of fundraising compilations for various other charities or urgent needs.
In some cases, record labels have dedicated a single day of sales to a charity or specific cause. You can also donate all of the sales of a specific item like a test pressing, new t-shirt, or debut single.
Taking things a step even further, some labels are applying for charitable status and becoming a full-time non-profit organization. This is something I think we will see a lot more of in the coming year…

I’ve been inspired by some labels who are refusing to feel pressured to keep up with any sort of regular release schedule. Instead, these labels are doing 1 or 2 albums a year, or maybe nothing for 10 months and then 2-3 releases in the fall. In some cases, these labels are simply taking the year off, only to return when their situation allows. These irregular release schedules are completely fine if they help preserve the long-term existence of your record label!
I also expect to see more unique physical formats being made this year, perhaps more short-run lathe cuts or handmaid tapes. The increasing costs of manufacturing has driven labels to be more creative in how they manufacture.
We’ve mentioned a few times this past year how many unexpected opportunities are found in unique in-person events. You should experiment with selling records at local record fairs, flea markets, farmer’s markets, and more events where you’re the only record label. The novelty of being the only record label will help generate excitement and sales.