I’ve lost count of the number of times people have suggested that we start our own record label. And I’ve also lost count of the number of times I’ve explained to people that the concept of “unsigned” is an unhelpful one.
If you’re not signed to a record label, you’re an independent artist. Simple as that. It’s no reflection on the quality of your music, your artistic integrity or your consumer appeal. You just don’t happen to have a business relationship with people who do that sort of work.
And in a lot of cases, that’s a good thing. We’ve all heard horror stories of working with record labels.
But we know that despite widespread changes to the industry that have opened up all sorts of opportunities to independent artists, people are still very attached to the notion of being ‘signed’ or ‘unsigned’ – and to the various meanings that are often associated with those concepts.
For many, being an ‘unsigned’ artist carries a stigma. So we thought we’d do away with the concept entirely by starting a record label that will sign EVERYONE. Literally everyone.
Today we helped launch an online music project we’re very proud to be involved in – Music Basti’s ‘Monkey on the Roof‘ album.
In essence, Monkey on the Roof is an album featuring recordings of Delhi street children singing songs with professional musicians. We’re selling the recording online to raise money for the Music Basti charity. The album was produced by our own Ian Wallman and was made possible through a research project by the Birmingham Centre for Media and Cultural Research.
Best thing about it is that the website is full of videos where you can see how the album was made, meet the children, learn about the amazing work that Music Basti do, and learn just what an incredible impact that music has on the lives of these kids affected by poverty.
Go explore the website and make sure you get yourself a copy of the album – for whatever you think it’s worth. And if you can help spread the word, we’d really appreciate it – and so would they.
People often ask us what we do. It’s hard to say. It has to do with music, new ideas, consulting, partnering and working on things we think are interesting. And the things we think are interesting tend to be about making the world a better place. We think music’s quite good at that.
‘More music by more people in more places’ would be one way of looking at it. This video would be another. We’re helping (the brilliant) arts organisation Heart & Soul with this project: The Dean Rodney Singers.
Its aim is to provide useful resources, advice and strategies for innovation and success in the independent music sector in a rapidly changing technological environment.
NMS examines emerging technologies (and buzzwords) such as AI, blockchain, metaverse and 'Web 3.0', but focuses primarily on sustainability, music as a tool for social change, participation, equality and inclusion, and the ways in which music technologies can build better worlds.
I’ve lost count of the number of times people have suggested that we start our own record label. And I’ve also lost count of the number of times I’ve explained to people that the concept of “unsigned” is an unhelpful one.