The music industry has evolved dramatically in the past decade, giving artists more control over their careers than ever before. Aspiring singers now face a crucial decision: Should they pursue crowdfunding to maintain independence, or seek a record label deal for industry support? Both paths have pros and cons, and the best choice depends on an artist’s goals, resources, and long-term vision.

In this blog, we’ll compare crowdfunding and record labels to help you decide which path to take first.

1. Crowdfunding: independence and creative control

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Patreon have empowered musicians to fund their projects without giving up ownership. Artists can raise money directly from fans to produce albums, shoot music videos, or even fund tours.

Pros of crowdfunding:

Full creative control – You decide your sound, branding, and release schedule.
Direct fan engagement – Build a loyal fanbase that financially supports your work.
No recoupment pressure – Unlike labels, you don’t owe investors a percentage of future earnings.
Ownership of masters – You retain full rights to your music, leading to higher long-term royalties.

Cons of crowdfunding:

Requires strong marketing skills – You need a solid social media presence and promotional strategy.
Unpredictable income – Success depends on your ability to rally supporters.
Time-consuming – Managing campaigns takes effort away from creating music.

Proven success stories:

• Amanda Palmer raised $1.2 million on Kickstarter for her album Theatre Is Evil. (Source: The Guardian)
• Pomplamoose built a sustainable career through Patreon and YouTube. (Source: Forbes)

2. Record labels: industry support and resources

Record labels (major and indie) provide funding, marketing, distribution, and industry connections. However, signing a deal often means sacrificing some creative and financial control.

Pros of record labels:

Financial backing – Labels cover production, marketing, and tour costs upfront.
Industry expertise – Access to top producers, A&R teams, and promotional networks.
Faster growth potential – Major labels can push your music to radio, playlists, and global audiences.

Cons of record labels:                                        

Loss of creative control – Labels may influence your sound, image, and release strategy.
Long-term financial commitments – Many artists don’t recoup advances, meaning they earn little until debts are paid.
Ownership issues – Labels often take a percentage of masters and publishing rights.

Industry insights:

• Many artists regret signing restrictive deals. Tinashe spoke about creative frustrations under her major label. (Source: Billboard)
• Indie labels like AWAL and Tunecore offer more flexibility than traditional deals. (Source: Rolling Stone)

Which should you choose first?

Start with crowdfunding if:

You have an engaged fanbase.
You want full ownership of your music.
You’re comfortable handling marketing and business aspects.

Consider a record label if:

You need major funding and industry connections.
You’re willing to compromise some control for faster growth.
You’re targeting mainstream radio and playlist placements.

Final verdict: a hybrid approach?

Many modern artists start independently, build a fanbase through crowdfunding, and later negotiate better label deals (if needed). Chance the Rapper won Grammys without a label, while Lizzo leveraged indie success into a major deal.

Key takeaway:

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Weigh your priorities—independence vs. industry support—and choose the path that aligns with your career vision.

Further reading:

• How Independent Artists Are Succeeding Without Labels (Billboard)
• The Pros and Cons of Record Deals (Soundcharts)

What’s your take? Would you go independent or seek a label deal first? Let’s discuss in the comments! 🎵🚀