Tuesday, August 8th, 2023.
Hey, it’s TJ Miller, “you want some game?” Let's #tipundathehat!
For the best indie music from indie artists, click, and follow Indie Artist Of The Week Unda The Hat. This week, Tom Braxton. Be sure to hit the like button and follow this amazing group of indie artists. They will be big time soon.
Production Company/Record Label know the difference? - Let’s go -
Now no hate to anybody out there so please don’t anybody feel attacked; but a lot of y’all that say you have record labels have production companies. The thing I never understand is why not feel proud of your production company, why call it a Record Label? 🤷🏽♂️
The main difference between a music production company and a record label is that a production company is responsible for the creative and technical aspects of production, while a record label is responsible for the business and marketing aspects of music distribution. Now I know you might think that because you sign up with Distrokid you have a record label, because they do ask what is the name of your label. But…long sigh….that’s not really a label. Now I’m not trying to downplay your business prowess, because if you put in the work, like doing the video, the marketing, advertising, the publishing, and calling around for gigs and sync licensing then yes now we are talking about label responsibilities and you are an actual label owner. *side note - make sure you get your inc or your LLC or at the very least your DBA and EIN number.
Production companies usually consist of one or two individuals with limited resources and work primarily on the beats, the music, or even the engineering. If you are a singer being presented with a contract from such a company, just be aware of who and what you’re dealing with. Unfortunately, more than occasionally, such a company that helps with your production and studio time calling themselves a “Record Label,” will present a 360 agreement that locks the artist into a long-term deal. They then make the company the artist’s music publisher and takes a substantial cut of all the income and a whole bunch of nefarious things and won’t do any real record label work.
Additionally, a music production company typically works with artists to develop their sound, record music, and produce music videos. They may also provide other services such as songwriting, arranging, and mixing.
A record label, on the other hand, is responsible for signing artists, marketing their music, and distributing it to stores and streaming services. They may also provide additional services such as tour management, merchandising, and artist development.
In some cases, a music production company and a record label may be the same entity. However, it is more common for a record label to have a production company in it than the other way around. This is because the two types of companies have different skill sets and expertise. Music production companies are typically staffed by engineers, producers, musicians, beat makers, tambourine shakers, and other creative folks. Record labels, on the other hand, are typically staffed by social media marketers, radio promotion guys, business executives, advertising professionals, and lawyers sometimes called suits.
So to think about it, for the DIY musician the production is ultra important in the process. Here’s why - the music has got to be tight. And yes, again I’m not here to blow up anybody’s spot, because some one-man/two-man record labels are eating well. This is more so that you artists aren’t drawn into situations where a producer says I got a label with distribution (meaning CDbaby which you can get on your own) and locks you and your music down for longer than you need.
This week's #IAOTW - Independent Artists Of The Week is - Tom Braxton. 
A seasoned performer, who knows how to charm audiences of all ages, Braxton has his own distinctive and recognizable sound which incorporates elements of Jazz, Latin, Funk, and R&B and leaves listeners spellbound, filled with a sense of joy as his music swirls through your soul. He was inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame in 2017.
Click on their name link, scroll down to their picture, then click and support. You won’t believe how talented he is.
For more information on this or to hire Unda The Hat as your brand or label consultant send a message via undathehat.com. See you next week!!