Electronic dance music labels have been steadily growing in numbers for the past five years or so, and they’re certainly a force to be reckoned with. Their growth has coincided with the evolution of electronic dance music from a bunch of basement-based enthusiasts into something you’d expect to find on the radio between Xxy Girls and Britney Spears’ “Hit Me One More Time.” As such, labels like Planet Mu and others have gotten involved, putting out original albums and cutting albums with artists from the biggest and most respected DJs in the world.
So where do these electronic dance music labels come from? They tend to come from a place that’s relatively separate and distinct from the music industry as a whole, although they’re often in contact with it. That place is the industry itself. Labels work with recording studios and talent agencies to get record deals, which then allow them to commission or manage recordings by up-and-coming DJs and other talent. Often they act as representatives when it comes time to negotiate contracts or licensing details.
These days, labels don’t just put out an album and call it a record. There are so many changes and advancements in technology over the past decade or so that labels need to evolve with the times and keep up with the trends. A label can’t simply release an album and assume that the market will respond well to it. Instead, labels need to get proactive and start putting out programs and campaigns that will make their music known to potential buyers. Of course, labels also have traditional marketing strategies in place and those are still relevant even though the market has changed so dramatically. They still need to use sound management tools to get the message of their electronic dance music labels out there.
In order to be on top of the game and create a successful electronic music label, the group needs to have their own DJ or at least a very experienced one. In the past, labels rely on live acts to promote their releases but those aren’t the only options available today. Now that most electronic dance music record labels utilize social media, they are able to host webpages and interact with fans in ways that they couldn’t back in the day. For example, a label could create a Facebook page for fans to “like” and comment on. If they get enough fans to notice their page, they might eventually attract the interest of an artist who might want to sign the band.
It’s important to note that these social media interactions take time. In fact, most artists working with electronic dance music labels won’t sign on with a label until they’re confident that the label understands their vision. The artists have to be satisfied with the results or else they may turn their back on the labels completely. When an artist is satisfied with the overall impact of the labels, they are more likely to continue to promote their music through various social media outlets.
The best way to become part of an electronic music record label is to get yourself involved. Make sure that your DJ has a Twitter account and at least one Facebook page. If your DJ can’t make their own page, find a friend who can fill in the details and help out with daily updates and posts.
Electronic dance music labels also have the option of sending out press releases regarding their new artists and upcoming projects. You can do this through email or snail mail. Many labels also send out compilations of their best tracks as a digital download. Compilation series streetsounds are collections of tracks with pre-mixes, instrumental, and everything else needed to create the perfect electronic music mix.
Electronic dance music labels also have the option of hosting web pages and running song contests. A popular contest is the “Best Of Summer Mix”, which has received rave reviews from every major dance music blog. Electronic dance music labels need to stay up to date in order to stay in the game. With so many changes and innovations are happening every day, it only makes sense that they would adapt and change their image when necessary to stay on top.
