Just like language, music is universal, a human activity, and a crucial part of our cultures especially in traditional functions. Many genres have come up over the years, however, Indie Music has remained a popular genre ever since its inception, and it is notably different from other genres across the planet. A fraction of the world’s artists have ventured in this music genre, with most of them having no regrets. On account of this, is it best for artists to remain independent musicians? Is it secure for aspiring musicians to be independent artists? Should signed musicians try out being independent artists? With an increasing number of musicians joining the Indie Music route, this music path is indeed the best for upcoming artists and those already in the industry.
Certainly, it is in the artists’ best interest for them to remain independent. This is because, Independent artists, unlike signed artists, are less bothered about the money. They focus on conveying their deepest desires, emotions and personal experiences to their audience through storytelling. Consequently, this builds a long lasting connection between the artists and the audience. In particular, Xtatic, signed by Sony Music showed her disappointment with the label as it was all about making profit. The label wanted a particular type of music, as they compared the Kenyan market with foreign markets that had brought major profits to them.
Secondly, Independent artists have the benefit of owning their music. Independent artists own all the rights to their music, therefore, artists will receive more royalties every time they perform, stream or sell their music. This is a major advantage over signed artists, whose earnings are shared by stakeholders in the record label. The label also decides what percentage the artist will receive from their music. For instance, in 1991, Dr. Dre signed a deal that turned sour with Death Row Records as the label decided to sell Dr. Dre’s albums online, and paid him peanuts. In addition, Kizz Daniel withdrew from his contract with Emperor Gezzy’s G-Worldwide Entertainment in 2017, after he was subjected to a monthly salary of 50k monthly, despite all the profits he had brought to the label through his music.
Figure KIZZ DANIEL|PHOTO|SPECIAL SOMI
Thirdly, Independent artists have a sense of individuality and full freedom over their music. They are not subjected to create music based on the demands of the record labels and fans but create music based on their identity, personality, emotions, and feelings. Moreover, unlike signed artists, they do not depend on Institutions or record labels to manage their craft, instead, they create and manage their music. For example, Raye’s four albums which focused on heartfelt and deeply personal music were not being released because they did not align with the interests of the record label, which were only to gain profit. This proves that Independent artists can control the sound and style that they want, which then promotes creativity among these artists. Further, this freedom enables Independent artists to oversee everything concerning the release of the music including marketing, distribution, deadline, and the artwork that will be used, depending on their preferences.
In Kenya, Independent musicians are becoming more relevant and are attracting upcoming musicians to venture into the music industry without the aid of a record label. For Instance, Sanaipei Tande, a Kenyan artist, started as an independent artist and has never been involved with any record label. She states that she has always used her music to impart knowledge and change lives, and this, in most cases, would not align with the interests of many record labels. She is among many Independent artists in Kenya like Fenamenal, Elani, and Boutross who have ventured into the Independent music path and are proving that it is possible to be successful without a record label.
SANAIPEI TANDE|PHOTO|BIGGEST KAKA
ELANI|PHOTO|CHARLES KAMAU
To conclude, Independent music is the best path for upcoming artists and those already in the music industry as it has displayed undeniable benefits not only to the artists but also to the audience, who appreciate music that connects with them on a deeply emotional and personal level. Moreover, Independent artists have come out to appreciate the freedom, control, and full ownership of their music that Indie Music allows them to have.