41: Major labels are hoovering up what's left of independent music
Mar 11, 2025
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Delve into the evolving landscape of independent music, where major labels are swallowing up smaller distributors. Explore the shifting definitions of 'independence' in an industry dominated by streaming giants. Laugh along as the hosts share ghostly anecdotes and humorous cycling mishaps. Plus, reflect on the complexities of representation in independent film and the implications of recent Oscar wins. The discussion touches on the interplay between music and media, revealing profound insights into artist dynamics today.
The podcast examines the evolving definition of 'independence' in music as major labels increasingly absorb independent entities in the industry.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the implications of streaming-driven music production, where profit often takes precedence over artistic authenticity.
An engaging discussion on the potential struggles of independent artists highlights the challenges they face in competing against major label influence in the marketplace.
Deep dives
Cycling Adventure and Scallop Week in Rye
A recent cycling trip to Rye highlighted the joys of outdoor activities as an alternative to nightlife. The excursion coincided with Scallop Week, a celebration of the popular shellfish, which they enthusiastically sampled during the visit. Despite encountering a few minor issues and delays during their journey, the experience turned enjoyable as clear skies and pleasant weather made the cycling feasible and refreshing. The trip underscores the idea that alternative leisure activities can provide fulfilling experiences, such as cycling through beautiful landscapes and savoring local cuisine.
Paranormal Encounter in a Haunted Pub
An intriguing experience occurred at the Mermaid Inn in Rye, which is reportedly haunted. While the hosts were skeptical about the existence of ghosts, one of them recounted a peculiar event that took place during their stay. Late one night, after using the bathroom, they heard unusual knocking sounds and footsteps that seemed to suggest children were playing in the hallway, despite the hotel being devoid of any children. This incident triggered a lively discussion about the existence of ghosts, prompting listeners to reflect on their own paranormal encounters.
Engaging with University Students on Independent Media
A visit to the London College of Communication provided an opportunity to discuss independent media with university students. The conversation covered the importance of understanding alternative media and how independent journalism operates in the current media landscape. Interactions with first-year students revealed varying levels of interest, particularly in a specific student who turned out to be the offspring of a notable music journalist. This meeting emphasized the significance of imparting knowledge on the workings of independent media and its role in shaping public discourse.
The Rise and Implications of Perfect Fried Content
Recent discussions highlighted the prevalence of Perfect Fried Content (PFC), a term referring to music produced specifically for streaming playlists. Companies often create generic, ambient music to fill playlists at a reduced royalty rate, emphasizing profit over artistic integrity. There's concern within the industry about how this practice affects artists and music quality, particularly given that many artists are pressured to compete in a streaming economy heavily regulated by major labels. This trend raises questions about the future of creative expression in the music industry as it grapples with economic viability.
Exploring Independence in the Modern Music Industry
The podcast explores the concept of independence in the current music landscape, debating what it truly means for an artist to be 'independent' in 2025. As major labels increasingly acquire independent distributors and label services, the definition of independence becomes complex and muddled. Listeners are prompted to consider whether emerging artists can achieve success without corporate backing, especially when major labels dominate streaming and distribution networks. This conversation underlines the necessity for artists to navigate their paths carefully, often questioning whether traditional definitions of independence are still relevant.
No guest this week, but plenty of meat as we take our previous episode with Spotify chronicler Liz Pelly as a jumping off point to talk about the idea of independence.
We use the word ‘independence’ a lot on No Tags without really investigating what we mean by it. In a era when the major labels are all stake-holders in the biggest streaming platform on Earth, and are hoovering up indie labels and distributors like never before, how feasible is it to operate as a truly independent artist – whatever that means? And how can the term ‘independent’ apply to indie labels with multiple offices and millions in the bank as well as one-person DIY operations?
To explain, we think about the important history of independent distribution, catch up with the latest music biz headlines affecting independent artists, and ask ourselves… have the major labels simply won at this point?
It’s a little lighter elsewhere, as we talkghosts (4:15) and debrief Anora’s Oscar sweep (49:52), followed by some thoughts on The Brutalist, Nosferatu and 1971’s The Working Class Goes to Heaven.
