Yes, Indie R&B Actually Exists

The music industry has gone through a lot of changes.  Three major labels (Universal Music Group, Sony Entertainment Group and Warner Music) now dominate, but smaller indie labels have made their stand and added diversity to the marketplace.

Although there has been a lot of competition between indie labels, the R&B indie genre has really made it’s mark, especially with the help of artists like Abel Tesfaye and Frank Ocean.  Ocean went from obscurity to getting mainstream attention by using Guerilla marketing tactics (e.g. mixtapes, recordings released free online without a record label).  This got the attention of major labels like Sony, and Sony ultimately signed a distribution deal with the indie label run by Solange Knowles, called Saint Records.

An artist run independent label called Fade to Mind is also seeing success from their first R&B musician,  vocalist Kelela. The album Cut 4 Me has got a lot of attention and also went into the mainstream.

Competing against the majors is challenging, but when talented R&B indie artists release great products that get the attention of key players in the music industry, the major labels will need to take notice.