With day one of the inaugural Indie-Con music conference discussing the importance of independent labels within the music scene, it was fitting the final panel featured a number of young label owners, including AIR Awards winner Joanna Syme (Pieater/Hotel Motel Records).
Moderated by Kill Rock Stars’ Portia Sabin, the panel dished out some great advice for anyone considering the leap into the indie label game.
Julia Wilson (Rice Is Nice)
"I think it’s awesome and it’s a collaborative and supportive space and there need to be more labels; there need to be more people championing art and artists, especially in Australia. It’s achievable and you can do it. My life supports itself, there is money. It is hard, but it’s totally achievable and important, so I think you should do it."
Katie Besgrove (Barely Dressed Records)
"I would say do it, but also be prepared to not make money for a few years and also be cautious in making sure you sign long-term deals with your artists because with streaming, you’re not going to see that income for a while and it’ll gradually grow. Having a 10-year right for a particular album is really important moving forward."
Joanna Syme (Pieater/Hotel Motel Records)
"Force yourself to be organised and quick on the emails and be part of the community if you want the community to support you. Get out to gigs and be face to face with the media and all the other people in the industry who you’re going to have to work with, and not forgetting their names because I’m so bad at that. From day one, just realise you’re starting a database of people who will be part of this team, so cultivating those relationships is bigger than just you."
Joe Alexander (Bedroom Suck)
"Do it because you love doing it. You’ll have that song where everything just clicks and it’s like, ‘Yeah, this works perfectly.’ Do it because you love music like that and you want to be a part of it."
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