613 Records states on its website that record labels are “anachronistic” in the 21st century. But regardless of changes in the music industry, labels are still necessary.
Despite the ease of digital distribution and promotion, a band or artist looking to sustain itself comfortably requires the support of a label.
While there is no question that the Internet has made it easier for bands to promote themselves, gain fans and distribute their music, not all independent artists have access to the tools necessary to record and tour successfully for a long period of time.
Anyone could feasibly become well known as a YouTube or MySpace musician by posting audio or video they recorded themselves, but many who got their start on YouTube, for example Justin Bieber or Greyson Chance, eventually signed to a label.
Without the support of a label for some level of distribution, management or booking, a band may be able to tour locally and release an album on their own budget.
But to go beyond that, external guidance and financial support is needed.
The costs of studio time, production and large-scale touring add up, especially with physical album sales dropping thanks to online file-sharing and downloading.
613 Records decries the “evil” in corporate dealings regarding record labels, but the music industry is a business, and as such, the corporate side of things is inescapable.
Without the guidance and support of record labels, it would be very hard for most bands to maintain their level of success and even harder for the music industry, already on rocky ground, to survive.