In today’s ever-evolving dance music industry, smaller artists and producers are at the forefront of innovation and creative expression. One such artist, Erdi Irmak, is a shining example of how establishing an independent record label can be a game-changer for emerging talents. With the release of his latest song, “Fragments,” on his own indie label, Irmak and collaborator Kentaro Takizawa showcase not only their exceptional musical prowess, but also the benefits of taking the reins and fostering a unique creative vision through label ownership.
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Irmak’s journey into the world of independent label management reflects a growing trend among smaller artists in the dance music industry, who are increasingly embracing the freedom and control that comes with running their labels. By establishing a platform to release their music on their terms, these artists can break free from the constraints of the mainstream industry, allowing them to focus on their artistic growth and develop their signature sound. Erdi Irmak’s compelling blend of cultural influences, dynamic soundscapes, and intricate production techniques is a testament to the potential of such creative autonomy.
As “Fragments” hits the airwaves and dance floors alike, Irmak’s insights into starting and managing a label provide valuable guidance for aspiring artists seeking to forge their own path. The success of Erdi Irmak and his indie label is a powerful reminder of the opportunities that await those who dare to take control of their destiny and embrace the challenges of label ownership. In doing so, they can unlock the doors to new levels of artistic expression, collaboration, and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of the dance music industry.
What benefits does starting an indie label bring to an artist, producer, or DJ?
As an artist, producer, or DJ, you may have a particular vision for your music that you want to express. Starting your label allows you to create music that aligns with your vision without any external influence.
When you own the rights to your music, you can generate income through various revenue streams such as digital sales, merchandise, and live performances. Owning a label also allows you to collect royalties from your music, which can add up over time. When you start a label, you create a brand representing your music and vision. By building a brand, you are also building a loyal fan base that will support you and your music for years to come. Starting a label puts you in touch with other musicians, producers, and industry professionals who share your passion for music. This network can help you grow your label and your music career.
As a label owner, you can release music on your schedule and terms. Overall, starting a label can provide artists, producers, and DJs with greater creative control, increased revenue, networking opportunities, and the ability to build a brand and loyal fan base.
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Where have you encountered the biggest hardships when starting your label and what did these hardships teach you about the music industry overall?
I have not faced any difficulties so far. I also have a label partner who is the most experienced in label works and the electronic music industry and this makes things even easier. We are rather a new label and have a long way to go. Time will tell what the industry will teach us
How did you develop the brand and ethos behind your label? Can you offer tips to artists like you who struggle to know where to start?
I’ve been in the electronic music industry for over 10 years and I had been planning to start my own label for a long time, but I wanted to do it at the right time, and in the past few months I realized that the right time had come and our label was launched. The most important thing is staying true to your vision and values. Your label’s brand and ethos should reflect who you are as an artist, and should never compromise on that vision for the sake of commercial success.
Deciding between a major, indie label, or going solo? Weigh your options with ‘The Pros & Cons of Signing with a Major Label vs. an Indie Label vs. Staying an Independent Artist’ – find your path here.
How far into the future are you planning with the label? What are the long-term and short-term goals you have set for yourself and the artists you work with?
We are working very actively now and we have a lot of new ideas and planning to implement all these new ideas one by one with good timing. We aim to achieve quality and accordingly have a good artist roster as well.
Where do you find the music you’re releasing and what advice can you offer smaller artists producing music similar to yours who want to send you demos?
Worlds Apart is kind of a new vibe, a fresh start in the industry. We are working on mostly Organic House / Downtempo and of course I would like to hear demos from the new artists who think that their music fit to Worlds Apart.
The door of Worlds Apart is always open to such opportunities, and I love the idea that new artists can grow and develop on and with the label platforms.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
