Should I stay independent or try to get signed in 2026?
Q&A
Feb 2, 2026
Staying independent in 2026 gives you complete creative control and 100% of your royalties, while getting signed trades ownership for upfront money and industry connections you may not need anymore. I've found that most producers should stay independent until a label offers something you genuinely can't build yourself, like placement opportunities with major artists or significant marketing budgets above $50k. In my experience, the distribution and playlist access that labels once monopolized is now available to anyone through services like DistroKid and direct uploads to Spotify for Artists.
At Futureproof Music School, I teach producers how to build sustainable independent careers without needing label deals, covering everything from release strategies to building your own fanbase. Our curriculum focuses on the business skills that keep you in control of your music and income.
What are the biggest advantages of staying independent as a producer in 2026?
You keep 100% of your royalties and creative control, plus modern distribution tools make it easier than ever to reach fans directly without a label taking their cut.
How do I know if I'm ready to approach labels or if I should build my brand independently first?
If you're consistently hitting 50k+ streams per release and have an engaged fanbase, you're ready to consider labels. I teach the exact metrics labels look for inside Futureproof Music School.
Can I negotiate a better deal with labels if I've already built a following independently?
Absolutely. I've seen producers with established fanbases negotiate 80/20 splits or better because labels know you're already profitable without them.
Founder of Futureproof Music School with 20+ years in music technology and education. John combines technical expertise with a passion for empowering the next generation of producers.