I've been thinking about this a lot recently too, and saw that Merge has sold 50% of its stake to Secretly as co-founder Laura Ballance wants to retire from what must be a real hustle of a job
Great piece, as usual. Let me pull the camera back for a bit: Motown, Sire, Elektra, A&M, Island, Def Jam, Capitol. All these started as indie labels, and were subsequently acquired/ merged into what we now call majors. In more recent history, we've had a continued similar phenomenon (300, Canvasback, Glassnote). I know what you're describing isn't *exactly* comparable for many reasons, but isn't this how it's all supposed to go? Indie label starts out as niche, finds an audience + grows, is sold off to a bigger entity. The next generation repeats the process. Isn't this a sign of a healthy music ecosystem?
I've been thinking about this a lot recently too, and saw that Merge has sold 50% of its stake to Secretly as co-founder Laura Ballance wants to retire from what must be a real hustle of a job
Great piece, as usual. Let me pull the camera back for a bit: Motown, Sire, Elektra, A&M, Island, Def Jam, Capitol. All these started as indie labels, and were subsequently acquired/ merged into what we now call majors. In more recent history, we've had a continued similar phenomenon (300, Canvasback, Glassnote). I know what you're describing isn't *exactly* comparable for many reasons, but isn't this how it's all supposed to go? Indie label starts out as niche, finds an audience + grows, is sold off to a bigger entity. The next generation repeats the process. Isn't this a sign of a healthy music ecosystem?
There may be third option: winding down the business and returning the assets to the artists (gratis or for a price).
True. I suspect most would not consider that, but you're right that it's another valid option.
I know L-Acoustics have an Atmos demo room at their Highgate location. No idea if they "lend it out" but worth a phone call.
Thanks Nigel! I shall investigate 👍🏻🙏🏻