Major label contracts are much less attractive to modern artists with the advent of “360″ deals, which allow labels to siphon off revenue streams previously only enjoyed by the artists themselves, such as from touring income and publishing. Subsequently, going it on one’s own is not such a bad option. In fact, artists like Lear have found it to be their only option. “It’s way more competitive, and artists aren’t getting signed.

I would talk to a lot of friends in LA, and it generally just seemed like hard times all around, but a lot of bands are starting their own labels because it’s relatively inexpensive to start a label.