FKA Twigs self-released her debut EP, then later signed with XL Recordings. (Image via billboard.com)
Let's face the facts: working with a label for the release of your debut is an ideal scenario that most bands and artists don't experience. That may seem discouraging, but it doesn't have to be. Releasing your EP or LP on your own is easier than ever – and the results can be career-changing.
Whether you opt for vinyl, cassette, CD, or digital, putting out the music on your own means you've got total control over every aspect, from sound to marketing. It's a lot of work, sure – but it can pay off. These five artists all took the DIY route in releasing their initial tunes and eventually found themselves in the warm embraces of critics, fans, and ultimately, record labels. Read about their beginnings below for proof of the power of self-releasing.
1. A$AP ROCKY
The New York rapper kickstarted his career when he found a place in the Harlem-based A$AP Mob crew in 2007, a year after its founding by Yams, Bari, and Illz. His first single, "Peso," was snatched up by radio stations; his first video, "Purple Swag," piqued the interest of major labels, including the RCA-distributed Polo Grounds. Instead of inking any sort of deal, A$AP Rocky opted to self-release his debut mixtape, Live. Love. ASAP, and offer it as a free download. The critical acclaim and sizable following cultivated in the process may have been what gave him an edge in wagering the contract he ultimately agreed to: $3 million for a reissue of the mixtape and a brand-new full-length.
2. FKA Twigs
Formerly focused on a career in dance, Tahliah Barnett – aka FKA Twigs – presumably made some connections through her appearances in videos by the likes of Kylie Minogue and Ed Sheeran. When it came time to release her music, though, Barnett took matters into her own hands. She self-released her debut, EP1, on Bandcamp in 2012; just a year later, she signed with Young Turks, through which she served up EP2, M3LL155X, and last year's full-length debut, LP1.3. Ed Sheeran
Self-recording and releasing music has been a touchstone of Ed Sheeran's career since the get-go. His 2005 Orange Room EP and the subsequent EP You Need Me in 2009 are what helped build his career – along with his relentless determination, of course. He traveled to LA in 2010, caught the attention of Jamie Foxx at an open mic, then was invited not only to play his radio show, but also to record at the actor's studio and crash at his mansion. Elton John took an interest shortly after; he signed Sheeran to his management company, which eventually led to a deal with Atlantic.
4. Colleen Green
The critically beloved rock 'n' roll stoner may be on her second LP with Hardly Art now, but Colleen Green's early moves included recording and releasing her first full-length, Milo Goes to Compton, on cassette on her own. It was later picked up for a vinyl reissue by Art Fag. Around the same time, Burger Records released her initial EP, Cujo, on tape. The latter is now out of stock, and the former continues to sell like fresh-baked pot brownies.
5. Tyler, The Creator
This dude didn't just put out his own debut – Tyler, The Creator basically created an empire. First, he released Bastard, his debut mixtape, then XL Recordings snagged him for the Goblin full-length in 2011. Having already shaped and spent years at the forefront of the Odd Future collective, he chose to start a label, Odd Future Records, that same year to release albums for the group and its members, himself included. Sony partnered up shortly after.
Next up:
- The Definitive Album Release Checklist: 18 Things You Have to Do Before You Even Start Promoting
- Mixtape vs. Album: Which is More Important for Aspiring Hip-Hop Artists in 2015?
- 5 Signs You're Ready to Release Your First Full-Length Album
Jhoni Jackson is an Atlanta-bred music journalist currently based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she juggles owning a venue called Club 77, freelance writing and, of course, going to the beach as often as possible.
