By the way, Do you know how a record label operates?

When the words “record label” are mentioned, we for must of us think about the majors who represent a large part of the market - in fact more than 75% of the UK market (Sony music, Universal Music, Warner Music..)

To gain more clarity on the subject, it is interesting to look at the difference between a major and an independent label. 

First of all, as the name indicates, an independent label is independent from any major label. You might know that every independent label (such as Ragged Moon) sign artists they feel passionate about. The hope for an Indie label is that their passion is reflective  of  the taste of the music consuming population, which will then turn into a financial benefit.  With majors, it is more about the financial benefit first. The choice of an artist is less about a feel and belief in a favourite artist but rather a decision about the likely profitability they will give back. 

In this article, we will explore the world of independent labels (for the love of good music). Recording to the promotion via distribution, we will take an overview of what happens in a music label. 

The first job involves finding the right artists. Have a look at the artist’s works, going to their gigs are all part of the job, traditionally the A&R (Artists and Repertoire) role. Talent scouting and then overseeing the artistic development of the artist. Then the process of recording can begin. 

A recording budget will be set, and the artist will be commissioned to produce an album within the agreed budget. The reality for many small Indies is that the label will have its own studio (as with ragged Moon). 

A good collaborative working relationship with engineer/producer is key to drawing out the best quality musicianship and ultimately the best recording. 

At the same time, a budget must be allotted for promotion, manufacture and artwork.

A release date is decided in order to start the  marketing and promotion plan. And the  plan? The goal here is to take the music into the right marketplace. Marketing, artwork, press/radio, formats, pricing, videos are all part of this plan. For some of this activities, the label may engage independent people or companies to fulfil the tasks, but the purpose remains the same : Sell the music to the customer. 

Near the album release date, the label is working hard to ensure the best possible coverage. For example, they will be liaising with management to get a full launch tour organised. A record label will make every effort to support artists, and although the business is important, the quality of the music is what the label should be all about! (but it’s only my opinion)

2016.. Here we are !

2016.. Here we are !

Hello and welcome to the first ragged Moon blog of 2016. As you might have been aware blog has been quiet  for a while, but don’t let that lead you into the sense that we have been twiddling our thumbs, anything but.. We have been so full on that writing blog posts have sadly been on the back burner. That is all about to change as we introduce the latest space explorer to join us on the moon. Antoine Durand has landed here having left his French homeland to work with us for the next 5 months, and not a moment too soon. He has only been with us for three days, and already he is deep in gig listings, social media postings and now blogging. 

So please read this blog with a French accent, you’ll get the meaning even better!

For the new year, some of us start by making their New Years resolutions. Here at the  studio we chose to start this new year by introducing you to our projects and new things that are going to happen. And we can’t wait any longer !

2016 should be a very good one. Indeed, the studio is getting ready to share some good times with you. 

While the band Thee Ones are currently recording their new album in the studio, Slow Falling Sun are starting a promotion period on Friday at the Fiddler’s Elbow in London. The album, 'In The Same World' will be released early March, but you can already hear samples on their website or on Soundcloud.

They will be performing in Leeds, Manchester, London, Cheltenham, Bristol, Exeter and we will soon be working on the video for the first single release. 

Have a listen to their next single

Currently recording their next album, Thee Ones will get those feet moving on the dance floor in 2016. They are a popular and busy party band who loosely define their genre as maximum R&B / swamp boogaloo. We recently made a video for a song from their EP, "Mr. Shepherd" which you can see here.

After completing Thee Ones new album, it will be the turn of Lara Conley to finish her album at the studio. Indeed, “Wild Water” will be released in April. Essentially a solo album,  Lara chose to work with a selection of artists for whom she has written the more elaborate arrangements. Taking acoustic folk roots in a beautiful contemporary direction, Lara Conley uses her own instrumentation of guitar, dulcimer and bodhran. The album also features handpan (a contemporary steel drum), didjeridu, electric slide sitar, cello and double bass as a host of percussion and atmospheric sounds. Here is the link to her website

Our story takes us now to a young talented artist who has been working with Ragged Moon for over a year. As one of the most honest songwriters of her age, Sophronie is developing a loyal and loving fanbase who connect with her deep and moving songs. Last year, she had some great festival exposure on key stages. She is now really excited to be near the completion of her second album which will be released in May. Have a listen to her new song called "Photographs"

Finally this announcement, we are super excited about what is happening with this new Ragged Moon collaboration. A few months ago, we were really pleased to announce that we’ll be working with Ganda Boys. Unfortunately, we cannot reveal everything right now, but suffice it to say they are set to go stratospheric. They have endorsements from legends at the top of the global music tree, and are poised to release the only refugee charity song written, arranged and performed by refugees. In the near future, we will bring you news of a huge collaboration. 

So many things are about to happen! Remember these names.. Slow Falling Sun, Ganda boys, Thee ones, Lara Conley, Sophronie. They all are coming to your ears. Ragged Moon is reaching frenzy pitch as we watch all these projects unfold. Stay tuned. We are keeping surprises for you.