Independent label guide / Electronic music / Vinyl and digital
How an independent electronic record label works
A plain-language guide to independent electronic music: genres, starting a small label, pressing vinyl, digital and physical distribution, making tracks at home and the Austin scene. On a desktop, move the cursor to retune the trace.
The idea
An independent label is a small team with a long to-do list
Independent means the label is not owned by one of the large music groups. It does not mean tiny or amateur. In electronic music a label may be one person with a laptop, releasing a few records a year, and still do the same jobs as a big one: pick the music, pay for mastering and manufacturing, deliver files to stores, and report honestly to the artists.
This site follows one piece of music through that chain. It starts as a signal, becomes a genre, a master, a record and a stream. The guide to starting a label is the best place to begin if you only read one page.
Chapter one: the signal
Four shapes behind most synth sound
Every electronic sound starts as a wave. Scroll and the trace on the screen changes shape, and so does what you hear.
Sine
One pure frequency and nothing else. It sounds smooth and round, which is why sub bass and soft pads often start here.
Triangle
Similar to a sine but with a little extra edge from odd harmonics that fade quickly. It sounds soft and slightly hollow.
Square
A wave that jumps between two levels. Its odd harmonics give a hollow, reedy tone that suits chip-style leads and thick bass.
Sawtooth
A ramp that drops straight back to the start. It contains every harmonic, so it sounds bright and buzzy and is the usual raw material for filtered synth sounds.
The genre guide and the home production guide use these shapes again.
Genre names describe tempo, drum pattern and sound. See how they differ.
Chapter two: the release
A release is a pattern you play in order
A step sequencer plays one bar of sixteen steps. Scroll to move the playhead from the finished mix to release day.
- 01
Master
Finish the mix and have the audio mastered. Vinyl needs its own preparation, so tell the engineer which formats you plan.
Read the guide - 02
Manufacture
A lacquer is cut, stampers are plated and records are pressed. Ask for a test pressing before the full run.
Read the guide - 03
Deliver
Prepare titles, credits, ISRC codes and the barcode, then send files to a distributor with weeks to spare.
Read the guide - 04
Release day
Digital goes live, records ship to shops and direct buyers, and the label sends the statements it promised.
Read the guide
Chapter three: the place
Electronic music in a live music city
Austin, Texas, is known for live bands, big festivals and a slogan about live music. Electronic music is one thread of that story, with club nights, outdoor events and student groups that change from year to year.
Our overview explains in general terms how the scene fits into the city and which kinds of source help you find current events.
Read the Austin overview
The reading list
Six guides to read in any order
- 01How to start an independent record labelWhat a small label does, what it costs in general terms and which agreements matter.
- 02Electronic music genres explainedHouse, techno, ambient, breakbeat and drum and bass, with the tempo ranges people use to tell them apart.
- 03How to press vinyl recordsFrom master to lacquer to stamper, the difference between pressing and lathe cutting, and how to plan a small run.
- 04Music distribution for independent labelsHow digital and physical distribution differ, what to compare before you sign and what metadata you need.
- 05The Austin electronic music sceneA general look at electronic music in a city best known for live bands, and where to find events.
- 06How to make electronic music at homeA minimum setup, how to choose software, the parts of a track, sound design basics and finishing a mix.
Quick answers
Questions newcomers ask
- What is an independent record label?
- A label that is not owned by one of the large music groups. It can be tiny or large. The guide on starting an independent label explains what such a label does day to day.
- How are electronic music genres told apart?
- Mostly by tempo, drum pattern and sound. House is usually in the low 120s BPM, techno is often faster and more mechanical, and drum and bass is far quicker. See the genre guide.
- Can you press vinyl at home?
- Small machines exist, but most labels use a pressing plant or a lathe-cut service. The vinyl guide compares the options.
- Does Austin have an electronic music scene?
- Yes, though it sits beside a much larger live band culture. The Austin overview explains where listings and student groups are found.
- What do I need to start making electronic music?
- A computer, headphones and a DAW, many of which are free. See making electronic music at home.