The independent record label movement started as a spark in the nineteen-eighties. Today, most records are either self or independently released. We will look at important indie labels through analysis of significant independently released records. What’s the difference between Sub Pop and Rough Trade?  How did 4AD shape the sound of the eighties? Why do artists like Adele and Bjork sign to indies.

We will look at social media’s impact on music, digital distribution, the self-publishing movement, and the business of releasing your own recordings. This is a hands-on recording and production course with the goal of both making your own indie recordings and understanding the business of releasing them (requires knowledge of Pro Tools).