5 Myths About Signing with a Record Label Every Artist Should Stop Believing

The music industry is full of stories—some inspiring, some cautionary, and a lot of myths that keep artists from making the best decisions for their careers.

One of the biggest misconceptions? Signing with a record label.

Some artists see it as an instant ticket to success, while others believe it’s the worst move they could make. The reality? It all depends on the label, the deal, and what the artist wants from their career.

At Plainsmen Records, we believe in transparency and artist empowerment. So let’s break down the biggest myths about record labels—and what you really need to know before signing.

Myth #1: "Once I Sign, I’m Set for Life"

Reality: A Record Deal Is Not a Guaranteed Career

Signing with a label isn’t a shortcut to success. While a good label can help distribute your music, provide production resources, and open industry doors, it won’t make you an overnight star.

The biggest factor in your success is still you. Labels partner with artists who are already putting in the work—building their fanbase, honing their craft, and proving they’re serious about making music.

A reliable label provides:

• Support with production, branding, and distribution

• Opportunities through industry connections

• Marketing and career guidance to help you grow

• A bad label makes empty promises and leaves artists stuck in limbo.

Takeaway: A record deal is a tool—not a golden ticket. If you’re expecting to sign and sit back while the label does all the work, you’re in for a wake-up call.

Myth #2: "Labels Will Own All My Music"

Reality: It Depends on the Deal

Losing ownership of your music is one of the biggest fears artists have when signing with a label. And with major labels, that fear is often justified.

Traditional 360 deals give labels a cut of everything—streaming, merch, publishing, even tour revenue. But not all labels operate this way.

Independent labels, including Plainsmen Records, often offer artist-first agreements where musicians:

• Keep creative control over their music

• Retain ownership of their masters in many cases

• Earn a fairer share of revenue from their work

Takeaway: Always read the fine print. There are plenty of labels out there that offer fair, artist-friendly deals—you just have to find them.

Myth #3: "I Should Hold Out for a Major Label Deal"

Reality: Major Labels Aren’t the Only Path to Success

Many artists believe signing to a major label (Universal, Sony, Warner) is the only way to “make it.” But independent artists are thriving more than ever.

Thanks to Spotify, Bandcamp, and self-distribution platforms like DistroKid, artists don’t need major label backing to reach millions of listeners.

In fact, independent artists now make up nearly 50% of the music industry’s revenue.

Indie labels provide:

• More creative freedom compared to major labels

• Closer relationships and personalized support

• A fairer cut of royalties without predatory contracts

Look at artists like Chance the Rapper or Russ, who built massive careers without major label deals. They proved that going independent doesn’t mean staying small—it means staying in control.

Takeaway: Don’t think of indie labels as a stepping stone. In many cases, they offer a better deal and more artistic freedom than a major label ever will.

Myth #4: "Labels Only Care About Money"

Reality: Good Labels Invest in Artists, Not Just Profits

It’s no secret that some labels prioritize money over music. But not all labels are the same.

A bad label will sign artists, squeeze as much money as possible out of them, and discard them when they’re no longer profitable.

A good label—especially an independent one—will:

• Offer career development (branding, networking, mentorship)

• Support artist growth over the long term, not just short-term gains

• Provide fair contracts with terms that benefit both the artist and the label

The key is research. Look into how a label treats its artists before signing anything. Do they have a history of nurturing talent, or are they known for bad deals?

Takeaway: A good label wants to see you succeed—because when artists thrive, the label does too. Choose wisely.

Myth #5: "I Can Do Everything Myself—Who Needs a Label?"

Reality: Independence Is Possible, But a Team Can Take You Further

Some artists love handling every part of their career—music production, marketing, booking tours, selling merch. And if that’s you, great. But doing everything yourself is exhausting, and it takes time away from what you actually love: making music.

Going independent means taking on:

• Production costs – Studio time, mixing, and mastering add up fast

• Marketing & Promotion – PR, playlist pitching, and social media require strategy and budget

• Distribution & Merchandising – Pressing vinyl, CDs, and setting up e-commerce takes logistics and funding

• Touring & Booking – Good gigs require industry connections

A good label helps lighten the load—giving artists a team to handle the business side, so they can focus on creating.

Takeaway: Independence is great if you have the resources. But if you want support, strategy, and a team behind you, an indie label can be a game-changer.

So, Should You Sign with a Record Label?

The answer isn’t black and white. It depends on the label, the contract, and your career goals.

Here’s what we recommend:

✔ DO sign with a label if you want support with career growth, branding, and distribution.

✖ DON’T sign if the contract takes all your rights without fair compensation.

✔ DO your research and make sure the label aligns with your vision.

At Plainsmen Records, we believe in partnership, not ownership.

If you’re an artist looking for fair deals, creative control, and a team that actually cares, we’d love to hear your music.

Final Thoughts

Signing with a label is a big decision—one that can make or break an artist’s career. The key is knowledge.

✔ Stay informed.

✔ Read every contract.

✔ Choose a team that believes in you.

If you have questions about the industry, need advice on signing a deal, or just want to chat about your career, reach out. We’re here to help.