Looking for a label to drop your demos off? Look no further. We’re compiling a growing list of major and indie label in Indonesia. Most labels, especially Indies, have Internet contact (e-mail and website) to speed up your communication deal. Do not hesitate to contact them to negotiate the contract and we wish the best for your musical career. Be sure to check the record deal tips below regarding contracts, royalties, merchandise, distributions, endorsement etc. Are you running a label and don’t see yours here? Go ahead submit your label in Submit Label menu.

An independent or “indie” label is a record label that is not affiliated in any way with a Major Label, and uses independent distributors to get their releases into stores or distributed directly to consumers. Most of them exploit Internet to advertise label productions, new release and even e-shopping. Since most of consumers in Indonesia don’t have/use credit card, trading is done by e-mail to order and send money via bank transfer. Distributors or record label then ship the order after payment received. 

A major label is a label that commands a high percentage of the annual sales of records, and has their own distribution system. (The Big 5 distribution companies currently are: EMI, BMG, Sony Music, Aquarius Musikindo, Musica Studio) and use major music stores to distribute their releases such as Disc Tarra, Tarra Mega Store, Aquarius, Bulletin, etc physically reachable in all cities.

Here are some tips if you want to get a record deal with a label:

-DISTRIBUTION
Make sure the label has a solid distribution deal nationwide or even internationally. Be sure to check on the relationship between the label and their distributors. Ask some questions like:
How many records has the distributor sold of the label’s product? Did the label have any problems getting paid by their distributor? Does the label have a budget to pay for some co-op ads, and in-store promotions through their distributor?

-PERCENTAGE of the LIST PRICE You Receive
Find out how much you get paid for each record sold. A new act usually gets somewhere between 10-15% of the suggested list price of a recording.

-BAND LIST / ROSTER
Make sure the label’s roster isn’t too big, or else you won’t be given the attention you deserve. Also, make sure the bands on the roster match the type of music you play.

-MERCHANDISE
If the label wants a percentage of the income from such a deal, you may have to negotiate how much they get.

-PROMOTERS
Find out if the label works with radio, magazines, websites, e-zines, merchandiser or retail promoters. It’s a good sign when they do; this raises the chances that your record will be seriously and effectively promoted.

-ADVERTISING
Find out if the band has an advertising budget for releases.

-TOUR SUPPORT
Find out if and how they support you on your tour (financially, morally, etc.) and how much of any advances for touring are recoupable.