8 independent label owners tell us how to go it alone

"For us, there are a few meanings to success and one is definitely providing the best possible platform for our artists. Ultimately, we want to find artists that have a unique vision and help them grow for the future that they want. That’s an incredible thing to be a part of when it’s working. We always put a big emphasis on the craft of the music. Beyond that, we put a lot of care into thinking about how to share the music in a way that we think will help it resonate most strongly in the larger world. I've been told before that no great artist is fully formed when you meet them. You might see greatness from the start, but every great artist continues to grow and develop at every stage.

"When starting a label, you have to think about the long term with every big decision, be patient, stay on your toes, learn as much as you can, try new things and stay excited. Don’t expect it to be easy, but remember the profound power of music and remember to find the fun.

"Mixpak is in a strange place in the music world. Straddling different worlds is what makes what we do amazing and often what makes what we do difficult at the same time. On top of that, things are constantly changing, so you always need to be processing different potential outcomes and be ready to change plans. All good things take effort and many of the most difficult things to figure out end up being the best things we do. Beyond that, we keep on top of everything in the business, stay as close to our artists as possible and make sure to not be scared about trying new things. There are no rules as to what a label is, so you get to invent it for yourself."