Revolutionizing Record Labels: A Professor's Take on Student-Run Labels

When you think of record companies, what comes to mind? Perhaps the legendary labels that have shaped our culture: Sun Records, Motown, Sire, Sub-Pop, Death Row, and Def Jam in the US; Island Records, Warp, Factory, and 4AD in the UK; Ed Banger Records in France; Maybe Mars in China; or El Canzancio Records in Colombia. These labels didn't just produce music—they crafted the very soundtrack of our lives, disrupting and remaking culture with every release.  Yet, this rosy picture is only half the story. Record companies also evoke thoughts of unfair contracts, artist exploitation, creative interference, outdated marketing, and a glaring lack of diversity. For many Gen Z artists, record labels are viewed as relics of a problematic past, synonymous with a system that urgently needs reform.

So, where does this leave educational institutions with music programs? As a professor with two decades of teaching experience, I firmly believe that record labels are too crucial to dismiss. In 2023, major and independent labels commanded nearly 95% of the global recorded music market, leaving artist-direct releases with just over 5%. This dominance highlights the undeniable economic power of record companies.  In my courses, I strive to immerse students in the inner workings of record labels, encouraging them to build and operate their own. Berklee’s Disupcion Records, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, exemplifies this hands-on approach. Over a hundred students have staffed this label, many going on to careers in the music industry or running their own labels. These future executives are poised to transform the record business, fostering a new era of collaboration, innovation, and cultural relevance.

Our milestone anniversary sparked a desire to share our journey and challenges with other college-run labels. This led to the founding of the Collegiate Record Industry Association (CRIA), a trade body dedicated to college labels. CRIA aims to share best practices, address challenges, and forge connections with established commercial labels and industry associations. By amplifying the voices of Gen Z students, who are already reimagining the music industry, CRIA seeks to detoxify the record business and ensure its future relevance.

Without this vital infusion of fresh perspectives, the record industry risks facing an existential crisis. The path forward lies in embracing change, driven by the passion and innovation of the next generation.