Top 10 Record Labels Looking For Artists In 2025

Believe it or not, there are many record labels looking for artists; you just need to know where to find them. Record labels remain powerful despite streaming platforms, social media, and digital distribution changing how artists connect with audiences.

A good label can offer resources, connections, and expertise that can accelerate your music career. Securing a record deal still represents a significant milestone on a musician’s path to success.

Our guide highlights 10 record labels looking for new artists to sign. We focus on labels demonstrating a commitment to artist development, fair and transparent deals, and innovative marketing approaches.

Top 10 Record Labels Looking For Artists In 2025

The most artist-friendly labels offer so much more than traditional distribution and promotion. Think of creative communities, technical resources, and specialized expertise to help boost your music career.

Whether you create experimental music, heavy metal, authentic indie rock, or hip-hop, it’s essential to understand which labels are actively signing artists. We have selected 10 of the best record labels looking for artists who know more than just how to write a song!

10. Chinese Man Records

In 2004, Chinese Man Records established itself as a creative hub for artists who defy easy categorization. Based in Marseille, France, this collective-turned-label specializes in genre-bending music that combines hip-hop foundations with global influences from trip-hop, dub, and reggae.

The label takes its name from its founding group, Chinese Man, which built its music business through innovative sampling techniques and immersive live performances. They’re interested in signing artists who incorporate diverse cultural elements into their production style and demonstrate strong visual aesthetics to complement their sound.

9. Paper Garden Records

Paper Garden Records has grown from a small indie outfit into a creative force in London and Brooklyn. The label was founded with an emphasis on community-building through music.

Their approach combines traditional record label services with event production in memorable settings. Paper Garden has recently invested in its production studio and content creation facilities.

For artists looking to join their roster, they value fresh talent, a clear vision, and a willingness to participate in their collaborative community.

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8. Freshly Squeezed Music

Freshly Squeezed Music has carved out a niche in the electronic music landscape by popularizing vintage-influenced dance sounds. Founded in the UK, the label promotes the electro-swing movement, which blends samples of 1920s-40s jazz and swing with contemporary electronic production.

Freshly Squeezed has built a loyal international following through its distinctive visual branding and themed events that transport you to different eras. The record label offers robust promotional support for artists, as demonstrated by Freshly Squeezed’s influential playlists, compilation albums, and festival appearances.

If you know how to make music that fits their aesthetic direction, this may be a label for you. Artists signed to Freshly Squeezed benefit from joining a recognizable musical movement with a dedicated fan base.

7. One Shoe Records

One Shoe Records has emerged as a significant player in the UK independent scene. It is known for its artist-friendly contracts and transparent business practices.

Founded by former musicians who had experienced unfair record label deals, their business model prioritizes equitable profit sharing and creative control for its artists. The label’s name references its humble beginnings, starting with just “one shoe” in the music industry’s door.

One Shoe gained respect for its patient approach to artist development. It often works with musicians for long periods before releasing projects. Its in-house production team creates recordings that capture the emotional intensity of live performances while adding thoughtful studio enhancements.

6. Revolver

Revolver has established itself as one of the most genre-diverse independent record labels. The company’s headquarters are located in Los Angeles and Berlin, encompassing a diverse musical spectrum.

Their digital distribution network has become particularly sophisticated, featuring targeted promotion channels for various segments worldwide. The label seeks artists who demonstrate exceptional quality within their chosen style rather than trying to fit current trends.

5. Disconnect Disconnect Records

Disconnect Disconnect Records has built a fiercely loyal following in the punk, hardcore, and alternative rock communities. Based in Manchester, UK, the label embodies the DIY ethos of punk culture while providing its many artists with professional support services that help them reach broader audiences.

The company operates on principles of community support and musical authenticity, rather than commercial trends. Disconnect Disconnect has expanded its international presence while maintaining close connections to grassroots music scenes.

What makes Disconnect Disconnect distinctive is its commitment to the values of the post-punk community. The label has a strong merchandising operation, helping artists create products that generate income.

4. Captured Tracks

Captured Tracks has evolved from a boutique Brooklyn record label into a global force in independent music. Founded by Mike Sniper in 2008, the label initially focused on lo-fi and dream pop sounds.

They combine artist development and careful curation with innovative digital strategies and global distribution networks. Their in-house team handles everything from music production to marketing.

Captured Tracks provides a prestigious platform with a strong identity and creative freedom. The label actively seeks musicians with unique perspectives and sounds that complement its existing roster.

3. Mute

Mute Records is one of the most respected independent record labels in music history. Its legacy dates back to 1978 when Daniel Miller founded it to release his own single.

Mute has become a powerhouse of avant-garde and electronic music, representing some of the most successful independent artists, including Depeche Mode, Nick Cave, and Goldfrapp, while continually signing innovative artists.

What distinguishes Mute from many competitors is its commitment to artistic vision. Mute is particularly interested in artists working at the intersection of electronic production and other genres.

2. Red Bull Records

Red Bull Records primarily focuses on alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. It leverages its parent brand’s global reach to help artists promote their music while maintaining its creative direction.

Founded in 2007, the label has established itself as a serious player in the music industry. One significant benefit for artists signed to the label is free access to Red Bull’s network of studios, media outlets, and event spaces.

Their marketing capabilities are undoubtedly powerful, and artists can integrate with Red Bull’s sports and cultural programming.

Their artist-friendly deals enable musicians to retain ownership of their master recordings. Red Bull has shown particular success with artists who blend genres and appeal to culturally diverse people.

1. Sub Pop

Few top record labels can claim the cultural impact of Sub Pop, which helped launch the music careers of Nirvana and Soundgarden. While forever associated with the Seattle grunge explosion of the early 1990s, Sub Pop has continued to evolve, signing diverse acts across popular music genres including indie rock, folk, electronic, and hip-hop.

Sub Pop is attractive to artists because it has a track record of developing long-term music careers rather than chasing quick hits. It provides substantial creative freedom while offering the resources and expertise to help bands reach their potential audience.

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What Can A Record Label Do For You?

Many independent artists may question whether they need a record label, given that self-releasing music is more viable than ever. Regardless, labels still provide crucial resources and expert support that can significantly accelerate a career.

First and foremost, reputable labels provide financial investment in your career. Typically, this includes funding for recording, video production, touring support, and marketing campaigns that would be difficult to self-finance.

Labels offer expert playlist placement, can submit music to radio stations, and provide support for press coverage. These industry relationships and specialized knowledge can help your music reach audiences around the world.

Perhaps the most valuable thing a label provides is a team of experienced music industry professionals focused on your career development. From A&R guidance to help improve your artistic output, to marketing strategists who effectively position your music.

What To Look For When Choosing A Label

Finding the right record label partner is about much more than who offers the most significant advance. The ideal label relationship should align with your vision, career goals, and personal values.

Before pursuing or accepting a deal, research the label’s track record with similar artists. Have they successfully developed careers in your genre? Do their artists receive consistent support beyond their debut releases?

Contract terms should be scrutinized, ideally with the assistance of an entertainment attorney. Key considerations include ownership of master demos, royalty rates, creative control provisions, and term length.

Please be careful with label deals that require excessive rights (such as merchandise or publishing) without specific plans to develop those areas. The most artist-friendly labels maintain transparency about their financial models and marketing strategies, willingly explaining how they’ll recoup their investment and grow their audience.

Meet with team members who will work directly on your projects to evaluate their enthusiasm and understanding of your music. Research how current artists on the roster feel about their experiences, particularly those at similar career stages.

Remember that signing with a label means entrusting an essential part of your artistic life to these partners. Choosing the right match is as much about personal connection as it is about business terms.

How To Stand Out To A Record Label

Record labels are looking for artists who demonstrate potential for long-term success. Before approaching top record labels, develop a brand that encompasses your sound, visual aesthetic, messaging, and values. This setup gives A&R representatives a clear understanding of your unique market position.

Building an engaged audience increases your attractiveness to labels, even those of modest size. This demonstrates proof of concept, which reduces the label’s risk. Focus on metrics that show genuine engagement rather than just follower counts.

Strong streaming retention rates, active social media engagement, and dedicated attendance at live performances indicate genuine connections with listeners. Document your growth with professional press photos and organized analytics that tell the story of your developing career.

Personal connections remain invaluable in the music industry; therefore, attend industry events and actively participate in your local music community. Rather than cold-contacting, you can request introductions to label representatives through trusted intermediaries.

When you do have the opportunity to present your music, be prepared and authentic. Top record labels value professionalism but want to work with genuine people who are passionate about their art.

What Are Record Labels Looking For?

If you want to know how to get signed by a record label, understanding what they are looking for will help you position yourself more effectively. While criteria can vary from label to label, certain qualities consistently attract attention.

Most major labels are looking for artists who offer something fresh while remaining accessible to their target audience. This need doesn’t necessarily mean radical experimentation, but bringing a unique perspective or approach to your chosen style.

Beyond the music, labels seek evidence of work ethic, reliability, and the ability to collaborate effectively with teams. Your existing audience engagement provides valuable insights into how you connect with your listeners.

Strong performance skills remain as important as ever, as live shows drive significant revenue and build lasting fan relationships. Most importantly, labels evaluate whether they can add meaningful value to what you already have.

Record labels looking for artists will consider how your music aligns with their existing roster, distribution channels, and industry connections. They assess whether their marketing expertise would effectively amplify your story and whether your career timeline aligns with their business model.

How To Submit Your Music To Record Labels

Approaching labels requires thorough research and careful preparation. Before submitting anything, thoroughly review each label’s submission guidelines.

Please don’t skip this, as many specifications include specific formats, required information, and whether they accept unsolicited material. Failing to meet these requirements virtually guarantees that your submission will go unheard.

Most labels prefer digital submissions through specified channels rather than physical packages or unsolicited emails. Your submission package should include your top 3-5 demos and a concise biography highlighting your key achievements and influences.

Remember to include professional photos, links to your social media and streaming profiles, and relevant press coverage. Keep all materials professional, well-organized, and consistent with your artist branding. After submitting, be patient and keep working.

Label review processes take months, as many receive hundreds of submissions weekly. While waiting, continue to build your audience, create content, and refine your craft.

Remember that even rejection can provide valuable information. If a label declines but offers specific feedback, consider it for future development.

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Summary

Record labels looking for artists today offer opportunities across mainstream, eclectic, and niche genres. Many continue to evolve their services and business models to stay relevant.

Finding the right label partner will involve careful research, strategic positioning, and a thorough understanding of each label’s offerings and values. While securing a record deal requires persistence and preparation, the benefits make the effort worthwhile.

The right partnership can accelerate your musical journey by providing financial support, access to expertise, industry relationships, and collaborative communities.