8. Mainstream vs Indie.

Advantages and disadvantages to being signed to an independent label. 

Advantages:

• You have your independence in music
• Close connections with fans.

Disadvantages:

• No financial help-limited budget for promotion
• not known globally
• have to do it themselves
• less profits.

Advantages and disadvantages to being signed to an mainstream label.

Advantages:

• Distributes to a larger audience
• artists known worldwide
• have financial support
• are publicised quicker

Disadvantages:

• No freedom
• most of the profits go to the label
• labels can be exploiting the artists.

How important do you think merchandise and ancillary products are to the success of the band and to the audience?

It is very important as merchandise and ancillary products help to make much money as well as promoting the band or artist. The audience can have something which is related to the band or artist, such as dolls or posters

How many different ways can fans of the bands fin our information about them?

• Look through websites
• social media- it feels like you are engaging directly to the artists
• Tv music shows such as MTV and interviews.
• Forums 

Would you rather be signed to a mainstream or independent label? 

I would rather be signed to an independent label because in a mainstream you do not have an independence in the music you create. In my opinion, more attention is drawn to you and you do not have this competition like you would in mainstream labels. What is more, you have closer connections with fans which I personally think is a key feature.