In the digital era of music, the walls between creators and listeners have largely crumbled. Independent music is thriving, and niche genres like techno, psytrance, and experimental electronica have seen massive global growth. Yet amid all this freedom, a new kind of predator has emergedâthe modern aggregator label.
These labels often disguise themselves as allies of the underground scene, but in truth, many operate like parasites, feeding on the efforts of independent creators while offering little to no real value in return.
This article will break down how aggregator labels exploit artists, especially in underground electronic scenes, and what you can do to protect your art, your rights, and your income.
đŻ What Is an Aggregator Label?
An aggregator label functions like a digital distributor. They compile music from multiple artists and release it under a single label name, pushing it out to platforms like Beatport, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
At first glance, this seems like a good deal for small producers: more exposure, professional branding, and access to listeners you might not reach on your own. But the reality is often very different.
đ° The Exploitation of the 50/50 Deal
One of the most common traps used by these labels is the “50/50 royalty split.” On paper, it sounds fair. But let’s look at what that actually means in the real world.
The Artist:
Writes and produces the music.
Pays for or creates artwork.
Mixes, masters, and prepares the track.
Promotes the release to their own audience.
Performs the music live, bringing visibility to the label.
The Label:
Uploads the track using an automated tool.
Slaps their branding on it.
Often does zero promotion beyond social media reposts.
Provides no funding, no guidance, and no analytics.
Yet in this deal, the artist and the label walk away with equal cuts of the revenue.
This is not a partnership. Itâs an extraction of value.
đ The Illusion of Exposure
Aggregator labels know exactly how to manipulate artist psychology. They promise things like:
âMassive exposure on Spotify playlists.â
âMore gigs after joining our roster.â
âA platform to grow your brand.â
But exposure without compensation is not sustainable. Many artists sign away their music for yearsâsometimes indefinitelyâjust for the hope of reaching more ears. But exposure doesnât pay bills. It doesnât fund your next EP. It doesnât build your brandâit builds theirs.
In most cases, aggregator labels add your track to massive compilations with dozens of songs, burying your work under a heap of content while profiting from the collective output.
đ Lack of Transparency and Control
Aggregator labels often fail to provide:
Detailed sales reports or streaming analytics.
Clear contract terms, leaving artists in the dark.
Exit clauses, making it hard to regain control over your own music.
Payouts in a timely and transparent manner.
In the worst cases, artists never see a single cent from these âdeals,â while the label continues to collect revenue from plays, downloads, and licensing.
đ§ Knowledge Is Power â Hereâs What You Can Do
As an artist, you deserve to retain control over your creations. Here’s how to keep that power in your hands:
â Use Direct Distribution Services
Platforms like DistroKid, Amuse, AWAL, or Tunecore let you publish your music independently. You keep 100% of your rights and most of the royalties, with transparent dashboards and artist-focused tools.
â Read Every Contract â Or Donât Sign It
If a label sends you a contract, read every line. If it doesnât offer you a clear timeline, detailed rights, and transparent revenue sharingâyouâre better off walking away.
â Build Your Own Brand Ecosystem
Rely less on labels and more on direct-to-fan platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, or your own website. Build a mailing list. Create compelling content around your music. Develop loyal fans who support you directly.
â Join Communities That Care
Connect with like-minded creators. Platforms like Audionerdz.net offer courses, networking, and resources for producers who want to own their craft and grow independently.
đ Empower Yourself with Audionerdz
At Audionerdz.net, weâre not just another platformâweâre a movement. We believe that artists should own their music, understand their rights, and thrive without needing to rely on outdated, exploitative structures.
Our educational content, masterclasses, presets, and production tools are made by producers, for producers. Whether you’re into hi-tech psytrance, deep techno, or genre-defying sonic experiments, we’ve got the knowledge and resources to help you succeed on your terms.
đ Check out our Masterclasses and Distribution Guide
đ Download premium tools and presets for your next release
đ€ Join a community that respects artists and champions independence
â Final Thoughts
If you’re creating something unique, passionate, and powerfulâdonât give it away for free. Aggregator labels may offer shortcuts, but more often than not, they cut you out of your own success. Learn the rules of the game, and then rewrite them in your favor.
Your art deserves more than a 50/50. It deserves freedom.
