industry
The music world is characterized by a blend of constants and continuous change; Beat examines the inside of the industry from recording studios to record labels, live performances, music streaming technology and beyond.
What Do A&R Reps Look for in Artists? (From a Real Label Executive)
Most artists imagine an A&R rep sitting behind a desk listening to demos all day, waiting for the perfect song to fall into their inbox. The reality is far more strategic. In 2025, A&R isn’t just about discovering talent—it’s about identifying artists who already show signs of market potential, audience engagement, and strong artistic identity. Whether you’re an aspiring rapper, singer, band, or producer, understanding what attracts A&R attention can change how you approach your career. This guide breaks down what label executives actually look for when considering whether to sign an artist, based on modern industry expectations.
By FOF Records23 days ago in Beat
The Rise of Independent Music in South Carolina: 2025 Report
South Carolina’s independent music scene in 2025 is no longer a whisper on the outskirts of the industry. It’s a growing cultural movement shaped by DIY ethics, genre-blending creativity, and a rising network of artists who are choosing autonomy over traditional major-label pathways. Across Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Florence, a new wave of independent artists, studios, venues, and labels are working together to build a self-sustaining ecosystem where originality is the currency and local audiences are the foundation.
By FOF Records23 days ago in Beat
Top 15 Independent Record Labels in South Carolina (2025 Guide)
1) FOF Records — Columbia’s Homegrown Powerhouse BigDeuceFOF’s own label isn’t just on the list — it headlines it. FOF Records has become synonymous with the hottest independent music momentum in the Palmetto State, breaking through on streaming playlists and building a community-driven roster that amplifies local voices with national ambition. Whether it’s hip-hop, trap, or genre-blending soundscapes, FOF is shaping the regional identity while pushing artists upward.
By FOF Records23 days ago in Beat
How Many Streams to Make Money: Real Label Data (2025 Breakdown)
“How many streams to make money?” is one of the most searched—and most misunderstood—questions in music. The problem isn’t the math. It’s that most answers talk about gross payouts, not real artist income, and almost none explain when streams actually become profitable.
By FOF Records23 days ago in Beat
Spotify for Artists: Complete Label Guide (2025)
If you search how to get on Spotify playlists, you’ll find a lot of noise: pay-to-play myths, vague advice, and promises that quietly violate Spotify policy. What actually works in 2025 is far less dramatic—and far more systematic.
By FOF Records23 days ago in Beat
How to Get on Spotify Playlists: Label Strategy (FOF Records Playbook)
If you search how to get on Spotify playlists, you’ll find a lot of noise: pay-to-play myths, vague advice, and promises that quietly violate Spotify policy. What actually works in 2025 is far less dramatic—and far more systematic.
By FOF Records23 days ago in Beat
How to Price Your Music Features as an Artist (2025 Guide)
One of the most common—and most mishandled—questions artists ask is how much to charge for a feature. Price it too low and you cap your value. Price it too high without leverage and you lose opportunities. The right price sits at the intersection of demand, brand equity, and operational clarity.
By FOF Records23 days ago in Beat
360 Deal Explained: Why FOF Records Doesn’t Use Them
The term 360 deal music gets thrown around constantly—but rarely explained clearly. Artists hear “360 deal” and either panic or assume it’s just how the industry works now. The truth is more nuanced. A 360 deal is not automatically evil, but it is one of the most misunderstood—and often misused—contracts in modern music.
By FOF Records23 days ago in Beat
Artist Development: How Independent Labels Build Careers (90-Day Blueprint)
Artist development is one of the most misunderstood ideas in the modern music industry. For years, it was treated like a luxury—something only major labels could afford, involving long studio sessions, image makeovers, and years of trial and error. In 2025, that model is obsolete. Today, artist development is a system, not a waiting period.
By FOF Records23 days ago in Beat
Music Distribution for Independent Labels: Complete Guide (2025)
Music distribution is the spine of any independent record label. Without the right distribution setup, even great music gets stuck—delayed releases, missing royalties, bad metadata, or zero leverage when momentum hits. That’s why understanding music distribution for labels is not optional in 2025. It’s foundational.
By FOF Records23 days ago in Beat
Independent Record Label vs Major Label: Complete Comparison (2025)
If you’re trying to understand the independent vs major label debate in 2025, you’re asking the right question—but most of the internet gives the wrong answers. This is not a battle between “good” and “evil,” or “DIY” versus “industry.” It’s a structural decision about control, risk, speed, and long-term leverage.
By FOF Records23 days ago in Beat
