In a world where content is endless, attention is currency, and strategy often trumps substance—what does it really mean to be an independent artist/label today? This panel dives into the raw, often messy reality of releasing music outside the traditional system. We’re not here to give you a toolkit—we’re here to talk about survival, identity, and how to carve out space that’s yours in an ecosystem built to flatten everything into trends. From self-funded releases and DIY collectives to boutique labels that still give a damn, our speakers unpack how they navigate creative control, burnout, niche communities, and the constant demand to be visible. This isn’t about going viral—it’s about building something that lasts.A conversation for those tired of templates, hungry for autonomy, and ready to rethink what success looks like when you’re doing it on your own terms.
Moderator:
Guillaume Warmerdam - Make Waves
Speakers:
Georgi Linev - Artist
Celine Cairo - Artist
David Barnes - Rhymesayers
Anton Teichmann - Mansions & Millions