The current state and future of European indie record labels: reflections from ESNS 2025
The current state and future of European indie record labels: reflections from ESNS 2025
Last Friday at ESNS, I moderated a panel on the current state and future of European indie record labels. This session brought together leading voices from the indie sector: Ruth Barlow (UK): Director of Live Licensing, Beggars Group / Chairperson of AIM; Dario Draštata (Croatia): Executive Director, Dallas Records / President of Runda & Chair of Impala; Jan Willem Kaasschieter (NL): CEO, Artone; Johann Audiffren (France): A&R/Marketing Manager, Believe. The discussion explored key themes surrounding the identity, challenges, and opportunities for European indie labels today.
What independence means in today’s industry.
The session began with a fundamental question: What does independence mean in today’s music industry? Ruth Barlow provided a powerful reflection:
“Being independent for me is doing things on your own terms, and I think that chimes with a lot of artists these days. Obviously, we know that the Trojan horses are out there—they’ve always been out there—in the sense that major labels have been masquerading as independents for years, buying us all up and the rest of it. But from my perspective, with Beggars and the labels I represent, the people who run those labels have relationships with their artists that are built on mutual respect and true partnerships. They nurture artists for a long time; it’s not just about numbers, hits, or all that stuff. We’ve got some great stories in our labels. Take someone like Sampha, who I think is one of ‘the’ singers and songwriters of his generation—it took him eight years to deliver a record. Would that have happened in a fast-paced, bonus-driven environment where everything is about having a hit? That’s Young and Caius’ approach: incubating a group of really talented people who work with each other and are part of something bigger than just profits or scale. We’re about creating art and contributing to culture. That’s what true independence is for me. Music isn’t just about making money; it’s about putting something back in.”
Dario Draštata added that maintaining genuine independence often requires advocacy on behalf of the sector. He highlighted the work of Runda and Impala in ensuring indie labels have representation and protections across Europe. The panellists agreed that independence is about prioritising artistry and culture over the commercial imperatives that often drive major label operations.
Distinctive approaches of indie labels.
The discussion shifted to the strategies that set indie labels apart. Ruth explained how Beggars nurtures artists over time, prioritising creative freedom rather than short-term returns. Johann and Dario illustrated how understanding local markets enables indie labels to thrive and resonate with their audiences. Jan Willem detailed how Artone leverages direct-to-consumer (D2C) models to create sustainable financial and artistic ecosystems. These approaches demonstrate the adaptability and resilience of indie labels in an increasingly challenging landscape.
Collaboration as a strength.
Collaboration was a recurring theme. Dario described how Runda fosters cooperation across Balkan labels to amplify their collective impact. Johann spoke about the need for international collaboration to promote diversity and equality. Jan Willem shared how Artone’s infrastructure supports cooperative efforts among indie labels. These collaborative efforts highlight the strength and community spirit within the indie sector.
Sæfari’s reflections.
One of the attendees, Icelandic singer-songwriter Sæfari, shared his impressions after the session:
“It would’ve been easy for the panel to moan about the difficulties and adversity they had endured in recent times and the amount of work in front of them to keep going, but instead, they were full of fire and inspiration, speaking about the most important thing of all, the nurturing and development of future artists. The image they painted of such labels was that they are actually the ones holding everything together in the industry, with their undying love and care for the bottom line, the artist.”
Sæfari continues:
“It inspired me to consider signing with an indie label myself.”
His reflections encapsulate the essence of the discussion, which prioritised optimism and passion for artistry over industry challenges.
Looking ahead: challenges and opportunities.
The panel concluded with reflections on the future of indie labels. Johann expressed concerns about META’s demoderation and its potential impact on indie visibility, urging proactive digital strategies. The panellists encouraged indie labels to adopt innovative approaches while staying true to their principles. Ruth reinforced the importance of culture and creativity, reminding the audience that these values remain at the core of the indie identity.
Closing thoughts.
The ESNS panel highlighted the resilience and adaptability of indie labels. By fostering collaboration, adopting innovative strategies, and staying rooted in their values, indie labels continue to redefine what independence means in today’s music industry.
Sæfari’s reflections underscored the enduring significance of the indie sector:
“The image they painted of such labels was that they are actually the ones holding everything together in the industry, with their undying love and care for the bottom line, the artist.”
This session celebrated indie labels as champions of creativity, culture, and the artist’s journey, leaving both industry professionals and artists inspired for the future.
