Universal, Sony, Warner (The Big 3)
EMPIRE, Rimas, 300 Entertainment
Key Question: Would you rather have a bigger slice of a smaller pie, or a smaller slice of a bigger pie?
EMPIRE is an independent label and distribution company that proved indies can compete at the highest level. They work with artists like Shaboozey, Kendrick Lamar (distribution), and many Bay Area artists.
EMPIRE gives artists higher royalty splits and lets them keep ownership of their masters — something major labels rarely offer.
Scenario: You are a new artist with a viral TikTok hit.
A major label offers $1 million advance — but you give up your masters.
An indie label offers $50,000 — but you keep ownership.
Which do you choose and WHY? (3–4 sentences)
Where Does the Money Come From? • The Streaming Math