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 Independent Record Labels Look for in Artists: FOF Records A&R Insights
For independent artists dreaming about getting signed, the biggest mystery is often the A&R process. What do record labels actually want? Is it streams, social media followers, raw talent, or something else entirely? In 2025, independent labels—especially ownership-driven labels like FOF Records in Columbia, SC—use a different evaluation system than major labels did a decade ago. It’s no longer just about a “hit.” It’s about long-term potential, discipline, and the ability to build momentum without relying on a label to do all the work.
By FOF Records2 months ago in Beat
Independent Record Labels in Columbia SC: Complete 2025 Directory
Columbia, South Carolina has quietly transformed into one of the Southeast’s most underestimated music hubs. While Atlanta and Charlotte often dominate the regional conversation, the capital city has cultivated a growing ecosystem of independent record labels—each contributing to a diverse landscape of hip-hop, indie rock, R&B, electronic, and experimental music.
By FOF Records2 months ago in Beat
How to Submit Your Demo to FOF Records (2025 Submission Guide)
If you’re an independent artist looking for a hip-hop label in Columbia, South Carolina that values ownership, strategy, and long-term growth, FOF Records stands out as one of the most selective and modern options in the region. Built around a philosophy of catalog ownership, data-driven releases, and content-led marketing, FOF Records approaches artist submissions differently from traditional labels. This guide explains exactly how to submit your demo in 2025, what FOF is looking for, and how to prepare a professional pitch that increases your chances of getting noticed.
By FOF Records2 months ago in Beat
Independent Record Label Artist Development in 2025
The way artists grow today looks nothing like it did even ten years ago. Back when major labels had near-exclusive access to radio payola, expensive studio time, and rigid release windows, development meant long periods of being “in the lab” before the rest of the world heard a note. In 2025, independent record labels have flipped that script entirely: they develop artists with the audience, not behind closed doors.
By FOF Records2 months ago in Beat
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 Records2 months 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 Records2 months 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 Records2 months 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 Records2 months 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 Records2 months 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 Records2 months 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 Records2 months ago in Beat
