The music industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, and for many artists, traditional record labels no longer represent the path to success. Instead, innovative labels like Iron Gate Records are offering a new kind of partnership, rooted in technology and authenticity. This shift was recently highlighted by Martin DeBourge, lead vocalist of the metal band Kantation, who shared why his band decided to join the Iron Gate family: "A longer bit on 'the why' is detailed below. But in short, the guys and I have signed on with Iron Gate Records. We're pleased with this collaboration and look forward to the next chapter as a band."
DeBourge’s decision wasn’t made lightly. Many artists, like him, have grown weary of the music industry’s outdated practices. Traditional labels often leave musicians feeling exploited, with unfair deals and minimal support for long-term growth. In his candid post, Martin addressed the frustrations that many artists face: "I don't know about you, but I roll my eyes because, to put it bluntly, I'm jaded. I'm jaded by the industry. Between pay-to-play shows and streaming services paying jack shit to creators of music to out-of-pocket expenses. It's antiquated. We also know that those 'record deals' are nothing short of forced loans. Pretty much extortion."
This sentiment reflects the experience of countless musicians who’ve encountered the harsh realities of the music business. In an industry where labels often prioritize profits over artists, the record deals of old feel more like financial traps than opportunities. However, at Iron Gate Records, we’ve made it our mission to change that.
A New Kind of Partnership
Iron Gate Records was built to challenge the outdated models that DeBourge and so many others are rightfully disillusioned by. We believe that success in today’s music world requires more than just distribution—it requires embracing modern tools to help artists grow their presence, reach their audience, and sustain their careers. That’s exactly what drew Kantation to us. "Then I started listening to the founder of the company. He didn’t spill out the old, tired script of 'we’ll distribute you guys worldwide'—yawn, CD Baby already does that. THIS guy went on to talk about AI, search optimization, social media presence that WASN’T Facebook."
Iron Gate Records takes a different approach. We leverage cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence, SEO strategies, and emerging social media platforms to give artists a real chance at success. It’s not about making empty promises; it’s about using the tools available today to build a sustainable and lasting career for artists like Kantation.
A Personal Touch in a Digital World
While our label is focused on using technology to propel artists forward, we also believe in the importance of genuine human connections. When we first approached Kantation, it wasn’t about just signing another band. We took the time to listen to their music, watch their performances, and truly understand who they were as artists. This personal approach was something that deeply resonated with DeBourge: "This company did something very old fashioned. They actually listened to us. Listened to our music. Checked out our videos and even sent an ambassador to check us out live in concert."
At Iron Gate, we don’t just see artists as another product on the shelf. We care about their journey, their creativity, and their success. We believe that the key to a successful partnership lies in mutual respect and understanding—a philosophy that goes beyond just technology.
Defining Success on Your Own Terms
Every artist has a different vision of what success looks like. For some, it’s about achieving worldwide fame. For others, like Kantation, it’s about reaching a dedicated fan base and continuing to make meaningful music. DeBourge, with his years of experience, shared his down-to-earth perspective on this:
"At my age, worldwide fame is likely not in my cards. I often tell my friends, 'people still come to see me. They actually have my music in rotation on their drivetimes. To me, that’s success'."
This statement perfectly captures why so many artists are choosing Iron Gate Records. We understand that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. Whether it’s playing sold-out arenas or connecting with loyal fans, we work with each artist to define what success means for them and provide the tools they need to achieve it.
Looking Forward
We are proud to welcome Kantation into the Iron Gate Records family and look forward to supporting them as they embark on the next chapter of their musical journey. At Iron Gate, we’re not just a record label; we’re a modern partner for artists who want to leverage technology, build genuine connections, and define their own success. "I’m looking forward to a new horizon with Iron Gate." — Martin DeBourge, Kantation
More about Kantation here: Kantation
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