Futures Music Group: Revolutionizing the Independent Music Landscape

In a groundbreaking move, Neon Gold and Avenue A Records have joined forces to create Futures Music Group, a tech-savvy collective of independent labels with a steadfast commitment to artists. This strategic alliance has already made waves in the industry, with the recent signing of the popular indie rock band Mt. Joy, fresh off their sold-out Madison Square Garden show.

Empowering Artists, Embracing Innovation

A Collaborative Approach to Independent Music

Futures Music Group is a collaborative effort between Neon Gold's Derek Davies and Avenue A's Dave Wallace, who co-founded the label group in early 2024. The group's mission is to provide a platform for independent artists to thrive, leveraging the expertise and resources of its member labels. By pooling their knowledge and networks, Futures Music Group aims to offer a comprehensive suite of services, from digital marketing and sync licensing to content production and sales.

Proving the Futures Model with "Home" by Good Neighbours

The group's first release as Futures, "Home" by Good Neighbours, quickly went viral in January, serving as a proof-of-concept for the Futures model. The song's meteoric rise, with a platinum certification in less than nine months, has put the band on the map and demonstrated the potential of the Futures approach.

A Diverse and Talented Roster

The Futures Music Group roster boasts an impressive lineup of artists, including Phantogram, The Knocks, Barns Courtney, Palace, and the newly signed Mt. Joy, the latter through a joint venture with the band's own Bloom Field Records. The group's diverse portfolio showcases its commitment to nurturing a wide range of musical talents.

Embracing the Future of the Music Industry

Futures Music Group's co-founders, Davies and Wallace, have spent the last few years studying and investing in emerging technologies that have the potential to disrupt the music industry. Davies' involvement in the startup Medallion, which helps artists build direct relationships with fans using web3 technology, and the group's strategic investments in platforms like Big Effect and Notes.fm, demonstrate their forward-thinking approach.

Aligning Incentives for Artist Success

At the heart of Futures Music Group's model is a focus on aligning incentives between the label and the artist. The group offers license-based deals that keep master ownership in the hands of the artists and a royalty split of at least 50/50, with the potential for an even more favorable split as certain profit thresholds are met. This approach, according to Davies, fosters "maximum incentive alignment" and rewards artists for their success.

Prioritizing Songwriter Compensation

Futures Music Group has also made a commitment to supporting songwriters, pledging to give points on every master to any non-producing and non-performing songwriter from the label's share. This move underscores the group's dedication to ensuring fair compensation for all creative contributors.

Building a Sustainable Future for Independent Music

"We believe the future of the music industry has never been brighter for artists and the independent sector," says Davies. Futures Music Group's vision is to deliver major results for artists on independent terms, leveraging their expertise, resources, and commitment to innovation. By empowering artists and embracing the evolving landscape of the music industry, Futures Music Group is poised to redefine the independent music landscape.