Independent record label

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An independent record label (or indie label) is a music company that operates without the funding or distribution of major record labels. These labels typically function as small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Independent labels and their artists are often represented by regional trade associations, which are in turn represented globally by the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN).

Many of the labels started as producers and distributors of specific genres of music, such as jazz music, or represent something new and non-mainstream, such as Elvis Presley in the early days. Indies release rock, soul, R&B, jazz, blues, gospel, reggae, hip hop, and world music. Music appearing on indie labels is often referred to as indie music, or more specifically by genre, such as indie hip-hop.