Independent Artist or Label-Backed? Finding Your Best Fit
Conference
Independent Artist or Label-Backed? Finding Your Best Fit
Speakers: Bradley Zero (Rythm Section), Chris Lake (Black Book Records), Aluna (Noir Fever Records), Colin Eger (TuneCore Germany), Toon Martens (Managing Director, Sony Music)
Moderator: Gosia Herman (FOREIGN XCHANGE)
In today’s music landscape, artists face a myriad of options when it comes to releasing their music. Should you go independent, sign with a traditional label, or explore emerging models such as boutique, artist-focused, or community-driven labels? With the ever-changing music scene, there are no wrong answers—just choices that align more closely with your ambitions, needs, and ideologies.
Join Bradley Zero, founder of London-based, community-focused Rhythm Section; Chris Lake, head of the discovery-driven, artist-centric Black Book Records; Aluna, label boss of Noir Fever Records, which focuses on Black, female, and LGBTQIA+ artists; Colin Eger, Head of TuneCore Germany, representing the independent distribution service TuneCore/Believe; and Toon Martens, Managing Director at Sony Music, representing the established traditional label approach.
Together, they will dive deep into the wide array of options—from signing with a traditional major label to starting your own, becoming part of a boutique or community-driven label, or staying independent. Whether you're an emerging artist or an established musician considering a new direction, this discussion will help you navigate your choices, find the right path for your career, and make informed decisions that align with your creative vision, goals, and values.
Kickstart your electronic music career at ADE Lab!
Kickstart your electronic music career at ADE Lab!
Are you an (aspiring) producer, DJ, musician, visual artist, creator or all-round electronic music enthusiast, and are you keen to learn more about your field and industry? Good news: ADE Lab returns with a program full of activities and experiences focused on the entire spectrum of creative disciplines in electronic music to help you push your music career forward.
Kickstart your electronic music career at ADE Lab!
Kickstart your electronic music career at ADE Lab!
Are you an (aspiring) producer, DJ, musician, visual artist, creator or all-round electronic music enthusiast, and are you keen to learn more about your field and industry? Good news: ADE Lab returns with a program full of activities and experiences focused on the entire spectrum of creative disciplines in electronic music to help you push your music career forward.
Conference FAQ
ADE PRO
Join us at the Felix Meritis for the full ADE Pro programme. The conference is set to be extended by an additional day, taking place from ADE Wednesday to Saturday. Just down the road the prestigious Andaz Amsterdam by Hyatt Hotels is transformed to a buzzing network & business hub from Wednesday to Friday.
ADE LAB
ADE Lab returns with a four-day programme from ADE Wednesday to Saturday at the Brakke grond and many more venues around the Amsterdam Nes area.
We do not sell ADE Conference only or Day Passes. The only way to get access to the ADE Pro Conference is the ADE Pro Pass.
Tickets for the specialist sessions and ADE Lab can be found on the ticket page.
✓ Valid all five days
ADE Pro conference takes place from Wednesday through Saturday, but the ADE Pro Pass benefits go well beyond those four days. The ticket grants access to ADE’s full offering, including all conference programs as well as all ADE Festival and Arts & Culture events* — read on below to get an impression of everything included with your ADE Pro Pass.
✓ Full access to all conference keynotes, panels and locations
ADE Pro is the ultimate business and inspiration gathering for the electronic music industry. The four-day conference returns to live action at our iconic home base Felix Meritis and features dedicated programming at the forefront of our industry. In addition, ADE will also continue to host conference programs dedicated to young creators and aspiring professionals.
✓ Year round access to ADE Pro's networking platform & database
Get a head start on connecting with fellow music professionals and companies with the ADE Pro networking database, available throughout the year. The online networking tool enables you to find and connect with all ADE Pro delegates, showcase your business with a dedicated profile page, plan meetings during ADE and much more. Over 50.000 messages are being sent on the platform yearly, with new professional connections being made on the regular.
✓ Join dedicated networking events and sessions
With over 9.000 music professionals from around the globe gathering in Amsterdam, you’re almost guaranteed to find who you need. An abundance of networking events and opportunities with fellow ADE delegates and industry leaders provides an advantageous base for dealmaking and career advancement.
✓ Access to all official Business Hubs
Whether you’re planning a meeting with fellow delegates, looking for a comfortable spot to work or simply want to hang out between conference events, your ADE Pro Pass grants access to all of ADE’s official Business Hubs.
✓ Access to the complete ADE Festival and Arts & Culture program*
With the entirety of ADE Festival and ADE Arts & Culture accessible with the ADE Pro Pass, your ticket enables you to explore the full spectrum of electronic subgenres in over 200 of Amsterdam’s finest music and nightlife spaces — with 2.500+ artists performing at 1.000+ events during five days and nights.
* Limited capacity at high-demand venues – read more at our FAQ.
✓ Receive the official ADE 2025 Bag
Your ADE Pro Pass comes with the limited edition ADE 2025 Bag, an ADE Pro Pass exclusive included with your ticket.
Our conferences are accessible for all ages in general. Do note that when alcoholic beverages are served, access can be denied.
Happy to see your interest in enhancing and contributing to our Conference program! To submit your conference ideas or panel suggestions for ADE 2025, we kindly ask you to fill in this form: https://wkf.ms/4gUA9oW
Our Conference team will review all proposals. If your idea stands out and sparks their interest, the team will reach out to you. Keep in mind that we receive numerous submissions, so using this application form doesn't guarantee selection. We appreciate your understanding.
Haven't received your ticket(s) or cannot find them? You can easily find them by following the steps on this page.
NOTE: This leads you to a page of the Eventix website, where you can find your ADE passes, as well as some ADE festival tickets - only if the tickets of the event are sold via ticket provider Eventix.
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