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!
October 16th 〰 19th, 2024
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 four-day 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!
October 16th 〰 19th, 2024
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 four-day 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 5 days of ADE
✓ Access to all conference tracks: ADE Pro, Lab, Green, Beats & more
✓ Access to all Network events, matchmakings & Business Hubs
✓ Access to ADE Pro's networking database
✓ Access to ADE Festival and Arts & Culture program
✓ The official ADE x G-Star RAW 2024 Bagpack
✓ Travel for free during ADE with GVB
✓ Train like a Pro with TrainMore
and more benefits ...
Read more about the ADE Pro Pass and other tickets.
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.
Info & Ticket Desks for picking up your personal ADE Pro Pass badge & wristband
Felix Meritis (outside)
Address: Keizersgracht 324, 1016EZ Amsterdam
Tuesday October 15: 16:00 to 20:00
Wednesday October 16: 09:00 to 19:00
Thursday October 17: 08:30 to 19:00
Friday October 18: 08:30 to 19:00
Saturday October 19: 10:00 to 19:00
Sunday October 20: CLOSED
~ The best location for collecting your accreditation when you want to visit the ADE Pro Conference.
I Amsterdam Store - Central Station
Address: De Ruijterkade 28 B t/m D, 1012 AA Amsterdam.
Tuesday October 15: 14:00 to 18:30
Wednesday October 16: 09:00 to 18:30
Thursday October 17: 09:00 to 18:30
Friday October 18: 09:00 to 18:30
Saturday October 19: 09:00 to 18:30
Sunday October 20: 09:00 to 18:30
~ This Info & Ticket desk is the most convenient location for people who'd like to pick up their accreditation right after arriving in Amsterdam.
Het Groene Paleis
Address: Nes 76, 1012KE Amsterdam
Tuesday October 15: CLOSED
Wednesday October 16: 18:00 to 22:00
Thursday October 17: 18:00 to 22:00
Friday October 18: 18:00 to 22:00
Saturday October 19: 18:00 to 20:00
Sunday October 20: CLOSED
~ Evening pick-up desk for ADE Pro Passes.
NOTE
Please be aware that your E-ticket is strictly personal and non-transferable. It is mandatory to show your ID/passport during pick-up. Your items cannot be picked up by someone else.
Also, don’t forget to complete your profile details before ADE, to make sure we have the right information to prepare your personal badge.
Haven't received your ticket(s) or cannot find them? You can easily find them by following the steps on this page.
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