5 Albums That Prove That Major Labels Aren’t Necessary
Words and Picks by Annette Hansen
Motion City Soundtrack – Go
In 2010 Motion City Soundtrack released its first and what would be its only major label album My Dinosaur Life with Columbia Records. After just the one album with the label, the band decided to jump ship and go back to its independent roots. The band formed its own label The Boombox Generation and recorded its fifth full length album “Go” and re-signed with Epitaph Records to release the album in 2012. While it’s hard to pick a favorite Motion City Soundtrack album the captivating rawness that sets “Go” apart from the rest of the band’s catalogue is hard to ignore and easy to appreciate.
All Time Low – Don’t Panic!
It’s seems like All Time Low has been the longtime darling of the pop-punk, power-pop genre, and it seemed liked it had reached an all time high when the band signed with major label Interscope Records. Things went sour quickly, though, and after releasing one album, Dirty Work, on Interscope the band returned to its old label Hopeless Records to release 2012’s Don’t Panic!. At least in my opinion, this is probably All Time Low’s best work. The songs that make up this album show a strong sense of growth without throwing all the fun to the curb.
The Maine – Forever Halloween
After releasing Black & White and Pioneer through a branch of Warner Music Group, The Maine decided to take a step back as it approached its fourth full length album. In 2013 the band released their most raw album to date Forever Halloween which was released through the indie lable 8123 Records. The album was recorded live without the help of computer editing, making for a more genuine rock ‘n’ roll sound. The band proved it could do more than just write catchy pop-rock songs on solidified themselves as an alternative rock force to be reckoned with.
Anberlin – Lowborn
Out of all the bands on this list, Anberlin spent the most time with their major label Universal Republic Records, who it signed with in 2007. The band released its following three records with the label. In early 2014 the band announced its impending break-up along with a final album and tour dates. The band resigned with its original label Tooth and Nail to release the final album Lowborn in July. The album is somehow both dark and hopeful and makes for an intriguing final chapter for the band.
I Fight Dragons – The Near Future
Video-game infused rockers I Fight Dragons captured audiences and listeners with its charming and unique sound. This unique sound also captured the ears of Atlantic Records who signed the band in 2010 and released the band’s album Kaboom in 2011. After a lack of commercial success, the band decided to go it alone for its next and most recent album The Near Future. The group raised the funds through Kickstarter to create the album. Not only did it crush its goal, the band truly created an epic record that is nothing short of what would be desired from an I Fight Dragons album and the band did all with determination and loyal fans to back it.
