We spoke to Italian artist Fedele on the beginnings of his label Obscura Music, as he attempts to carve out space for artists to exist away from mainstream trends.
Italian artist Fedele has had a versatile career to say the least. A former member of Agents of Time, Fedele’s creativity eventually led him away from the group to focus on his own craft whilst developing his label. His impressive discography touches some of the biggest record labels in dance music, including Jennifer Cardini’s Correspondent and Tale of Us’ Afterlife, to name a few.
Fedele has spent his years chasing his art through R&B, Hip-Hop, Techno, and film soundtracks in search of musical innovation and he has chosen to take the same approach with his label Obscura.
Talk to us about Obscura Music. What was your inspiration behind the label?
Obscura was founded with the aim to promote and support talented artists who have a unique and innovative approach to music. I have always been a music enthusiast, and I noticed that there was a lack of platforms for musicians who don’t fit into the mainstream mold. I wanted to create a label that would give these artists a voice and help them reach a wider audience. The inspiration behind starting Obscura was to provide a space where creativity and originality could flourish, and where artists could have the freedom to express themselves without being confined by anything.
What factors do you take into consideration when choosing music to release on the label? What are you looking for?
When selecting music for Obscura, I prioritize music that is innovative, high-quality, and fits within the label’s genre and aesthetic. The ultimate goal is to release music that not only stands out artistically but also resonates with audiences and supports Obscura’s mission and vision.
What difficulties have you encountered since you started the label that you maybe weren’t expecting?
Starting a record label comes with its own set of difficulties, including intense competition, managing artists, and staying up to date with industry developments. Like every project it’s important to have a team you trust, otherwise, it will make everything slower and this could be frustrating. However, with passion and determination, it is possible to overcome the challenges and build a successful label that supports and promotes innovative artists.
“When selecting music for your label, trust your instincts and believe in yourself.“
For the artists reading this who may have dreams of starting their own label, what advice can you give them?
Opening a record label is a journey filled with both challenges and rewards. To succeed, it is important to have a clear vision and mission for your label. What kind of music do you want to promote? What values do you want to stand for? And what kind of artists do you want to work with? These are questions you should ask yourself as you begin your journey.
When selecting music for your label, trust your instincts and believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to take risks and release music that is true to your vision, even if it goes against current trends or popular opinion. Your unique perspective and passion for music will help you taking decisions.
Quality and authenticity should always be your top priorities. A successful label is built on a foundation of great music and a genuine connection with your audience. By prioritizing quality and authenticity, you will be able to build a loyal and dedicated following over time.
Relationships with the artists you work with are also important. Encourage collaboration and create a supportive environment that fosters creativity and innovation. By working closely with artists, you can help them realize their full potential and bring their best work to the world.
The music industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay open-minded and flexible. By adapting to change, you can stay ahead of the curve and succeed in the long run.
Finally, building a strong and skilled team is key to the success of your label. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and are as passionate about music as you are. With the right team in place, you can achieve great things and build a thriving label that stands the test of time.
Do you think that running a label has helped you grow at all as an artist?
Developing my own record label has been an incredible journey that has taught me so much about the music industry and myself as an artist. Not only have I been able to connect with other industry professionals and build valuable relationships, but I have also gained a deeper understanding of the music industry and how it works.
For starters, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the music industry, including its inner workings, challenges, and trends that are shaping its future. This knowledge will empower you also to make informed decisions about your career as an artist. Additionally, running a label opens doors for networking with other industry professionals, such as producers, distributors, and other label owners. These relationships can help you grow your network and build valuable connections within the industry.
But, most importantly, it provides a platform to support and uplift you and other artists, and to collaborate and grow with them. By working with and learning from other musicians, you can expand your musical horizons, discover new sounds, and develop your skills as an artist. I can say, running a record label is a journey of growth, creativity, and empowerment. Embrace this opportunity to bring your artistic vision to life, support other artists, and take your place in shaping the future of the music industry.
Running a label can be a full-time job. How do you find the time to keep everything going?
It is for sure a full-time job that requires a lot of time, effort, and organization to keep everything running smoothly. To make the job easier, I make sure to have a strong team in place by providing training and support and establishing clear communication channels.
I also make sure to have a well-organized system for managing tasks, projects, and schedules. This includes creating a task list, delegating responsibilities, and utilizing technology and tools to streamline processes.
Despite the demands of time for this “job”, my passion for what I do makes it feel less like work and more like a fulfilling endeavor.
What have you got in store for both yourself and the label in 2023?
I have some exciting plans for 2023, both for myself and the label. We have a lot of great music in store, both from our regular artists and some new faces. Of course, working on releasing new music of my own, and there may be some other surprises in store as well!
In addition to the music, we’re also actively working on organizing more events to bring our music and community together. Overall, 2023 seems to be a year filled with new and exciting opportunities for both myself and the label.
’The Awake Part.2’ is out on the 24th Feb which you can purchased here.
Follow Obscura records here.