Sarah Chen
Independent Label Specialist
Consultant and former indie label co-founder specializing in artist-friendly deal structures, grassroots marketing, and community building.
About Sarah
Sarah Chen co-founded an independent record label in 2015, growing it from a two-person operation to a roster of 14 artists generating seven-figure annual revenue. After a successful exit in 2021, she transitioned to consulting and writing, advising independent labels and self-releasing artists on deal structures, grassroots marketing, and community building. Sarah's hands-on experience running a label gives her writing a practitioner's perspective that resonates with readers who are in the trenches of the indie music ecosystem. She regularly speaks at A2IM and CD Baby conferences.
Sarah Chen's articles are written from direct professional experience and reviewed by at least one additional team member for accuracy before publication. All credentials listed on this page are verified by our editorial team. Read our editorial standards →
Articles by Sarah (7)
Understanding the Fallout from Pershing Square’s Universal Music Rejection
The implications of Pershing Square's attempted takeover of Universal Music Group reveal significant trends in the music industry.
· 8 min readRecord Labels & DealsEd Sheeran's Exit from Warner: A Turning Point for Artist Independence
Sheeran's exit signals a pivotal shift for artists seeking independence and better contracts in the music industry.
· 6 min readRecord Labels & DealsRedefining A&R in 2026: Navigating Talent Discovery and Development
Explore the evolving role of A&R in music, where data informs talent discovery and creative development remains crucial.
· 6 min readArtist DevelopmentRethinking Manager Commissions: Fair Pay for Career Leaders
The debate over fair manager compensation involves evolving roles and income dynamics in an artist's career.
· 6 min readBusiness StrategyMid-Tier Artists: Six-Figure Strategies Beyond the Spotlight
Mid-tier artists earn six-figure incomes through diverse revenue streams, sidestepping the usual hits and label deals.
· 6 min readMarketing & PromotionBuilding the First Thousand Fans: Your Essential Playbook
A focused strategy can help artists cultivate their first thousand fans for sustainable growth.
· 6 min readRecord Labels & DealsIndie Labels Rise: Shifting Control in Music Distribution
Indie labels are redefining the music industry landscape, leveraging new distribution channels and creative autonomy.
· 6 min read