About Us
Who We Are
ArtiSans Label was the first and only full-service record label, pioneering a model later adopted by Sony and Kobal, et al. Guided by principles of creativity, rebellion, and authenticity, our approach defies the traditional record label model, offering our fellow artists the support they need without taking any percentage of their profits.
After helping independent artists release more than 400 albums over the last 16+ years, ArtiSans Label is now offering up all the hard-earned knowledge, industry contacts, resources and opportunities in a new online library, free to all.
While we are no longer directly releasing albums, our commitment to nurture a community of artists and guide them through the challenges of the music industry is stronger than ever. The content you’ll find at gain.artisanslabel.com is carefully and continuously curated by our Founder Michael J. Filson, and will only ever contain tried-and-true insights that we believe to be effective and full of integrity.
Join us in progressing the era of artistic independence, innovation, and empowerment. Together, we’ll unlock your potential within and join you on this journey to a sustainable independent music career.
Artists without a label
Meet Michael Filson
Our story and my journey began with a fervent love for music and a thirst for knowledge. As a musician, I found myself frequently sought after by friends and fellow bands for guidance in releasing albums. The process of recording and producing music intrigued me from an early age, and I delved into the world of music technology, driven by an insatiable curiosity.
At the age of 18, I began to explore the realm of recording, I started with an eight-track setup. The allure of capturing musical moments and the challenge of perfecting the art of recording propelled me forward.
My academic journey took me through a music degree, focusing on songwriting, performance, and business. It was during this time that the idea of ArtiSans Label was born. My senior project envisioned a revolutionary record label – one that functioned as a service-oriented company, supporting artists without the traditional constraints of the industry. Although I initially hesitated, my peers and mentors encouraged me to pursue this visionary path.
My academic journey took me through a music degree, focusing on songwriting, performance, and business. It was during this time that the idea of ArtiSans Label was born. My senior project envisioned a revolutionary record label – one that functioned as a service-oriented company, supporting artists without the traditional constraints of the industry. Although I initially hesitated, my peers and mentors encouraged me to pursue this visionary path.
Over the years, my professional career took me on diverse paths – from running online learning programs to collaborating with entrepreneurs at a technological incubator. Yet, my heart remained steadfastly rooted in the world of music and the mission to support fellow musicians.
Now, with extensive involvement spanning more than 400 albums, encompassing roles such as recording, distribution, and funding, I’ve garnered a profound understanding of the multifaceted realm of music production and have recognized a significant gap in the music industry – the need for guidance on what to do after recording.
For years, friends and acquaintances approached me with the same question: “What’s next?” This question ignited a flame within me and planted the seed for ArtiSans Label.
Our Logo
ArtiSans Label’s logo is a modified version of a “spider”, the little adapter piece used with turntables to play 45 rpm vinyl singles. The spider was created because the way records were made was changing; ArtiSans Label was created to change the way records were made. The logo also features the “+” symbol in the center instead of a simple hole, an homage to the international symbol for help (the Red Cross).
Our Logo
ArtiSans Label’s logo is a modified version of a “spider”, the little adapter piece used with turntables to play 45 rpm vinyl singles. The spider was created because the way records were made was changing; ArtiSans Label was created to change the way records were made. The logo also features the “+” symbol in the center instead of a simple hole, an homage to the international symbol for help (the Red Cross).