Label Spotlight - September | Red Rebel Music

Red Rebel Music launched in 2005, with a philosophy centred on great artists and great songs.

Over the past two decades, the label has released music spanning various genres allowing its roster to develop organically rather than being defined by a particular genre. In the last few years, it has evolved to focus predominantly on alt country, Americana and singer-songwriters.

The label is owned and run by Karen Waters, an artist manager and industry professional who was herself a Golden Guitar Award nominee and former Vice Chair of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA). Her career spans artist
management, label operations, publicity and radio, giving her a unique perspective on both the creative and business sides of an artist’s journey. 

Karen’s experience has shaped the philosophy behind Red Rebel Music that artists come first.

For AIR's September Label Spotlight we caught up with Karen to learn more...

HOW WAS RED REBEL MUSIC CREATED? WHAT IS RED REBEL MUSIC ALL ABOUT?

I created it to release music centred around the work of songwriter, Fiona Kernaghan. Most of the music Red Rebel Music releases sits somewhere in the singer/songwriter, alt-country & Americana worlds. The aim has always been to give artists the freedom to follow their own creative path, rather than asking them to fit neatly within a box.

WHAT WAS THE MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED YOU WANTED TO START A LABEL?  WAS IT WHAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO OR DID SOMETHING ELSE LEAD TO IT?

Like many other indie labels, Red Rebel Music wasn’t something I purposely set out to do, it was more so born out of frustration. I kept coming across artists I believed in yet, for various reasons, finding the right label was often difficult. My approach has always been: if you can’t go in through a door, try a window. So, that’s what I did.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST WAYS FOR A LABEL TO SUPPORT THEIR ARTISTS?

I think the most important thing is to listen to your artists. Allow them the space to experiment, collaborate, make mistakes and help them evolve into the artists they are meant to be. It’s also important to remember that artists are people first.
Life happens and personal circumstances, challenges and everything that comes with being human can inevitably impact creativity and the way someone works.  Understanding that, having empathy and giving people the space they need is just as important as the music itself. Every artist is different and every release is different, so it’s important to approach each project on its own terms rather than applying a one size fits all mentality.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AN ARTIST AND THEIR INDEPENDENT LABEL?

Communication and listening are key. Be willing to adapt as things evolve. Allow the artist space to experiment, create and refine.  Regular communication is essential and taking the time to talk things through, bounce ideas, make plans and ensure everyone feels heard. The best results always come from working together.

ANY ADVICE TO OTHERS WANTING TO WORK IN THE INDEPENDENT SECTOR?

Find good mentors who understand the industry and willing to share their knowledge. I also believe plans are vital. 

They don’t have to be set in stone - in fact it’s important to remain flexible - but having a bit of a mud map of what you’re hoping to achieve is worth its weight in gold.

WHAT ARE YOU DRAWN TO WHEN YOU DECIDE TO SIGN AN ACT?

For me, it really comes down to authenticity, connection and great songs. I’m looking for artists who can genuinely move me. I don’t care about trends, image, age or anything else. 

I want to be stopped in my tracks. That is what music is all about for me - feeling something, connecting with a song and wanting to hear it again and again.

DO YOU HAVE ANY EXCLUSIVE NEWS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT RED REBEL MUSIC?

Right now, Melody Moko is recording her fourth album, which I’m extremely excited about and proud of. Her new songs are just incredible and I can’t wait for people to hear them. We’re also about to launch solo material from former Darlinghurst member, Pagan Newman, which I think is going to surprise a lot of people in the best possible way.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE FUTURE OF INDEPENDENT LABELS AND ARTISTS?

Indie labels and artists really excite me because there really are no rules. When people are given space to be innovative and be themselves - that’s when the real magic happens.

WHAT IS CURRENTLY HAPPENING AT RED REBEL MUSIC (TOURS/SIGNINGS ETC)

Catherine Britt is currently on the road touring her latest album, The Hardest Thing, while we’re already looking ahead and releasing new songs outside of that record. Ally Row are back in the studio recording, as is Linc Phelps. As mentioned, Pagan Newman’s solo launch is coming up as is the new Melody Moko album. So, the rest of the year and into 2027 is shaping up to be a really exciting time for the label and ‘my favourite artists’.

FOR THE LATEST UPDATES FROM RED REBEL MUSIC HEAD OVER TO THEIR SITE: https://www.redrebelmusic.com/