Mainstream V Independent

An advantage of Independent labels is being able to be more free with what you release as well as it being easier to change direction and adapt to different target audiences. A disadvantage would be that you would have less money to get distributed.

An advantage of mainstream label is that your music can be distributed more, and to various countries as you have a bigger budget. As well as funds to make merchandise. A disadvantage could be that people can try to hack the system and leak music, which has happened to Syco.

Merchandise and ancillary products are really important as it enables the artist to expand their target audience while earning money for it.

Fans can find information about artists by their social media accounts, YouTube, articles, through the material they produce, news broadcasts and searching online.

I personally would be rather signed to a mainstream label as the music would travel to more people and merchandise to give what the fans want.