Below is my response to a forum that asked do you need a record label. The answer may SHOCK YOU.
One must define what success is before they can accurately define "the need to sign to a record label." Gradually, there's a shift away from the need to sign to a major record label as technology empowers the individual to have direct contact with their fan base on a regular basis. Additionally, it is not all bad to sign to a record (music) label given the artists has some equity interest in the label. For instance, an artist may start brand x music label and have two business partners who run the day to day operations of the label. Each owner may own 33.3% of the label. In this instance it may make sense for the artist to sign to his/her own label.
I'd hope that we don't become anti-label, but pro business owner/operator. As we become more business savvy we tend to see the advantages to starting our own companies and working for them. The Music Business Blog has additional information, resources, links and videos on the industry and getting your business tight.