An independent record label (or indie record label) is a record label operating without the funding of or outside the organizations of the major record labels. A great number of bands and musical acts begin on independent labels.

The boundaries between major and independent labels, and the definitions of each, differ from commentator to commentator. In practice, however, the traditional definition of a 'major' record label is one that owns its own distribution channel. Some independent record labels, in particular those with successful performing artists, sign dual-release agreements (and make other deals) with major labels and may rely to some extent on international licensing deals, distribution agreements, and other arrangements with major record labels. Major labels may also wholly or partially acquire independent labels.

Other nominally "independent" labels are started (and sometimes run) by major label artists but are still owned at least in part by the major label parent. These spin-off labels are also frequently referred to as vanity labels or "boutique labels" and are intended to appease established, powerful artists and/or to give them latitude in discovering and promoting new talent.

Scott Keeney (born November 15, 1983), better known by his stage name DJ Skee, is an American DJ, radio personality, television host, video producer, and entrepreneur operating out of Los Angeles. Skee manages his own new media music, marketing, and production company, Skee.TV. Skee performs worldwide, has headlined tours from Asia through South America, hosts his own radio shows on Los Angeles' KIIS-FM and Sirius XM Satellite Radio (with worldwide syndication), and remixes music from various artists such as Jay-Z. His business portfolio includes a creative marketing and branding company, record label, management company, and production arm.

Skee was born November 15, 1983 in New York City. After moving between Texas and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Skee was raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Skee started creating mixtapes when he was 15 and soon became regionally known. Starting on air at the age of 16 at a local station in Minneapolis, MN, Skee split time as a teen between Minnesota and New York City where he began his work in the music business. After graduating a year early from Central High School (Saint Paul, Minnesota) in 2001, Skee moved to Los Angeles under the guidance of Steve Rifkind to work directly for him at Loud Records and SRC Marketing.

Michael Caplan QC (born 1953) is an English solicitor.

Caplan read law at King's College London, before undertaking study at The College of Law in London. Articled at Lickfolds Wiley & Powles, he qualified as a solicitor in 1977 and joined Kingsley Napley in 1978, where he is now a partner. Caplan specialises in international criminal law and regulatory work. Taking silk in 2002, he is one of eight solicitors to have been appointed as Queen's Counsel.

One of the first Solicitor Advocates in the United Kingdom in 2002, and the first solicitor from a criminal law background to be made a QC, Caplan was one of those who contended that solicitor advocates should be entitled to wear the same wig and gown in court as barristers.

Caplan has commented on the proposed changes to the UK's Corporate manslaughter laws. He has also contributed to The Times Legal supplement. Caplan sits as a Recorder (judge) in the Crown Court, is a chairman of the police disciplinary appeal tribunal; and formerly was chairman of the Solicitors Higher Courts Advocates Association.