As this article presents a great insight [and it is] – there are some important variables one might consider before launching an attachment to the record industry (the commercial dudes).  One is simply the fact that if you’ve already built a (package) following, why would you want/need to sell-out to the record labels? One the other side… if they are willing to toss-out a good bunch of bucks up-front and not mess with you regarding spending a good portion of your advance $ on studio and post-production on your very next release, then… maybe it’s worth it. And, if they can guarantee that (because of their promotional juice) you’ll get some good exposure in larger venues, then.. maybe. But remember, if you’ve created a decent following the ‘snow-ball’ effect just may take you where your original journeys had already chartered…
– Ron

(by Christopher Patton via:Cleveland Music Examiner)

There was a time when A&R personnel (employees working for record labels) would find musicians with high musical abilities and quickly sign them to a record deal. They would bring these musicians to the labels’ artist development department to enhance the musicians’ music and marketing image. As a result, those musicians became hit stars. This may be a bit oversimplified, but…
More Hear -> https://www.examiner.com/article/why-record-labels-won-t-sign-great-artists