Conglomerates vs Conglomerates vs IndependentsIndependents

Sony Music Sony Music EntertainmentEntertainment

Is an American music corporation owned and Is an American music corporation owned and operated by Sony Corporation of Americaoperated by Sony Corporation of America

In 1929 the company was founded as American In 1929 the company was founded as American Record Corporation (ARC)Record Corporation (ARC)

It wasn’t until 1991 it was finally called SNE It wasn’t until 1991 it was finally called SNE however it is now the world’s second largest however it is now the world’s second largest music company.music company.

Chairman and CEO: Doug MorrisChairman and CEO: Doug Morris

Genre: EclecticGenre: Eclectic

The HistoryThe History

1929-38: First established as American Record 1929-38: First established as American Record CorporationCorporation

1938-87: Renamed Columbia/CBS Records1938-87: Renamed Columbia/CBS Records

1987-91: Bought by SCA1987-91: Bought by SCA

1991–2004: Birth of Sony Music Entertainment1991–2004: Birth of Sony Music Entertainment

2004–08: Sony BMG: merged with 2004–08: Sony BMG: merged with BertelsmannBertelsmann

2008–11: Return to Sony Music Entertainment2008–11: Return to Sony Music Entertainment

Case Study: SiaCase Study: Sia

Is an Australian pop, jazz and downtempo Is an Australian pop, jazz and downtempo singer/songwriter.singer/songwriter.

Aged 38Aged 38

In 2000, her single "Taken for Granted" was a In 2000, her single "Taken for Granted" was a top 10 hit in the United Kingdomtop 10 hit in the United Kingdom

Known for: Titanium, Wild Ones, Diamonds, She Known for: Titanium, Wild Ones, Diamonds, She WolfWolf

XL RecordingsXL Recordings

Is a British independent record label owned by Is a British independent record label owned by Richard RussellRichard Russell

It originated as a 1989 offshoot of Beggars It originated as a 1989 offshoot of Beggars Banquet Records and is part of the Banquet Records and is part of the Beggars GroupBeggars Group of labels. of labels.

Only release an average of 6 albums a year but Only release an average of 6 albums a year but have worked with artists such as: Adele, Dizzee have worked with artists such as: Adele, Dizzee Rascall and RadioheadRascall and Radiohead

HistoryHistory

The label was launched in 1989 to release The label was launched in 1989 to release raverave and and dance musicdance music..

During the early nineties, XL Recordings releases were dance oriented ranging During the early nineties, XL Recordings releases were dance oriented ranging from Belgium from Belgium technotechno to to breakbeat hardcorebreakbeat hardcore to to drum and bassdrum and bass. This period of . This period of XL's history has been recorded on the XL's history has been recorded on the XL Recordings ChaptersXL Recordings Chapters compilation compilation series.series.

1993: Palmer retired Russell took over the running of the business.1993: Palmer retired Russell took over the running of the business.

In 1994 the label released In 1994 the label released The ProdigyThe Prodigy's second album, 's second album, Music for the Jilted GenerationMusic for the Jilted Generation which debuted in the which debuted in the UK Albums ChartUK Albums Chart at at number one, and in 1997 it released the third album by The Prodigy, number one, and in 1997 it released the third album by The Prodigy, The Fat of the LandThe Fat of the Land which entered the British and American charts at number which entered the British and American charts at number one and went on to be number one in 26 countries.one and went on to be number one in 26 countries.

As of 2014, XL Recordings is home to a massive range of artistsAs of 2014, XL Recordings is home to a massive range of artists

Case Study: AdeleCase Study: Adele

She is an English singer-songwriter.She is an English singer-songwriter.

Adele was offered a recording contract from Adele was offered a recording contract from XL RecordingsXL Recordings after a after a friend posted her demo on friend posted her demo on MyspaceMyspace in 2006 in 2006

Adele released her second studio album, Adele released her second studio album, 2121, in early 2011., in early 2011.

With her two albums and the first two singles from 21, "With her two albums and the first two singles from 21, "Rolling in the DeepRolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You", she became the first " and "Someone Like You", she became the first living artist to achieve the feat of having two top-five hits in both the living artist to achieve the feat of having two top-five hits in both the UK Official Singles ChartUK Official Singles Chart

The album has been certified 16 times platinum in the UKThe album has been certified 16 times platinum in the UK

The album has sold 30 million copies worldwide.The album has sold 30 million copies worldwide.

ComparisonComparison

Although SME are the much larger company Although SME are the much larger company with a higher recognition for music than XL with a higher recognition for music than XL Records, the fact that they have a numerous Records, the fact that they have a numerous amount of popular artists makes me feel that as amount of popular artists makes me feel that as an artist I wouldn’t get as much attention as I an artist I wouldn’t get as much attention as I would need to create an amazing album.would need to create an amazing album.

I would definitely choose an independent music I would definitely choose an independent music company, even if it took me longer to get my company, even if it took me longer to get my name recognised.name recognised.