Record Labels

Major

• There are four major record labels: Sony Music, Warner Music Group, and Universal Music Group, which absorbed the previous fourth major record label EMI.

• Major record labels are on global scales and operate their own distribution and publishing.

Independent/Indie

• Independent record labels operate without the funding of the major labels.

• They work with other smaller companies, with small contractual relationships or long term partnerships.

• Indie labels range in size, from large well known labels such as XL and Rough Trade, to smaller ones such as Chess Club Records and Soundway.

Major vs. Independent

Pros• Significant amount of

funding• Networking and

connections• Size and reputation• Large distribution• Music videos• Advertisements• Tours• Merchandise

Pros• Artists get the rights to their

music and more creative input• Signed because they like and

believe in the music• Close personal relationships• Smaller labels, which means

more attention from the record label and more communication

• Pro-artist contracts, therefore more control for the artist

Major vs. Independent

Cons

• Larger record labels so artists struggle to gain attention if their music isn’t doing well

• Signed to make money, not necessarily because of talent

• Lack of or no creative control from the artist, therefore artist unfriendly deals

• Record labels own the music rights

Cons

• Lack of funds, therefore less advertisement, smaller tours, less merchandise smaller distribution, etc.

• Smaller size, therefore less influence on the music industry

• Disorganization