Record labels

What is a record label?

A record label is a brand or trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. They are also associated with the distribution, promotion, product and price etc. Every artist and band have their own record label. Some artists would have the same record labels as other artists normally who follow the same genre. Record labels have a huge influence on how music videos turn out for the artist. Every label has its own budget which involves the amount spent on lighting, locations, editing, costumes, cast and crew. In the music industry artists have become more reliant on their record labels to market their albums, and basically be promoted in the best way possible so they can become successful.

Major labels VS independent labels

Record labels may be small/independent but some may be part of a large international group. In 2012 there are only three labels which can be recognised as major labels. Over time the major labels have changed. In 1988-1999, the major record labels known as the big six were; Warner Music group, EMI, Sony, BMG, Universal Music Group and Polygram. The Big three major record labels since 2012 are; Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group. So, the amount of major record labels have changed as now there are only three.

Independent record labels

Record companies and music publishers that are not under control of the record labels like Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group are known to be independent or niche and indie. A great number of artists and bands start out and begin their career on independent labels. In the 50’s British producers launched independent labels as outlets for their work including Joe Meek with Triumph, Andrew Oldham with Immediate and Larry Page with Page One. It is known that the most successful independent record label of all time is A&M Records which was founded in 1962 by trumpeter Herb Alpert and record promoter Jerry Moss. A&M was initially the label and distributor for Alpert's own Tijuana Brass hit recordings, but the label quickly began signing other artists. Over 37 years A&M sold records from such artists as Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66, The Carpenters, Phil Ochs, Carole King, Joe Cocker, Free, Cat Stevens, Procol Harum, Humble Pie and Peter Frampton. By the 1980’s the major labels had found ways to break new acts via the indie chart and began setting up subsidiary labels that were financed by the majors but distributed via the independent network. The independent chart became less significant in the early 1990’s with 'alternative' increasingly being used to describe artists, and 'indie' often used to describe a broad range of guitar-based rock and pop.

Universal record label

Universal is an American multinational music company. The Universal Music Group sell more music than any other major record label. An example of an artist who belongs to this label is Rihanna. They are also accounted for 25.5% of the market in 2005.

Warner music group

This is a US based business group and a family of record labels. It is the third largest in the recording industry and is one of the big three record companies. Worldwide artists like Madonna belong to this record label.

EMI Group

EMI is a multinational music company where its headquarters are located in the United Kingdom. It was the third biggest major record label until in 2011 where they had financial problems because they were $4 billion in debt. But now they are the fourth largest business group. Worldwide artists like the Beatles and Coldplay belong to this record label.

Sony Music Entertainment

Sony is the second biggest major recording label in music sales. They are accounted for 21.5% of the market in 2005. Worldwide artists like Beyoncé belong to this record label.

Columbia records

Columbia Records is an American flagship recording label, under the ownership of Sony Music Entertainment and operating under the Columbia Music Group. Artists like Daft Punk, Katy B and Dj Fresh belong to this record label. Columbia records has signed a variety of different music genre artists as this brings in more money for their business. One of the most successful boy groups, One Direction also signed with this record label in 2012.