Record Label research
A record label is a brand
and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music
video. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands
and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution,
marketing and promotion, and enforcement of copyright protection of sound
recordings and music videos; conducts talent scouting and development of new
artists ("artists and repertoire" or A&R); and maintains
contracts with recording artists and their managers. The term "record
label" derives from the circular label in the centre of a vinyl record
which prominently displays the manufacturer's name, along with other
information. (Wikipedia)
In the music industry, most
recording artists have become increasingly reliant upon record labels to
broaden their audience, market their albums, and be both promoted and heard on
radio, television, with publicists that assist performers in positive media
reports to market their merchandise, and make it available via stores and other
media outlets. The Internet has increasingly been a way that some artists avoid
costs and gain new audiences, as well as the use of videos in some cases, to
sell their products.
Major labels
The big three major record labels
- Universal Music Group
Largest company under the 'Big Four' due to its shares within the industry & its globalised operations.
-Co-developed VEVO, a site which now allows streaming of both video & music content
- Widest range of record labels covering a mulitude of genres.
Types of videos universal music group produces include:
2.Sony Music Entertainment
Founded in 1924; the second largest global music based record company.
-Distribution of media to a number of different countries inc. Japan
-Former group ownership such as 'Coloumbia Records' aswell as current independent
labels.
labels.
3.Warner Music Group
The current company concept, formed in 2004, remains to be the 3rd largest business group within the record industry.
-Extensive number of main & sublabled records to their name, with a wide range of genres
-Also numerous independent record labels.
Independent Labels
Record companies and music publishers that are not under the control of the big three are generally considered to be independent , even if they are large corporations with complex structures.
