Record Labels

Major record labels/ parent companies

 

1.       Who are the major labels in the UK currently?

One of the major labels out in the UK at the moment is the universal music group. Other major music label are, Sony music, and EMI. These are the labels, which are currently the most popular in the UK right now.

 

2.       Who do the major labels manage?

    Some of the artists which Sony music manage are; Usher, Labrinth, Michael Jackson, Death grips, Rita Ora, Rebecca Ferguson, Dry be the river, Paul Simon, Paloma Faith, Hot Chelle Rae and Carrie Underwood are just a few of the artist which are currently being managed by Sony records.

    Some of the artist which universal music group, some of the artist, which they manage, are; 2 chains, Carly Rae Jepsen, No Doubt, The Killers, Kanye West, Soundgarden, Alejandro Sanz and Diana Krall these are just some of the artist which they manage.

    Some of the artist which EMI are managing at the moment are; Katy Perry, Tinie Temper, Kylie Minogue, Coldplay, Snoop Dogg, The Beatles, Professor Green, 30 Seconds to mars, The Chemical Brothers, Swedish house mafia, Emeli Sande, Danger Mouse, and Conor Maynard, this is just a short list of some of the different artist which get managed by EMI records.    

 

3.       Do the major labels own smaller companies and which artists do they manage?

    One of the major labels, which are big in the UK, is Sony music, they also manage a range of different subsidiary labels, and some of these are; Columbia records, some of the artist which are signed to this label are; Foo Fighters, Katy B, Kings Of Leon, Ke$ha, Little Nikki, Calvin Harris, A$AP Rocky, Ozzy Osbourbe, Mark Ronson, Matt Cardle, and Avril Lavigne. These are just a few of the artists which are signed to this label, it is clear that they are all mostly mainstream, and in one-way or another and some of them target different genres. In order for these artist to be found and made into the stars they are and helped to be targeted into the right direction they are found by subsidiaries of Columbia; some of these are; American, Aware, C2, DV8, Loud, Murmur, portrait, So So Def and some others, these labels are responsible for finding the artists and nurturing them so that they can become a successful star. Columbia is just one of the subsidiaries of Sony, another example of a subsidiary would be Epic, they to also have a range of different subsidiaries which find there music as well, fome of the artist which are signed to this label are; Paloma Faith, future, Ciara Marcus Canty, the script, Black Sabbath, Drake, Duran Duran, Jamiroquai, Sean Kingston, Lostprophets, and Kelly Osbourne this is just a shot list of some of the artist which are signed to Epic records, just like Columbia records there are a range of different genres within this record label. There are also subsidiaries which find these artist as well some of these are; Gloworm, Hidden, beach, and Ruthless these are the main ones which nurture the new artists and help them to achieve a look which suits them. 

    I have also looked at the universal music group as one of the biggest labels which market in the UK, they also have Subsidiaries, which help them to market their music and to help find, acts. Some of these record labels are; Decca, some of the artist which Decca manage are; katherin Jenkins, Noah, Only Men Aloud, Paul Simon, Rickie Lee Jones and Sonny Rollins are just some of the different artist which are managed by Decca, these artists are then found by; Ace of Clubs, Ace of Diamonds, Ace of Hearts, Cambrian, Cube, Eclipse, Threshold, Rex, UK, and Vocalion, these is just a small amount of the artist which are managed by this subsidiary lablel Decca. Another subsidiary label which is also manages acts is; Def Jam and some of the artist which they manage are; 2 Chainz, Asher Roth, Big Boi, Rick Ross, Big K.R.I.T, The Dream, Jeezy, Jeremih, Nas, Ludacris and Frank ocean are just some of the artist which are signed to this record label.

   Another large record label, which I have looked at, is EMI I looked at their subsidiaries labels some of which being; Addictive, EMI: Chrysalis, Charisma, Blue note, and Capitol. These record labels then have subsidiaries, which go out and look for the talent, they help to create a style and help them to be more established. Some of the associate labels of some of these subsidiary labels are; Capitol, of which they have Priority to find their artists, Snoop Dogg, B-Real, Cypress Hill, and Eric Bobo rare just some of the artist which are signed to this subsidiary. Another associate label is also Positiva, and Heavenly 100, some of the artists who are signed to Heavenly 100 are, Charlie Boyer and The Voyeurs, Cherry Ghost, Saint Etienne, Sea of Bees, Toy, Dot Allision, East Village, Monkey Mafia, and The Soft Pack are just some of the artist which are part of this associate labels who is responsible for finding the talent and making them into stars.

 

4.       Are there any links within media e.g. TV/Film/Magazines

Sony have quite a large product portfolio, some of the other markets, which Sony also have also, go into are, film, finance, gaming, the TV industry and electrical items. These are the main sector, which Sony has a share of the market of; through using these devices Sony is able to promote there other sectors through using synergy to promote their artists, and even other sectors like the films they produce. An example of where this has been used would be; when a special edition came out for Foo fighters for the play station, this was special edition and promoted both the Foo Fighters and their music as well as play station, as fans of the Foo Fighters would then want to buyt the play station and people who buy the play station may then become a fan of the Foo Fighters. Another example of where this has been used would be for the sound track of X men, Will Smith from Columbia records to produce the sound tack, this was another form of synergy. This helps to both save money and also promote different sectors which are part of the of Sony entertainment. Sony are also play in bit part of some of the biggest TV shows around, one of which being the Xfactor, as the winner then gets signed to one of Sony’s record labels which Simon Cowl is apart of. Again this is just another way in which Sony is able to promote themselves in the many different sectors. Also by having this, it allows Sony to create brand loyalty for they’re other products, this would then allow there customers to also trust their other products and encourage then to buy then as they might trust the quality and might therefore lead there customers to trust the brand and thus buying other products.

    The universal music group have got a range of different products which as help to promote their artists other than the artist themselves and their music. An example of this would be now acquiring the lenience to musical compositions and is able to licenses then for the use of recording and other related uses, some of which being; advertisements and also in films. The universal music group is also involved in artist management. As well as this is also offers its services and products through a wide network of subsidiaries, licensees, and joint ventures. The company also has a partnership with live nation entertainment Inc and billabong international ltd. Recently the universal music group have been granted approval for the acquisition of EMI music recorded music division, the approval was given by both the U.S regulations, and European regulators have emerged about the exact steps the universal music group will have to take, to win the European commission support. Universal also work in the film industry as well as they work with both the theaters and the films which they produce in the cinema. Some of their films are; Harry Potter which is very well known, Snow White And The Huntsman. They also have very successful theatre products some of which happen all over the world for example Billy Elliot this is has be a who success and is one which is preformed in more than one country. Due to universal having this film subsidiary they are also able to gain this brand loyalty so people who like the music which the companies produces may also go and watch the films if they like the label as this would appeal to them as they are of this target market it would be films which are aimed at them as well this was also develop brand loyalty especially if the audience is a big fan and they are love everything which universal has to offer. Again similar to Sony there may also be songs which are produced from the artists from some of the record labels, some of the artist may also star in some of the films themselves, again this would then encourage fans of the artist to go and watch the film it would also encourage people to g and buy the sound track to the song thus prompting more sales and more sales for the artist.    

    EMI don’t have as many subsidiaries ad the other two companies which I have spoken about before this is because they are more about the music and to then that is there main focus. Most of the other interests and subsidiaries which the EMI do have are mainly music based, for example  EMI started a small publishing operation, this was in order to expand the acquisition of song of the companies more central songs some of which being Keith Prowse as he was the first to be written about in 1973. This then expanded in 1976 with the purchase of the Screen Gem and Colgems libraries from Hollywood studio Columbia Pictures, therefore then giving EMI a very big presence in the film music industry. So even though they don’t have their own film company, they brought the rights to produce songs which would go into the film, whether it be soundtracks or the sounds effects which were in the film, they also wrote about this as well. This then meant that EMI could then appeal to a much larger audience as now they would have entered a more critical audience where people like debate, and writing their opinion this may also lead to them starting to like the music which is being produced. Therefore expanded into a new market and increasing their song sales, for both albums and singles. EMI also brought the Virgin Music Group, which at the time (1992) was the largest independent music company in the world, thus taking on their rooster artists such as Janet Jackson, Rolling stones, Lenny Kravitiz, Smashing Pumpkins and many more these are just an example of some of the artists which were a part of this label. By taking this label over this then got all of their brand loyalty from the existing fans and may have been able to create more from the fans from EMI starting to appeal to the virgin artists. This means that they have taken over an established company so they also wouldn’t have to worry about the risks involved for example if they were to start their own new record label there would be many risks involved. These are the main subsidiaries other than EMI’s label itself which it has.      

 

Independent labels

Music labels which are able to operate one or a few music labels. Independent labels are able of being just as successful as another other big label; the only difference is that they operate from a smaller base. They can be seen as offering a more organic music rather than the type of music which is manufactured in the mainstream industry. But not everyone agrees with this.  

 

1.       Identify some of the independent labels in the UK and a brief history of each

Ambush Reality

This record an independent record label which releases all of the music which is produced by Enter Shikari. They are a UK made band which formed in 2003 they produce post-hardcore music amongst other sub-genres for example alternative metal, and metalcore. There are also other element s of other sub-genres some of which being; dubstep, trance, drum and bass and electronica, thus through using this they create quite a unique sound, which then gives them their own niche market. The label is co-owned by the band members themselves and some of their friends; the label is also run by these same people as well. But the band did decide that if they wanted to be able to tour in the US then they may have to consider signing to larger and more major labels in the US. Therefore they then joined interscope records imprint Tiny Evil. Ambush Reality signed a distribution deal with warner music for them to be able to make their album ‘Common Dreads’ and their other further releases more accessible in locations outside of the UK and for them to be able to advertise and promoted more widely. But then on the 8^th December 2010 Ambush Reality (Enter Shikari) left distribution through warner and started to distribute through the UK/Europe/Japan/and Australia through PIAS entertainment group. Then another change as they then decided of June 21^st 2011 that Entre Shikari’s releases in North America and Canada were going to be done through the independent label Hopeless records.                   

 

Super Records

 

Super records are an independent record label which was created by the British band McFly. The band debut album was released on island records back in 2004. This was called ‘Room On The First Floor’ this album went to number one therefore making them the youngest UK group since The Beatles. But then due to creative difference which the band had with Island records they then chose to leave the label in order for them to gain complete control of the creativity and all of other aspect of having your on record label so that they could then make their own decisions depending on what they want. So they therefore set up their own label called Super Records Ltd. McFly insists that they split from universal as agreeable. In terms of the distribution of the records everything which was produced by Super Records Ltd, before 2010 was distributed by other major labels in a range of different counties. This was before the resign of McFly to universal records as a 50/50 deal with the company, thus making universal worldwide distributors of Super Records release (so all of the songs and albums which they brought out once they had signed back with Universal. The first release with came from Super Records was ‘One for the Radio’ this was from their album Radio: ACTIVE .McFly. They chose to release Radio: ACTIVE free via the Mail On Sunday. It was considered to be more of a ten track promotional CD. But the full, deluxe version of the album featuring a bonus DVD, with four extra songs, and then a 32 page booklet was well, was then released in the UK and in Ireland on the 22^nd September 2008. The label did plan to sign other bands and artists to the label as well. But at the minute McFly are the only artists (band) which is producing music from Super Records. They have decided that they will wait until they have generated enough revenue form their own material, before they start to consider holding auditions for singers and groups.          

 

2.       What artists are signed to these labels?

Ambush Reality

There aren’t really any other artists who are singed to this label, but they do have a side project. This is Reynolds who has produced a side project as part of a side project with the name ‘Rout’. This artist often performs in small venues before actual shows. In the past this artist has used other names such as ‘Routron 5000’ as well as ‘Shark & Blitz’. He produces a type of penchant for electronics, thus creating a drum/ dubstep/ jungle/ and bass sound. Some of the songs by ‘Rou’ feature some of this friends just messing around, and also have iconic lines from famous movies, or other well known songs. His most recent EP, released for ActionAid, this features from ActionAid’s project work which happened in Ghana.

    Rolfe also DJs under the moniker ‘Sgt. Rolfy’ regularly playing slots for the bands during their after parties. He also play a diverse range of sounds some of which being; drum and bass, trance, classical, dubstep, and parody songs too.

    Clewlow recently released his own first remix, simply as ‘Rory C’ for ‘Don Broco’s track priorities, which is from their new record. Front man Rou Reynolds has now also set up his own new clothing company of his own which is called ‘Step up clothing’ this is just an example of one side project which has taken place as part of the Ambush Reality record label.     

 

Super Records

As it currently stands McFly are the only artists which are singed to this record label, as they are waiting for themselves to generate enough revenue from their own materials before they start to consider adding other artists to their labels. Thus meaning that there is only one group/ artist signed to this label.

 

1.       Is it right from a music point of view as well as an industry point of view that 4 companies dominate the music industry?

I think that there are both advantages and disadvantages to 4 major companies dominating the music industry. I think that an advantage of their being 4 major record labels would that that they would be well experienced in finding the right talent and knowing how to spot a star in the making. This means that they would be able to apply the knowledge which they have in the industry into making new artist which they find a star. This therefore would reduce the risk for the record label as well as the artist themselves as they would be working with some of the best industries in the world who know so much about the processes and what makes a good song as well as styling the artist so that they fit the gap in the market. Another benefit would be that these new talents would get the chance to work with some of the best people in the world who have helped some of the biggest stars in the industry to date. This would then give the new artist the chance to gain more knowledge themselves and get advice from people who have has a lot of experience. I think another advantage would be that, although these labels are so big they are broken down into so many sectors, so it would be wrong to assume that all of the artist which comes from these label record labels will all be mainstream, as some may have their own niche which they are really good at. There are also so many subsidiaries within these labels for example; Def Jam, Decca, Def Soul, Geffen, MAC Records, Motown, capitol, Gramophone, IRS, Java, starline and Total Vegas, these are just a few example from the main subsidiaries which cater for niche markets whether they be; rap, classical, or country, all of these are catered for I some way in the industry. Therefore I don’t think there are many people being left out of this music industry. I also think that by having these main major industry then is stops the industry being tarnished with artist which can’t really sing an those who just do it for the fame, as by these people being in the industry it makes the Industry look bad and takes away the skill of signing and music and it then makes it become common so it is no longer seen as a talent, or being prestigious as it is an industry which anyone can get into and is also and dilutes the quality of the industry. Thus tarnishing the industry as a whole, whereas having 4 large companies allows the industry to stay prestigious and something which takes skills.  

    Although on the other hand I think that only having four major record labels in the market can then make the market become very uncompetitive as it wouldn’t give the smaller record labels a chance in competing with them dominating the market these markets would then be seen as an oligopoly as they are the main record labels in the market with the largest market share. Another reason why I think that it may be wrong for there to be only four major record labels which dominate the whole industry may be because it does give everyone the chance to get in to the industry and give them a chance to express the type music they like and show that they are capable of, as even if someone paid wanted to get in to the industry which wasn’t found then they may have to pay to produce a song or an album, and even if someone did chose to do that they would have to have a lot of money to start off with in order for them to be able to produce this. Therefore this limits the amount of people that have can peruse a career in the music industry. Its either that or they would have to know someone who is already in the industry, again this is also very few people.  Another reason why I think that having the four dominating labels means that they would also miss out on some niche markets, as the major labels tend to focus on only mainstream music and music which will sell and make a lot of money. Whereas some people just want to make music which is more about them and is more important to the artist and is not about the money but is about the actual music which represent them rather than music which is design to fill the gap in the market. They may also reach a market which the mainstream may fail to reach and target a very niche audience by maybe producing more than one type of music genre at one time and mixing the genres to make them sound better, and create their own type of music. I think another issue with the bigger record labels would be that they are all about making money and don’t think about what the artist wants as much. I think that another issue is that the whole purpose of the music is being a part of a label and interacting and making decisions with the label, where as this may not happen as the business would be so big the artist would hardly get to see any of the production team and only a few of the people from the record label. Some artist may want the whole connection with the record label and really get to know them and spend time on creating the right songs and so on; they may also have more time to develop.   

    Therefore I think that yes it is good to have some big massive record labels but I don’t think that they should take over that main subsidiaries and I think that they should also have the chance to stay in the industry and last just as well as these other industries. Personally I think that it is good to have both in the industry as this is what creates the type of diverse audiences which it has today and allows music to appeal to as many people as possible.

 

2.       I think that this will have a massive affect on the industry as I think as these bigger companies take over more and more and eliminate all of the smaller independent labels, they are becoming bigger and bigger. I also think that the bigger labels make a lot of changes to the industry and they build the artist to how they want and so that the artist fits the industry. I also think that if the bigger music labels do take over than more then I think that it would give people less of a chance to make their own music. I also think that in the end the major labels will just take over the majority of the record labels and it will be harder to get into the music industry, I also think that the larger companies may end up taking each other over so in the end there may just be one major record labels with a lot of different subsidiaries, to accommodate all the different music genres, then just a few smaller independent labels.

3.       I think that there are some independent record labels which have been very successful, as I don’t think that the artist has to come from these big massive labels if they want to do well, as if they have good music and have a target audience then there music is able to sell. Another reason why I think that artist don’t need major labels to be successful is being there’s so much access to technology and the internet that it is so easy for people to get there music known, and that is just for people who have access to a computer. Independent labels are just as good as the larger labels I think that they just work on a smaller scale and are more concentrated on one artist instead of working on a larger scale like some of the major companies do. I also think that sometimes the audience don’t actually know who have produced what music and if it has come from the major labels or from an independent ones. I also think that if music is good then people are going to buy it no matter what label it has come from, as they are buying song and not the label. Thus not having that much of an impact on the smaller label, but I do think that if there is a fan of one artist then they are likely to listen and like the music which is being produced by other artists on that label as well. I think this is why the big major companies are so big as the smaller independent labels wouldn’t have as many artists for fans to listen to as well.

4.       I think that the independent labels do have aspects to offer the larger labels, one thing being to shows the bigger artists the originality in music before they go and change the artist too much and show them how to keep the voice and what is good about the artist instead of changing it. Also major labels use a lot of adjustments to the sound of the artist voice to make it sound a little different, whereas I think independent labels don’t do this as much. I think that smaller labels also offer the chance to show the larger labels about what its like to create music which appeals to a niche market and conveying how music can still be diverse, and show the larger labels what it is like to produce music which relates to the artist more.