Music Labels

What is a record label?• A record label is a brand/trademarks associated with

the marketing of music records and music videos

• Record labels can also be publishing companies that co-ordinates production, manufactures, distributes, markets, promotes and enforces copyright, talent scouts, the development of artists and maintains contracts with recording artists

• Record labels derive from the circular label in the centre of a vinyl record, prominently displaying the manufacturer’s name.

The Larger Record Labels

Universal Music Group• Universal Music Group is the

largest music corporation in the world.

• It currently operates as a subsidiary of Paris- based media conglomerate, Vivendi.

• UMG also owns Universal Music Publishing (the second largest music publishing company in the world)

• Some notable artists signed by UMG are Calvin Harris, Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Enrique Iglesias etc…

Sony Music Entertainment• Sony Music Entertainment

is an American music corporation owned and operated by Sony corporation.

• It is the world’s second largest music company

• Some notable artists signed by Sony Music Entertainment are Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Daft Punk etc…

Warner Music Group• Warner Music Group are also a

major global record company and it is the 3rd largest in the world

• The company operates some of the largest and most successful recording labels in the world including Warner Bros Records, Parlophone Records and the more recognisable Atlantic Records.

• Some notable artists signed to the label are B.O.B, Jason Derulo, Katy Perry, Metallica, Madonna etc…

Niche Record Labels

4AD • 4AD is a British

independent record label that was founded 1979 by Ivo Watts- Russell and Peter Kent

• Some notable artists include Ariel Pink, Purity Ring, Bon Iver, Grimes

Captured Tracks• Captured Tracks are a

Brooklyn based indie- alternative record label

• Artists from this label include Beach Fossils, Blank Dogs, Blouse, Perfect Pussy, Soft Moon etc…

Constellation Records• Constellation Records are

an independent record label based in Montreal, Quebec

• They are anti- corporate, anti- capitalist and anti- globalist

• Artists signed to the label include 1- Speed Bike, Clues, Esmerine, Colin Stetson and Exhaust