record label structure
TRANSCRIPT
THE STRUCTURE OF A MAJOR RECORD LABEL
By Stefan Mekki
THE A&R DEPARTMENT
Some see the A&R (Artists and Repertoire) department is seen to many as
the most captivating department within music. The A&R department take
charge of finding the hottest new talent around. When the A&R discover a
new artist, they often tend to work very direct with them for example Sam
Smith was discovered by UMG (Universal Music Group) after attending
several musical theatre groups and being a member of Bishop’s Stortford
Junior Operatics. The A&R department pretty much look after the artist,
they assist with jobs such as choosing the music, and deciding where it’ll
be recorded. This department work closely with other department to try
and branch out the artist’s music as much as possible.
THE ART DEPARTMENT
The art department have one job main job in which
they are in charge of all the artwork and designs
that go with the production on a single/album.
Producing CD cover, advertisements and displays are
examples of the type of jobs this department does.
THE ARTIST DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
This department is crucial in the development of and artist and are in
charge of planning the careers of the artist who are signed to the
record label. It advertises and publicizes the artists over the
advancement of their career. However, majority of labels no longer
acquire this department due to record labels seeing artists as more a
product in modern time. ‘Product development is what this department
has been renamed as due to many artists insisting that because of the
attention within the industry is to promote artist densely at the start of
their career, as opposed to long-term planning.
THE LABEL LIAISON DEPARTMENT
This department usually consists of one person, or potentially a
small group of people (depending on the artist) who serves as the
liaison between the record company’s delivery service (the
delivery service may be under the same division as the record
label, however it may be from an outside company) and the
record company. Furthermore its down to the label liaison to
decide when the artists album is released, along with making
sure there is no clash with any of the other labels the record
company owns.
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT
With so many contracts and agreements being made
the legal department play a major hand in keeping it
all together. Its their job to tie up deals and contract
signings between the record label, artist and other
companies.
However, should any legal issues emerge e.g.
lawsuits between an artist and a company) the legal
department will be informed immediately.
THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT
The department is in charge of creating marketing
plans for every album that the record label plans to
release. A basic marketing plan will obtain the
coordination and help of the promotion, sales and
publicity departments.
NEW MEDIA DEPARTMENT
This department can be seen as a ‘new’ addition to
the modern record label structure. Its job is to deal
with the newest aspects of the music business. This
includes the likes of producing and promoting music
videos for the artist. Furthermore the department is
also I control of of assistant the artist to a create a
online presence. For example they may create a
Facebook/Twitter page for the artist in order to
promote their latest tracks, but to also interact with
fans.
THE PROMOTION DEPARTMENT
This department plays a crucial part in making sure the artist
records are being played on the radio. This is important due the
fact that the more often the artists new song is played, the better
success its due to have meaning more success for the record label.
In addition this apartment needs to ensure that the other
departments are communicating and working together in order to
work out the best way to try and promote their music e.g. trying to
get their music videos on major music TV channels. However this
department may also work closely with the ‘New’ department.
THE PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT
In order for the artist to grow the publicity
department is responsible for getting the public to
view and talk about the new artist. They would
usually arrange for photoshoots and news articles to
be written and publicised in newspapers and
broadcasted across social media. Major artist would
usually have their own publicists who help
coordinate publicity events.
THE SALES DEPARTMENT
The sales department are in control in the retail
aspect of the record business. The would work with
big music chain stores in order to get new
albums/singles onto the retailers shelves. The
department will also work closely with the promotion
and team in order to discuss prices of the product
being sold.
BUSINESS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
As the for the business affaires department, they are
there to keep control of payroll for the artists and all
other general finances.