Major And Independent Record Labels

There are two types of record labels when it comes to the music industry they are known as, independent and major record labels. The traditional definition of a major record label is one that owns its own distribution channel. Some independent record labels, in particular those with successful performing artists, sign dual release agreements and make other deals with major record companies and may rely to some extent on international  licensing deals, distribution agreements and other arrangements with major record labels. Major record labels may also partially acquire independent record labels.

Other independent record labels are started and sometimes run by major record label artists but are still owned at least in part by the major label parent. These spin off labels are also frequently referred to as vanity labels or boutique labels and are intended to appease established, powerful artists and/or to give them latitude in discovering and promoting new talent.

According to Association of Independent Music (AIM). A major record label is defined as a multinational company which together with the companies in its group has more than 5% of the world markets for the sale or records and/or music videos. The majors are currently Sony BMG, Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and EMI. If a Major owns 50% or more of the total shares in your company, you would usually be owned or controlled by that major record label.

Sony BMG's subsidiary companies are Arista Records, Columbia Records, Epic Records, J Records, Mchenry Records, Jive Records, RCA Victor Records, RCA Records, Legacy Recordings, Sonic Wave America.

Warner Music Group's subsidiary companies are Warner Bros. Records, Asylum Records, Rap-A-Lot Records, Smoke-A-Lot Records, 143 Records, Blacksmith Records, Maverick, No Limit Forever Records, Nonesuch Records, Reprise Records, RuffNation Records, Sire Records, Maybach Music Group and Jet Life Recordings.

Universal Music Groups subsidiary companies are Universal Music Publishing Group, Universal Music Group, Distribution, Interscope-Geffen-A & M, Geffen Records, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Universal Republic Records, Universal Music Group Nashville, Verve Music Group, Decca Label Group, Universal Music Latin, Entertainment, Universal Music Enterprises, Show Dog-Universal Music, V2/Co-operative Music, Polydor Records, Mercury Music Group, Island Records Group, Universal Music TV, London Records.

Stolen Recordings
One of the smallest and lesser known labels, Stolen Recordings have a true home made feeling, a DIY attitude and some great signed bands. Highlight acts include critically lauded indie popstars Pete and the Pirates, the wonderfully unpolished Let’s Wrestle and noise rock mentalists Screaming Tea Party, recent supporters of The Go! Team on their last U.K. tour.

Ninja Tune
Not a label to check out for traditionally guitar based indie fans, but a great label nonetheless. Ninja Tune has a huge roster of excellent turntablists (an unsung art form) and hip hop artists, including Mr Scruff, Kid Koala and Roots Manuva. With their own radio station filling the net waves with soul, jazz and hip hop, Ninja Tune are definitely a worthwhile checkout for the indie fan looking for something a bit different.

Kill Rock Stars
Founded in 1991, Kill Rock Stars has some great bands both in its alumni and current roster. Past attributed acts include Bikini Kill, Elliott Smith and The Gossip. The Decemberists (one of the most critically acclaimed bands of the last decade) and Deerhoof are two standout acts from those currently signed; IMO, Deerhoof.

Saddle Creek
Another pretty big label, at least in indie terms, Saddle Creek provide a home to folk singers Bright Eyes, Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor, as well as more indie pop punk orientated bands like Desaparecidos and The Faint, as well as the brilliantly talented folk rock/blues revival band Two Gallants. As a label, Saddle Creek are one of the more collectively motivated labels in the list; many acts share band members in communal fashion, which is refreshing in a record industry often dominated by separatism and rivalry over sales and listener numbers

The Leaf Label
The Leaf Label is based in Yorkshire and features a lot of very small and mostly unheard of artists. Some of its more popular names include singer songwriter Essie Jain, gypsy music collective A Hawk and a Hacksaw (featuring Jeremy Barnes, previously the percussionist in the incredible Neutral Milk Hotel), Efterklang and Wildbirds & Peacedrums.

Our Record Label
I think that the record company that would Appeal to us the most would be Sony BMG. The reasons why I think this would be the best record label for us to use is because the power that this company has is what our artist would need in order to propel him into the public and giving him the backing as well as the image that he needs in order to be big in the music industry. Another reason why I think that Sony BMG would be the best record label for our artist is because the record label has worked with artists such as, Mike Posner, Skrillex and Calvin Harris. This is another reason as i think these artists can be seen as falling under our genre of music (dance) and so this is why i think our artist would best suit this record Label.