MUSIC INDUSTRY
Artists can choose to be a part of major record label or a small independent company. A major record label makes up 75% of the music market. Some of the reasons why an artist or band may choose to be part of a major record label is because they may get noticed more if they have more access to promotion. As well as this, the three main major companies (Sony, Warner and Universal) own a lot of smaller companies and the majority of music artists in the world. This means they have a lot of power within the industry and can manufacture, distribute and promote all under a termed contract. Major labels normally don't allow the artists to keep control or rights over their music, which may be a benefit for a smaller independent company as the artist may be allowed more freedom and control over their music and rights. Furthermore, Major Record Labels tend to have generally more funding meaning that they produce high quality production, packaging, physical and digital distribution through the main online outlets, world tours and music video shoots. Being well known in the industry is also a benefit as it allows them to have links and connections meaning they get involved with multiple media outlets. Their artists arguably get given more opportunities because their company is popular and well- known. However a disadvantage of a major record label is the idea that they may make artist unfriendly deals meaning that they may only care about their profit instead of what is best for the artist. Some of the artists aigned to Syco Records which is a label under Sony Music includes; Louisa Johnson, Camilla Cabello, Louis Tomlinson and Digital Farm Animals. Some of these artists may have chosen to be under this record as they were on XFactor which has close links with the label. In addition, others may choose a major record label because of the publicity and contract with the label.
Another benefit of a smaller independent company such as XL Recordings or Sub Pop Records, is that it allows the artist to benefit from having most of the money they create whereas a major record label would take the majority of the money leaving the artist with not much of the profit they have earned. This may be why a Independent label would be more appealing to an artist as they have more to live on. In addition, artists or bands are signed to the record for their genuine love for music which may be appealing to those who aim for a career in the industry. For the music artists who prefer more smaller, intimate musical performances, personal relationships can easily be established within a independent company meaning that the representatives can be close and trustworthy friends with them. Social media has appeared useful for both sets of companies as they can both easily access things like YouTube to upload music videos and Twitter to interact with their fans. However a disadvantage of a small independent company is that they are disorganised and small as they don't have as many artists as a major label and are usually quite informal, not supplying the professional element. Some popular artists signed to the independent record label XL Recordings include Adele, Radiohead, The Prodigy and Alicia Keys. These particular artists may have chosen to sign to this label as they might have more freedom over what they write and produce within their contracts.
Little Mix is signed to Syco which is a label under Sony Music UK. The benefits of being signed to a big record label are that they have a broad range of access to promotion and distribution factors as the company is supported by a large amount of money meaning that they are able to access all of these benefits. Furthermore, Syco are a well- known company due to their links with X-Factor and other successful artists such as One Direction. However a benefit of being signed to a smaller independent company could be that they have more control over the music they produce through the contracts they sign.