A PowerPoint explaining what a record label is, the difference between major and independent labels and an example of a record label my artist would sign on to.

1. Record Labels

2. What is a Record Label?
A record label is an institution which contribute to the production, manufacturing,
distribution and marketing of a signed artist’s music. They also enforce copyright
protection for such artist’s music and music videos, if they release one.
Record labels find a selection of their artists through YouTube however they used to
scout bars and clubs, in search for talented people whom they could then develop into
song artists. Managers of an artist as well as the artists themselves maintain a contract
with the record label.

3. Major or Independent?
I think that my artist would be signed on to an independent record label. I think this
because it would be easier for the artist to create a song and music video to their liking
as they’re self-funded and independent, which gives them some form of flexibility as
they will not be pressured into making a video which appeals to the label rather than
the artist themself.
My artist will be most suited to the existing record label Astralwerks, owned by the
Universal Music Group. This record label will be suited for my artist because this label
is primarily focused on dance and electronic music and so will be able to produce
music of the electro pop genre. Notable artists signed on to Astralwerks are Halsey,
The Chemical Brothers and Empire of the Sun.

4. A Brief History of Astralwerks
This music label has been around for a short time of just over 20 years, first founded in
1993. This label signs on artists specialising in the electronic and dance genre, more
examples of artists are Fat Boy Slim, Pet Shop Boys and deadmau5. The material
created by this label is distributed through the Capitol Music Group. This label also
releases music from EMI Music Australia.

5. Copyright and How Record Labels are Responsible for it
Copyright is the legal right that an artist and institution have over their produced
material. If material is copyrighted, only the artist and/or institution can take credit for
and use their work openly as copyright prevents individuals other than the artist and
institution from stealing and taking credit for the artist’s work.
Record labels sign contracts with the artist stating that they (as well as the artist) own
the content created from said artist. This ensures that the artist will only create content
specifically for the label that they have signed onto, who’ll become responsible for
enforcing copyright laws for the work as well as to produce and distribute the work for
the artist.

6. Using Copyrighted Music
For my music video, I will be using copyrighted music. To avoid issues related to
breaking copyright law, I will not alter the music in any way and I will make sure that I
will use the correct legal labelling to ensure that my work is legally safe. I also plan on
sending the record label an email, asking for their permission to use the music for my
music video. This way I won’t be breaking any laws and will be able to safely use the
track in my music video.
In my work, I will use correct legal labelling on my digipak and in the music video. I
will also make sure that my video will be available to watch for free and that I won’t
take credit for the music to avoid breaching copyright.