There are two main types of record labels: major labels and independent labels. Major labels, such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group, own the majority of music worldwide and have greater financial resources, distribution networks, and marketing power. Independent labels, like Rough Trade Records, have more creative freedom but less financial backing and struggle more to get music heard. Both types of labels aim to develop and promote artists, but major labels can offer larger advances and production support.

2. A major label is a record label
which is dominant in the industry.
They own 75% of the worlds music
and 80-90% of the US market.
There are three big record labels: -
Sony music entertainment.
Warner Music Group.
Universal Music Group
Advantages:
•Well financed
•They have better access to money
•They are able to offer artists stability,
advances and top production
resources. •

3. An indie label is ‘independent’ they lack
the ability of major distribution. are
independently funded and not linked in
with the ‘Big Three’.
It can be a real struggle to get the music
heard, as they may not have the power of
marketing.
There are many independent record
labels: Roughtrade, Domino, XL
Recordings and Fools Gold.
Advantages:
•They are able to be more
creative
•- Make better and more
creative use of new media
technologies
•Not encumbered by long
corporate approval process

4. Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the global
music leader with strong market positions in
recorded music, music publishing, and
merchandising.
I t was founded in 1934 but named as Decca
Records. However in 1966 the name was
changed to Universal Music Group. UMG’s
roster is comprised of artists covering the full
spectrum of music around the world, making
UMG the leader in both international and
local repertoire. Artists signed to UMG
throughout the world include ,
Avicii, Corinne Bailey Rae, Gary Barlow,
Bastille, David Bisbal Justin Bieber, The Black
Eyed Peas, Mary J. Blige, Bon Jovi, Mariah
Carey.

5. Warner Music Group (WMG), also known
asWarner Music, is an American major
global record company. It is the largest
American-owned music conglomerate
worldwide, it is one of the 'big three'
recording companies (the third largest in
the global music industry).
WMG have signed world known artists
which include , Clean Bandit, Cher , Wiz
khalifia , Oasis , Coldplay, Estelle, B.o.B and
many other artists .

6. Universal Music Group (UMG) is the global
music leader with strong market positions
in recorded music, music publishing, and
merchandising.
Sony Music Entertainment is an American
music corporation owned and operated by
Sony corporation of America , a subsidiary
of Japanese conglomerate Sony
Corporation n 1987, SCA bought the
company and, in 1991, renamed it SME. It is
the world's second largest music company.
Sony Music Entertainment has signed
artist such as , Michael Jackson, Pitbull,
Jennifer Hudson, Usher and many more .

7. Rough Trade Records is an independent
record label based in London. It was
formed in 1978 by Geoff Travis .
Travis began to manage acts and distribute
bands and began the label, which was
informed by left-wing politics and
structured as a Cooperative. Soon after,
Rough Trade also set up a distribution arm
that serviced independent retail outlets
across Britain, a network that became
known as the Cartel.
Rough Trade have signed artists which
include, The Smiths , The Strokes, The
Libertines and many more.