Mainstream vs Independent

2. The Main Differences
There are many differences between a major record label and
that of an independent label. Major record labels like Sony are
usually known for having higher budgets and funding, due to this
many very well known artists are signed to companies such as
these. Independent companies however ordinarily have a lower
budget and so are usually more focused on a smaller number of
artists often related to music genres such as indie.

3. Sony
Sony is a global company specializing in electronics, games, music, movies, financial services and
Sony websites worldwide. The Sony name was created by combining the word "SONUS," the Latin
word for "SONIC," meaning sound, with "SONNY," denoting small size, or a youthful boy. This was
chosen due to it's simplicity in pronunciation. The Sony company first began in 1946 in Tokyo with
a start up capital of 190,000 yen for the research and manufacture of telecommunications and
measuring equipment, in 1947 the company then relocated to Shinagawa Tokyo. Sony's first
creation was the 'Power megaphone' in October 1947.Since this Sony have grown and developed
and in 1958 changed their name to 'Sony corporation', Sony grew through gaining Subsidiaries
such as CBS in August 1983.Some of Sony's latest achievements in 2010 with the introduction of
the ''Sony 3D technology centre'' and new digital music centre, "Music Unlimited™“ powered
by Qriocity.
XL Recordings
XL started in London in 1989 and specialised in the D.I.Y. hardcore rave sounds that were
coming from London's suburbs. XL was owned by Richard Russell, a teenager producing and
remixing records including Kicks Like A Mules "The Bouncer", Awesome 3's "Dont
Go" and London Posses "Pass The Rizla", and DJ'ing on pirate radio and in clubs. XL helped
shape a sound and music genre influenced by American urban music, Jamaican dub and
reggae, and European electronic sounds. The music was about home recording, white
label record releases, pirate radio and illegal raves rather than Sony's multinational music
that did look at several genres such as pop and R&B.XL ordinarily work with fresh
undiscovered talent and has led to many success stories with artists such as Vampire
Weekend and Dizzie Rascal in recent years.