1. Research and Analysis
Music
Institutions
The Big Four Record Companies

2. “The Big Four” are the largest recording companies in the
current music industry, “The Big Four” consist of the
following institutions -
The Big
1 “The Universal Music Group” which is currently the
largest of the four institutions.
Four “Sony Music Entertainment” which is the current
second largest of the four. 2
3 “Warner Music Group” which is the third largest
recording company.
“EMI Music Publishing” which is the fourth largest
company and is the smallest out of the four
institutions. 4
The Big Four are owned by Live Nation Entertainment, which
currently stands as the largest promoter along with music
venue owner hence as a result has control over live music
industry.
The Big Four however does not only promote music but also
promotes other forms of media entertainment for example TV,
Film and Magazine. The Big Four also has authority over
several smaller companies which provide media entertainment of
all different forms which targets a variety of audiences and
consumers like yourself and I.

3. Universal
Music Group
Universal Music Group is a multinational music company and currently the
largest business in the music industry thus is a part of “The Big Four”
by its leading market share and its multitude of global operations. The
company itself was founded in 1934 as DECCA Records USA however
developed in 1990 and formed MCA Music Entertainment Group. Six years
later the first UMG incarnation was created and was further developed to
what it its current title as “The Universal Music Group” [UMG]
The main headquarters for UMG are located in New York City in the United
States.
UMG share a large amount of music labels some of which
include, Interscope Records, Polydor Records and Geffen Records.
The Universal Music Group have helped many current and successful
artists within the music industry at the moment some of which include
Kanye West and ABBA.
Website - http://universalmusic.com/

4. Sony Music
Entertainment
Sony Music Entertainment is the second largest global recorded music company
that makes up the Big Four record companies, it is a joint business enterprise
between the Sony Corporation of America and Bertelsmann AG in 2004. The merger
affected both companies in a negative way worldwide however did not affect
Japan, as a result of this on August 5th 2008, the Sony Corporation of America
decided to purchase the other half that belonged to Bertelsmann AG and became
the ventures successor for $1.2 billion. Sony Corporation of America now owning
all shares of the business decided to change the name to Sony Music
Entertainment Inc which it presently stands as.
Like the Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment are also based and
have a main headquarter set up in New York City in the USA.
Sony Music Entertainment also have control over several other labels, some of
which include, Syco Music [Co Owned TV Personal Simon Cowell], Columbia Records
and Epic Records.
Sony Music Entertainment have also helped many current and successful artists
along with past artists within the music industry some of which include artists
like Michael Jackson to more current artists like JLS.
Website – http://www.sonymusic.com

5. Warner
Music Group
Warner Music Group is the third largest recording company therefore making it a
part of the Big Four. The company was founded in 1958 and was recorded as
Warner Bros Records however was purchased by Seven Arts Production in 1967.
1970 saw the Warner Group built up a strong reputation and status within the
music industry and within the same year gained its first overseas bureau in
both Canada and Australia. With the growing success of the Warner Group in 1972
the company changed their name to WEA Corp which represented its three main
labels, Warner Bros, Elektra and Atlantic. In 2004 the company changed their
name once again to the Warner Music Group as it has become an independent
holder.
The Warner Music Group also have a central headquarter situated in New York in
the USA .
The WMG also own several other music labels such as Warner Bros Records,
Electra Records and Bad Boy Records.
Here are some examples of artists who have worked alongside the WMG, Ashley
Tisdale, Paramore and Coolio.
Website - http://WMG.com/

6. EMI Music
Publishing
EMI Music Publishing is the smallest of the Big Four record companies
and is a British Music Company. 1931 the EMI was founded as the Electric
and Music Industries LTD and has a merger of the UK Columbia Graphophone
Company, the company during that time period was well known for one of
its record labels, His Masters Voice. EMI remains on top of its game
and continues to flourish and develop its name within the music
industry.
EMI stands apart from the other four institutions due to its main
headquarters not being situated in New York, USA but in London, England.
EMI share a large amount of music labels some of which include, Angel
Records, Circa Records and Blue Note Records .
EMI have helped many current and successful artists within the music
industry at the moment some of which include the likes of Jay Sean and
Robbie Williams.
Website - http://www.emimusic.com/