The document discusses different options for artists to produce and distribute their work: major labels, independent labels, or self-producing. Major labels like Sony, Universal, and EMI have greater resources for publicity but artists have less control. Independent labels have fewer resources but focus more on the artistic vision and allow artists more ownership. Self-producing gives artists full control but limits their audience reach. The document also provides details on the history and operations of some major labels like Sony Music and Universal Music Group.

1. Production and
Distribution

2. When the artist wants to produce and
distribute his work, he has the option to
chose between working with a Major
Label, Independent Labe or being a self-
producer and distributor.
Major Label
Sony music, Universal and EMI
are examples of major labels.
Well known artists such as
Lady Gaga or One Direction
decided to work with them.
They benefit from a higher
publicity in the music industry.
This is due to the various ways
that the major label
companies distribute their
music videos such as using the
online platforms eg. Youtube
where a vast audience can get
access to.
Independent Label
Companies that work as an
independent label do not benefit
from a higher revenue. This puts
them in a disadvantage as they
don’t have enough income to
create a global advertisement as
major labels do. However, they
like to focus more on the way the
music video is created and if it
meets its potential. Online
platforms are again brought up
as they are the main source of
distribution.
Self-producers and
distributors
This is when the artists want
to distribute their own work.
It allows them to have the
full control and rights over
the music video. Also, all the
revenue will go to them. On
the other hand, it will limit
the opportunity of sharing
the music video with a
larger audience. In the long
run , this affects their plan of
creating music as they will
not have a larger demand
due to the small audience
number.

3. Sony Music
It was founded in 1929 by smaller record companies which
eventually became Sony Music Entertainment enterprise.
Nowadays, it has the headquarters in New York and owns Vevo
which it is a big online platform where the audience can access
music video across the globe.
Sony decided to diverge it purpose and it started creating mobile
games such as Rockin’ Goat and movies ‘Cadillac Records’.
SME has several record labels such as Columbia Records, Epic
Records , RCA Records and RED Associated Labels.
From movies like Cadillac Records, SME profit increased due to
the synergy between the artist and the movie.
Well known artists as Britney Spears, Calvin Harris and One
Direction collaborate with SME.

4. Universal Music Group
It was founded in 1934 as Decca Records
USA where it converged with the film
studio Universal Pictures. Its headquarter
is in New York City. It is the largest of the
‘Big Four’ record companies.
Key people :
Ceo : Lucian Grainge
It is owned by the French media
conglomeration Vivendi .
UMG has 38 labels outside of the US and
10 in the US:
 Decca Label Group
Universal Music UK
Artists: Lana Del Ray, Justin Bieber, Eminem
and Rihanna.

5. EMI
EMI is a British owned multinational music company
and it has its headquarters in London.
Columbia Graphophone Company and the
Gramophone Company merged in 1931 to set up
EMI.
EMI owns EMI Music Publishing.
It was the first major music company :
• to make its music accessible without the need of
having digital rights management software.
• to stream the first complete album.
It also, released soundtracks for Walt Disney movies
such High School Musical or Toy Story.
Artists that work with EMI are : Thirty Seconds to
Mars, Katy Perry, David Guetta and Snoop Dogg.

6. Domino Recording Company
Domino Recording is an UK company based in London. It is
the most well known independent label. It also expanded in
US in order to gain more power and compete with Major
labels such as Sony.
Artic Monkeys is an example of the numerous artists which
collaborated with Domino Recording Company.
This proves that by working with an independent label it does
not affect the artist career as Artic Monkeys is a well known
band across the glob.

7. Independent labels
There is a contrast between major labels and independent labels. For
example, artists that sign a contract with an independent label find a
huge benefit from that as they tend to have more control and rights
over their work. They are also able to use it for different purposes, such
as for commercials or movies.
Independent labels look more appealing for new artists who are
entering the music industry as they can get up to 70% royalty. They are
also able to be in direct line with their fans and no barrier of
communication is created.
Technology is an important factor for artists working with independent
labels as it is used as an advertisement method.

8. Which label is the most
suitable for my music video ?
For my music video, working with an independent label is the most
suitable option. I will be entitled with having full control over my
media product.
I also think that social media platforms, such as Youtube and
Facebook , will be more beneficial for the distribution process. The
music video is meant to target a younger audience between 16-25
years old. By distributing the music video on the internet, the
targeted age rate is more likely to have access to it. This is a
benefit, as it will let me be on direct line with the viewers. I will be
able to know their opinions on the music video and if either or not
the message was received.