The record label 'XO' was established in 2012 by Canadian singer The Weeknd. It originally started as an unofficial imprint for The Weeknd to release three mixtapes in 2011, which helped promote both the singer and the 'XO' brand. In 2012, 'XO' secured a major recording contract with Republic Records to act as distributors. Current artists on 'XO' include The Weeknd, Belly, Nav, and Derek Wise, and their releases have all been certified platinum. The artist would be well-suited to 'XO' due to its small size yet major label resources, and The Weeknd's mentorship and leadership in the R&B genre.

1. Record Labels
By Ariyen Ahmed

2. What is a Record Label?
In simple terms a record label is a company that records and sells music. Their
role is associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. This
can involve them coordinating production, manufacture, distribution, marketing,
promotion, and enforcement of copyright for sound recordings and music videos.
They also scout for new talent to sign on and maintain contracts with current
artists and their managers.

3. Artists Signing to a Major or Independent Record Label
My artist would be signed on to a major record label because this will ensure that
they become most likely successful as opposed to using an independent one. This
is because major record labels tend to have more money, resources and
connections which would better benefit our artist in becoming more known as
their marketing strategy would be much more bigger. Also, because the artist is in
R&B it would be better as most R&B artists are typically signed on to major record
labels such as Atlantic Records.

4. What existing record label would artists be suited for?
The artist would be signed on to ‘XO’, which is a Canadian record label created by the
Weeknd in 2012. It operates as a subsidiary of Republic Records which they use as a
distributing avenue. The label's current acts include The Weeknd, Belly, Nav, and Derek Wise,
and have earned platinum certifications on all studio releases distributed by the label.
I feel that my artist would be most suited for this mainly because of the fact that although it
is technically a major label it is still relatively small with only 5 people signed on to it and
only been around for 5 years. However, I feel that this would benefit my up and coming artist
as this would mean there would be space for them to fit in and form their own distinctive
mark within the label. At the same time, he still has those resources at hand from Republic
Records and under the Weeknd who himself does r&B music. Therefore, i feel that he would
act as a sort of mentor to my artist and lead to a direction in which he would be successful.

5. History of Record Labels
The canadian record label ‘XO’ was established by the singer Weeknd in 2012 as
an unofficial imprint to release three mixtapes in 2011. These mixtapes helped to
promote the singer as well as the ‘XO’ identity through various on stage
performances. The Weeknd then began to conduct advertising deal through the
record label to multiple outlets. The record label later on secured a major
recording contract with Republic Records in 2012, and operated as a subsidiary of
Republic where they acted as the distributors and manufacturers of music from
the record label. Throughout the lifetime of the label, artists assigned to the label
include The Weeknd, Belly, Nav and Derek Wise and have earned platinum
certifications on all studio releases distributed by the XO record label.

6. Copyright
Copyright refers to the ‘exclusive and assignable legal right, given to the originator for a fixed
number of years, to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical
material.’ Record labels are responsible for ensuring that they enforce this copyright law.
They typically own the copyright in the records their artists make. Therefore, due to the fact
that I am using copyright music material I must ensure that I seek permission from the
copyright owners i.e. the record label that the music is produced under.
From learning about record labels and copyright, I will ensure that I apply the logo of the
record label my artist is contracted to onto the digipak and promotional poster. It will also
need to be feature in the music video as well. This is the same case for the copyright logo as
well ensuring that it is on every final product that is part of my production.

7. My Record Label Logo
‘Crown Records’ is the name of my british major
record label that I have produced. The labels
name is intended to show how the company is
above all others as typically the crown is worn
by the king or queen who are a symbol of high
authority and that the artists assigned to our
label is of the same prestige. However, at the
same time it also shows how we have high
standards and prestige and will not just sign any
ordinary artist. It will be clear that they have
exceptional talent and is worthy of being apart
of greatness.

8. The History of Crown Records
- Crown Records was first founded in 2007.
- It was originally a record label only signing R&B artists but gradually
expanded to include other artists of different genres such as pop and hip-hop.
- Artists such as Tinie Tempah, Giggs, Stormzy, Adele or Ed Sheeran would
most likely sign on to our record label. This is because these artists are british
and powerful due to their strong and influential music.
- This record label was established in the streets of London and became a
british major record company.

9. Seeking Permission
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you to seek permission to use the
song ‘The Jungle’ by Shakka for my music video
that is part of my A2 Media Studies coursework. It
has tasked me to create a music video for a song of
my choice and I believe that Shakka’s single is
upbeat and catchy and encapsulates the vision for
the way I want my music video. However, it is
important to note that the use of it will merely be for
educational purposes only and not an opportunity to
gain any individual recognition or financial gain. I
understand that would be a breach of copyright law
and unethical behaviour so therefore would greatly
appreciate gaining permission for the song for my
music video.
Many thanks,
Ariyen Ahmed
This email to Pitched Up/ Columbia Records
shows that I understand the implications
surrounding copyright with musical material and
clarifying that I would only be using it for
educational purposes.