Record labels are companies that publish, market, and distribute music recordings and videos. They also enforce copyright rules for artists' songs and maintain contracts between artists and managers. Major labels have more pressure to produce commercially viable content, while independent labels give artists more creative freedom as upcoming artists. The document recommends an independent UK label called LAB Records that has signed a distribution deal, giving it worldwide reach. It discusses considerations for using copyrighted music in one's own productions, such as obtaining permission and proper labeling. The document proposes a hypothetical independent pop music label called TDrop Record Label focused on emotional work with a minimalist tear drop logo design in red and black for recognition.

1. Record Labels
Bianca Cozma

2. Record labels and what they do
Record labels and what they do
A record label is a company that has the function of publishing the marketing of music
recordings and music videos. Record labels also enforce copyright rules for the songs the
artists produce, and maintain contracts with the artists and their managers. The two types
of record labels are; Major and independent.

3. Major or independent?
Major or independent record label?
My artist will be assigned with an independent record label because these usually have
more freedom with what they wish to produce. Also they are not under pressure by major
labels to produce the content needed by the label rather than the artist. Considering that my
artist is a new and upcoming artist, it makes sense for him/her to be assigned to an
independent record label, because they have not yet been scouted by a major record label.

4. Existing label? History?
Which existing label is you artist most suited to? Brief History?
My artist would be most suited to the label LAB Records Limited, a UK-
based independent record label, that was established in 2007. Recently,
LAB Records has signed a worldwide distribution deal with ADA – the
independent distribution and services arm of Warner Music Group. Some
of the most popular artists assigned to this label include: KYKO, The
New Coast, SHOR and Martin Luke Brown. The label aso distributes
music worldwide, which can be useful to me as it will mean a wider
audience for the my artist.

5. Copyright
What is copyright and how are the record labels responsible for this?
Copyright is the legal right of an artist over the material that they produce such as songs. It
protects the content from being credited, or stolen by anyone from another artist’s work.
Record labels have contracts signed with the artist, in which it says that they own content
created by the artist, therefore the artist is then only allowed to record exclusively for that
record label. The record label is therefore responsible for creating and distributing of the
artist’s work, and also for the copyright laws.

6. What to consider
What do you need to consider as you are using copyrighted music? What are
you not allowed to do with your music video? What can you do?
While using copyrighted music, I will need to identify necessary conventions that
correspond to the certain artist’s work, in order for my work to be professional for a
certain institution. I will have to make sure that the correct legal labeling is used in my
music video, in order to make sure it is secure and safe. Also, I will have to make sure that
the music is not changed in any way. One other thing that I will think about is contacting
by email, or through a letter, my chosen record label in order to obtain permission for
using the artist’s works, therefore I will not be breaching any copyright laws.

7. Copyright in my production
How are you going to use what you have learned about record labels and
copyright in your productions?
I will not be taking credit for the actual music or lyrics in the chosen song, and I will make
sure not to charge anything for it, so anyone can view it for free. Also, I will be using the
correct labelling on the digipack and the music video. I will be also writing an email or
letter to the record label to ask for the permission of using the chosen song.

8. My record label
My record Label
TDrop Record Label is an independent British Record label, the full name of the
record is ‘Tear Drop Records’. The name derives from the type of music that is
mostly recorded at the studio, which is associated with teenagers and
relationships. The term ‘tear’ also links to its literal meaning which makes the
record label stand out, for the emotional work it creates. This was used because I
felt like it sound unique and also very different from the usual pop music record
label names. TDrop Records will be able to sign with a variety of new upcoming
artists, but it will be mainly focusing on pop artists, and it will be a way for them
to become more recognised. The design of the logo includes the shape of a tear
drop, and a simple font on order to make sure the name of the record label is seen
and remembered. Also, I kept the design very simple, and iconic in order t make
sure it can be used without the title, on smaller things such as the CD cover. The
colours were kept to only red and black, as this will be easily remembered.