media- alevel coursework

1. Universal Island Records -
Universal
Emily Cull

2. Universal island records is a subsidiary to Universal
which is a major conglomerate and part of the “Big
3” . (Parent Company – Universal Music Group)
Island records started 60 years (founded in 1959 by
Chris Blackwell, Graeme Goodall and Leslie Kong)
and claims to be “staying true to its long-
established independent ethos by signing
mavericks and game-changers who have altered
the course of music”
Headquarters: New York, United States

3. History of Island
Began with a Jazz album from Jamaica. Blackwell
released this record using a company named island
– named after a Alec Waugh Novel. (in 1959) – this
was his first hit.
The first UK hit was in 1964, which was a ska cover
of Barbie Gaye's fifties hit My Boy Lollypop.
Around 2009 indie rock bands under Island record
grew in popularity at a fast rate – this would
consolidate indie rock as a forefront in Island
records genre of artists.

4. Artists
Indie/Alternative Rock Artists:
• Florence and the Machine
• Mumford and Sons
• Catfish and the Bottlemen
• The Killers
• The Cranberries
Mainstream Artists:
• Elton John
• Bob Marley
• Justin Bieber
• Queen

5. Is it suitable?
By being a subsidiary to universal their will already be an
prebuilt audience for my artist, therefore making a
mainstream stance for them.
Universal Island Records hold a very loyal and local stance
throughout their history by having band relating to their
roots (Jazz and London/Jamaican based) – this supports the
stance of my artist who is liberal and English.
A large variety of mainstream indie rock artists and
mainstream artists in general, which would support my artist
as a mainstream indie rock singer.
There is a variety of signed groups and solo artists which
would support my solo artist.
World famous artist come from Island records (Bob Dylan,
Bob Marley), which shows the high success of being signed
to the label.