Major record labels

The purpose of record labels is to sign artists and help produce songs and music videos, they also have to promote, market and advertise the artist to create a demand of people who want to hear the artists music.

A major record label is a large company within the music industry, it is also possible for them to own smaller record labels as well. Currently in the UK some of the major record labels include Sony music entertainment, Universal music group, Syco records and Warner music group independent. These labels manage some of the biggest names in the UK music industry such as One direction, Fifth harmony, Olly Murs, Little Mix, Ella Henderdson and Bars&Melody. Syco, who is owned by Simon Cowell, also has strong links into the television industry as Simon has many successful shows on air. This can be useful to some of the artist on his label as he can use these shows to help promote his signed artists.

Independent labels can be just as successful but operate from a smaller company base. They are known as offering more 'organic' music rather than the manufactured mainstream, however some disagree.
While researching into independent record labels I found out about Cooking Vinyl. They became established in 1986, and has a strong reputation of being one of the most artist-based independent record labels in the Europe. Some of the artists signed by Cooking Vinyl include, Marilyn Manson, Madness, The Cult and Gary Numan. Cooking Vinyl say that the longevity with their signed artists comes from being such an artist friendly label, one of their signed artists Billy Bragg has signed to a total of six other labels prior to signing to Cooking Vinyl and then comes back to them year after year.
Another, independent record label I found is Lab Records LTD, they became established in 2007 and pride themselves on their strong ability to spot and develop young talent. The label is quickly expanding and some of their signed artists are regulars on some of the most influential music mediums and live events over the world. They have had 75+ catalogue releases and sold hundreds of copies. Some of the artists that are signed by this label include Fort Hope, Youth Club, Bethan Leadley and Anavae.

I think that it is good that four big companies dominate that music industry as it gives artists a aim of who they want to be signed with. Also if artists get signed by one of these major labels then they know they are likely to do well and be more successful then if they sign with a label that isn't as popular. Furthermore, being signed by a major record label could offer artists more opportunities, as the labels are likely to be more established in the industry. Therefore meaning they will know a variety of different and successful people in the industry who may be able to offer guidance and help to their artists. Unlike smaller/independent record labels, these may not be know as many successful people in the industry that could offer help to their artists. Generally major record labels will be able to offer a larger budget to help promote and advertise their music.
However, this has a massive effect on the industry as it makes it extremely difficult for artists to be highly successful unless they are signed by one of these major record labels, as these are the most well known , therefore there is more of a buzz around these labels then others,. This could lead to them gaining more publicity for their artists.  Also independent artists can be more diverse with their music/style and do not always follow the mainstream, which could result in major record labels not signing them as they would not to a large mass audience. If they are signed by an independent label then it will take longer for them to become successful then if they are signed by a major label. This is because, as mentioned earlier, independent labels cannot offer a massive budget to help promote and advertise artists like major record labels. As well as the independent label not being as well known, therefore they will not have as many people/fans follow their new artists signings and released music.

I do think that some independent record labels are as successful as the major labels. If you look at Cooking Vinyl, who have Marilyn Manson signed as an artist and he is one of the biggest rock legends and most people would have at least heard his name. However, I think it takes extremely talented people for independent as the labels are not as well known therefore they have to rely on the talent being spotted and enjoyed by the audience. Independent record labels can offer a more personal one to one experience for the clients as they most likely do not have as many as the major labels.  Additionally, independent record labels have more time to nurture and help artists grow, whereas major record labels want artists to be ready to record straight away. Major record labels also want artists who make them quite a bit of money, which means if you are signed to them and are not making much money for them, they will just drop you from their label. Unlike independent labels, where it is not such a big deal if artists do not make tons of money. This is why independent labels, such as Lab Records LTD and Cooking Vinyl can be more artist friendly and focus on developing their artists. Whereas I think the bigger major record labels sign artist that need very little work and can record straight away. But saying this, independent artist Nina Nesbitt, is very successful; her debut album Peroxide reached number 11 in the UK charts, and number 1 in the Scottish Albums Chart. It sold a massive 45% more that its closest competitor. Also her release selfies made it into the UK top 40, this made it her second time making an appearance in the chart. Showing me that independent artists can still be successful.