Music Industry

The music industry involves the performing, recording and selling of music. There are many different types of people involved in the industry, for example, artists, record labels, music shops, song writers etc... Music videos play a big part in the music industry as they give a visual representation of a song.

Who is in charge of the music and music videos?

Record companies are in charge of what music is released and the music videos that go with them. The three largest music companies are: Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group. These larger companies own many record labels, but those that aren't owned by them are known as independent labels.

Major Labels

Independent Labels

+ Major labels have a large budget which means that they are able to spend more money which can make the video look more professional as they can have better equipment etc...

+ As they have a larger budget they will have higher quality recordings.

+ They get major distribution therefore they will get more publicity.

- They own you as an artist for the duration of your contract which can cause problems as they have control over the artist and their music.

- Artists have to work hard to pay back the money the label invested in them.

- You are one of many artists so you have to keep them interested otherwise they may not keep you signed to them.

+ Independent labels are fans of the artists they sign which means they truly believe in the artists they sign.

+ The artists get more attention as the labels have less artists which means the artists they do have can have a good relationship with their record label.

+ Artists have most of the creative control over their music meaning they have more freedom than being with a major record label.

+ Easier to then get signed onto a major label after being with an independent label.

- Smaller budget therefore they have less money to spend meaning their video may not look as professional as they won't have much money to spend on good equipment.

VS

Lana Del Rey

Polydor

Polydor is a British record label which is a part of Universal Music Group. They act as the UK label for American based acts under Interscope.

Interscope

Interscope Records is an American recording company which are a part of Universal Music Group. They act as an American label for UK based acts under Polydor.

How are the music videos made and where can you find them?

For a music video, the artist will start by recording their track in a studio where the quality will be much better. Footage will then be recorded for the video such as, concert performances, choreographed routines or a narrative etc... You will be able to watch the music videos through the internet on websites such as YouTube, or on the TV on channels such as MTV and 4Music.