It’s not a secret, that record labels you need a record label in order to be widely known, reviewed, heard on media outlets such as radio or television, and in order to be available to buy in stores, although the Internet has changed this to some extent. Record labels are often under the control of a corporate umbrella organization called a music group. A music group is typically owned by an international conglomerate holding company, which often has non-music divisions as well. It controls and consists of music publishing companies, record (sound recording) manufacturers, record distributors, and recording music. As of 2005, the “big four” music groups — Warner Music Group, EMI, Sony BMG, and Universal Music Group — control about 70% of the world music market, and about 80% of the United States music market. With the Internet now being a viable source for obtaining music, netlabels have emerged. Depending on the ideals of the net label, music files from the artists may be downloaded free of charge or for a fee that is paid via Paypal or an online payment system. Some of these labels also offer hard copy CDs in addition to direct download. Most net labels acknowledge the Creative Commons licensing system thus reserving certain rights for the artist. Digital Labels are the latest version of a ‘net’ label. Whereas ‘net’ labels were started as a free site or just a hobby point, digital labels seek to give the major record industry a real run for their money.
Feb 25