Record Labels & PermissionsBY ALESSIA CAROFALO

What is a record label and what do they do?

A record label is known or classed as a brand or trademark which is linked to the marketing of music recordings and videos. A record label helps with the development od new artists that come into the media’s eye, this construction links to Richard Dyer’s star theory and how a pop star is constructed to become what society wants in order to sell records. As well as helping to construct an artist a record label will also make sure that the artists music is copyright protected, therefore no one else can take on the artists work to make profit. There are two different types of record labels – major and independent. Independent record labels work without funding therefore they work on a small basis with a lower budget where as major record labels (which are known as the big three: Warner Music Group, Sony music entertainment and Universal music group). Major record label companies are able to have funding as they are often subsidiaries of a large media conglomerate, for example Time warner. Additionally due to this major companies are able to produce and promote the their artist where as independent record labels lack in this area and on some circumstances have to allow help from major record labels to help them distribute their artists work. However this is becoming less common now due to the fact that digital distribution is now available to record labels, examples of digital distribution is iTunes, Spotify and more.

Will your artist be signed to a major or independent record label?

My artist would be in the independent record label industry due to the fact that 'Chvrches' has a dual-release agreement therefore they'll have to rely on other industry's in order to get international licensing, distribution and marketing. Without the marketing an artist relies on, it will overall have a downward spiral of consciences. Chvrches would also be seen as being an independent label as the artist isn’t as well known as other more famous and in the media artists such as Taylor Swift for example. In addition Chvrches fan base would be lower in numbers due to the independent label as they don’t have as much money as other artists to make my selves known further. Due to digital distribution coming forth rapidly at a cheap rate its allowing independent records to distribute on their own which is helping them as well as making them a good choice for when it comes to a record label.

What existing label would your artist be most suited to?

My artist would be most suited to the independent record label Glassnote Records, the label was launched by an American executive of music in 2007. The executive was Daniel Glass, the label fits with indie rock and alternative rock. Glassnote Records are in the location of New York within the US and London within the UK. My artist would fit into this label as Chvrches is classes as an alternative type of genre just like Mumford and Sons who you would also class as indie rock which fits the genres that Glassnote Records obtain. Mumford and Sons have been very successful in a number of their songs therefore my artist would most likely do well with signing up with this independent record label as they have potential to become successful in gaining a wider fan base like them and Phoenix for example.

What is copyright and how are record labels responsible for this?

Copyright is a legal action that can be permitted by individuals other than the creator who created the item, in this case it would be music. Copyright gives the creator the right to control their content plus control how its used or distributed by other individuals. As the content is owned by the creator it doesn’t mean that copyright stops the content from being sold to other individuals. However record labels are responsible for the copyright of the artists content or any of their recorded music that’s produced to any of the artists that are signed to their record label.

What do you need consider as you are using copyright music? What are you not allowed to do with your music video?

As ill be using content by an artist from a record that’s been produced by an existing record label I need to ask for permission in order to be able to use the content. With asking for permission it means that copyright infringement wont take place, this need to be ensured otherwise it would mean breaking the law, which further means that several implications could be taken place, such as a fine for example. If a record label gives me permission to use the song of an artist, I wouldn’t be allowed to create a music video with the main aim in mind being to make money, therefore I would have to state I am only creating a music video for an educational purpose.

How are you going to use what you have learnt about record labels and copyright in your production?

Within this task I have discovered and learnt more than I thought I knew, overall I now have a better understanding about how I’m going to take this information and apply it into my production of my music video. As well as this when creating my record label’s logo I must also make sure that I don’t copyright another individuals logo. This must be ensured due to the fact that it shows how my work cant be distributed or used without my consent or permission. In addition to this my logo would need to be placed on the digipak and advert that I’m planning to create for my artist, within doing this I hope to gain an audience and fan base as I’d have a record label behind my artist.

My record label - Whilst researching different record labels I've come to the conclusion that most record labels are quite plain and simple and include the records label name. in addition this is one reason why I haven’t kept my logo plan, there is lots of colour making it eye catching and recognisable until all the other logos out there that have the main colour of black. I liked the idea of not using the common conventions of other record logos as it would encourage individuals to realise that even though my logo isn’t conventional it still represents the synthpop genre as my logo is alternative like most synthpop music. Moreover being a perfect logo for my alternative artist to be signed up to.

Be Unique Records is a British Independent record label produced and owned by Alessia Carofalo from 2005. The record label produces a variety or music from synthpop, alternative, alternative rock, indie and more. With a variety like this the label wishes to mainly find new artists that are willing to work hard in order to pressure a career in the music industry. In addition the label has had experience and worked with artists such as Mumford & Sons, Two Doors Cinema Club, Aurora and Fight Facilities, a number of these artists listed have now grown and be successful with the label to be where they are today. As a caring record label they look to find new artists in order for them to support them and help them in receiving recognition within a genre the label offers.

Overall I believe my artist will fit into this record label extremely well as they hope to live their dream of producing music within the synthpop genre, as well as gain recognition and do well in the music industry.

I’ve decided to call my logo Be Unique Records due to the fact that every individuals is unique and has different needs and requirements. Therefore my logo’s name emphasises that my record label wants to fit as many individuals needs as possible.

Permission

In order to show that I understand the copyright effects if copyright takes place within the music industry, I have wrote an email to Glassnote Records. They are a record label who works with Chvrches who worked with them and produced the song – ‘The mother we share’. I plan to create a music video for educational purposes therefore I must state this in my email to them so I portray my intentions that its not to make a profit. On the next slide is my email of permission to Glassnote Records.