Types Of Record Labels

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Types Of Record Labels


Record label is the label being put on a cassette or a record. It is a brand name. For a layman, it is also referred to as a distribution or a production company that is engaged in the distribution of these record labels to the consumers. 

Record label company produces, manages and co-ordinates the production and distribution of these records. The company ensures that these labels and records are copy written. The record labels to be written can be big or small. They can be local or famous records. They can be independent or can be a major record forming a part of  large international media group. It has been a followed trend of getting a label for a music recording, however big or small it may be. This label gives a music record the capability to be known worldwide, with thousands of people. It gives it a chance to be hear globally on different mediums., be it radio or television or internet. 

Exact definition of a record label:
To quote exactly, a record label means a label prepared physically and manually out of paper. It is a label which is pasted in the central area of a disc recording. This label contains the name of the producer company or independent artist and some other important details. 

Sub-Label
A record label forming a part of a big record label group can be referred to as a sub label at times. This is because the record group might be publishing a record label of its won. In such circumstances, the other record label becomes a sub-label.

Imprint
Imprint is a word that is often used in the publishing industry. A label that is only a brand symbol of a company and a trademark of a music record is known as an imprint. An imprint can also be marketed for a record label company in the form of a sub project or a unit or division. Although, it is not compulsory to have a legal aspect associated with this structure or format. 

Major Music Group
Most of the times, record labels are part of big multinationals owned by big conglomerate groups. It is a brand managed under a big umbrella along with other brands (non music associated brands). Major music group might include music companies, distributors of music records or labels, audio clip manufacturers. The various parts of a music group are marketed in divisional forms. 

Independent Record Labels
Small artists often form their own record label companies that selects its own artists and bands and then markets and publishes the music record labels.

These small independent record labels are not owned or managed by big music groups. Normally, independent record labels not under the control of major music groups are called as ‘indie label’.