Institutional research- Record companies (10/09/15)

Record Label
Record labels are responsible for the marketing of music recordings and music videos. 
Record labels used to play a vital part in kick-starting an artists career. However through the proliferation of sites such as Youtube and Spotify many artists are able to showcase their musical talent without the reliance on record labels for marketing and financial backing. 


Universal Music Group: UMG is the worlds leading music company. Founded in 1934 and currently owned by Lucian grainge, UMG accounts for 80% of all the worlds music. Through horizontal integration they own labels such as Island Records, Capital Records and Virgin EMI records. Artists associated with them include Sam Smith, Jessi J, Nicki Minaj and Maroon 5. Despite Universal having an overwhelming influence on the success of artists, they may not be an appropriate institution to promote Isla Gold.  We envisioned her as an independent artist solely dedicated to the music, therefore we want to steer away from the dominant record labels who create a fantasised image of the artist and focus more on generating money than good music. Also our target audience would prefer an artist emerging from an independent record label as they would be more relatable and inspirational. 

Cherry Red Records: This independent record company has over 35 years of experience and has signed a wide range of artists including Hawk Wind, The Fall and Suzi Quatro. Cherry Red would be an appropriate company for Isla to be signed to as they are a British company based in London. This is an advantage as Isla is a British artist herself, therefore she could have lots of meetings with the label and consolidate a good relationship. This relationship would prove helpful in her career as they would get to know her personality and preferences ensuring she is marketed in the best possible way.They also have more alternative artists on their books which is the genre of music Isla creates. 


Rough Trade Records: This is another independent record label founded in 1978. Rough Trade is based in West London and has offices in London and New York. Similarly to Cherry Red Records, a decent relationship could be established with Isla and the record label due to their offices in London. Rough Trade have artists such as Palma violets, SOAK, and Warpaint.  All of these artists create alternative music, similar to Isla, therefore Rough Trade would be experienced in marketing non-mainstream artists and would know how to attract the correct target audience. Rough Trade is also a record store , therefore Isla's music could be sold in the shop in the form of records helping to publicise her music.

The impact of technology on the distribution and exhibition of Isla

The proliferation of technology in recent years has led to a growth in sites such as Youtube and Spotify. Youtube is a key method of increasing Isla's fan base as it is easily accessible globally and free of charge. Sites such as Spotify have resulted in less people buying CD's and records as the music is available to them   on the internet. Therefore we need to utilise the internet to market and distribute Isla by creating a website solely dedicated to promoting Islas music and image. The website would also be a good opportunity to sell merchandise and tour tickets, ensuring synergy is created. The website could also have links to her Instagram, twitter, and Facebook which makes her easily accessible to her fans.