Research into Record Labels

George Mugglestone

What are record labels and what do they do?

• A record label is a brand or trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. A record label is also a publishing company that manages such brands and trademarks; organises the production, production, distribution, marketing, promotion and enforcement for sound recordings and music videos; record labels also conduct talent scouting and development and discovery of new artists (“artists and repertoire” or “A&R”) and upholds contracts with recording artists and their managers. The term “record label” originates from the circular label in the centre of a vinyl record which prominently displays the manufacturer’s name, along with other information.

• After listening to my own track, I quickly realised this falls under the “Glam-Rock” genre. Bands and artists such as Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, Paramore, I consider to be within my specific genre and are signed to a record label: “Fueled by Ramen”. I will look into this label as hypothetically, if in the “real-world”, they may encroach my artist.

• This is an American record label which operates as a division of Warner Music Group and is distributed by Atlantic Records. The label was found in Gainesville, Florida and is now based in New York City.

• John Janick initially conceived the label while attending high school, but it was not until he enrolled at the University of Florida in Gainesville and teamed up with Less Than Jake drummer-lyricist, Vinnie Fiorello that the label became a reality.

• The name is derives from the creators only being able to afford a diet of inexpensive ramen during the development, due to all their investments into making records.

How are Fueled by Ramen’s products distributed?

• Aside from the internet, there are various platforms of which we are exposed to Fueled by Ramen’s products. These include many elements such as artist CDs; TV appearances; gigs/concerts/music events and not to mention, social media. On the next slide are examples of product distribution by the record label:

Fueled by Ramen’s band, Paramore and Panic! At The Disco have headlined/appeared at various Summer Festivals over the years...

Twenty One PilotsAfter being signed by Fueled By Ramen, Twenty One Pilots released their three song EP, rightly entitled 'Three Songs'- released January 8th 2013 and reached Number 58 in the Billboard 200; Number 42 on the Digital Albums Chart; Number 17 on the Internet Albums Chart; Number 15 on the Rock Albums Chart and Number 10 on the Alternative Albums Chart and in August 2012, they embarked on a combined tour along with Neon Trees and Walk The Moon. Twenty One Pilots, opened for Fall Out Boy (also a Fueled By Ramen artist/band) on their 'Save Rock And Roll' arena tour in the Summer of 2013. They have also performed at Festivals such as Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Boston Calling and Firefly. As a result of this, they took show requests from the various cities, blending them into Quiet is Violent World Tour, beginning September 2014.They have made various TV/Award Ceremony appearances; including performing their single 'Car Radio' at The MTV Movie Awards and on Late Night With Seth Myers.Their 2015 album, 'Blurryface' was released on the 19th May, beginning their World Tour in Glasgow, Scotland on the 11th May. The US part of their tour started on 8th September in Washington DC, continuing throughout the United States, Australia, South East Asia, Japan and Europe. They toured with Echosmith and Finish Ticket.

Why is Social Media important for these companies; how are they using social media?

• Social Media is incredibly important, there are several elements as to why it can help a record label/band/artist can use these platforms to capitalize on their revenue, also allowing the artist to gain feedback, and speak to their fans directly. For example:

• Knowing Your AudienceSocial Media makes this possible, a record

label/artist can gain an idea of who they’re directing their music towards and how they are going to do this. E.g. campaigns and product offers, advertisements.

Gaining Feedback It also offers record labels/artists the

opportunity to gain feedback from their audience/listeners, finding out what the audience like/want or the concepts they’re not so keen on.

Connecting With Your AudienceRecord Labels and artists also can use

the social media platforms to connect with their audience, making them feel involved. They can do this by replying to their fans or holding Question and Answer sessions either through sites such as Twitter or undergoing video broadcasts.

Gain Overall Knowledge of the Market and Your Competitors

With this, you can see your audience’s likes/dislikes and perhaps let other record labels/ artists make the mistakes before you do- assessing through social media what they’re doing right or wrong.

Sharing ContentSocial Media allows a Record Label or Artist to share their

material on a platform accessible to all. Messages/Status/Tweets/Posts/Videos are able to be posted, enabling the audience to obtain the products- the audience can then re-post, Re-tweet, Re-blog or talk about the material online, interesting others and expanding the Record Label/Artists audience.

AffordabilitySocial Media is advertisement for

businesses, with companies able to advertise on such platforms with very little cost, if any at all.

What is copyright and how are the record label responsible for this?

Copyright is a legal right created by the law of a country granting the creator of original work the exclusive material rights for its use and distribution.

The Record Labels are responsible for the enforcement of copyright for sound recordings and music videos.

The Difference in Copyrights...

Musical Work CopyrightE.g. Bob Dylan would have copyright for being the songwriter of his

song “Make You Feel My Love”. Every time this song is played on the radio, TV, in TV adverts, performed publicly, recorded by others (Adele) or bought as a single, Dwarf Music, Bob Dylan's publishing company is paid.

Sound RecordingAdele -along with Dylan as he recorded it too- would have Sound

Recording copyright because Adele would have artistic expression within this cover worthy of reward. The fact Adele was influenced to cover Bob Dylan's song is evidence why such performances are copyrightable. Therefore, two copyrights in one sound recording.

In Addition Record Labels would also have Sound Recording copyright over the

physical and sound recording of the song.

What do you need to consider as you are using

copyrighted music?As I am using someone else’s work for

my music video, I will need to gain permission from the copyright holder. If I am unsuccessful in obtaining their attention/permission, I will disclaim the use of the track to be for educational purposes only.