Record Labels and PermissionBy Lamar Johnson

What record labels are, and what they do. A record label is a brand associated with the marketing and

advertising or music recordings, and music videos of specific artists. Record labels are also publishing company's, the deal with such sectors as production, manufacture, distribution, marketing, promotion and enforcements of copyright for sound recordings and music videos, talent scouting and the development of sign/new artists. These labels are also in charge of maintaining contracts with their signed artists and their accompanying managers. Artists become dependent on their recording labels, they rely on their recording labels to market them, sell their albums and broaden their fan base, record labels are the vital in ensuring audience have music videos, MP3, video, radio and marketing access to their specific artists. There are two different types of record labels, the first being Independent record labels and the second being Major record labels. Independent recording labels are localized, and commonly support local acts, where as major labels are bigger fish they support artists allover the world and generate much more money for them they're better marketers for their artists.

Is my label independent or major?

Independent labels are small and localized, they're “indie” work on their own of their own accord. Then there are the major labels, there is often smaller groups within this co-operations that operate under different names but are owned by the major labels, there is a hierarchy. As I've understood the difference between the two different types of labels I've come to the conclusion that a independent label would be better for my recording label to operate as, therefore my artist will be signed to a independent label. I feel this choice is better suited because I'm operating from the UK and the artist I'm signing is local, and it is common that independent labels sign local acts.

XL RECORDINGSI feel my artist will be best suited to xl recordings.

XL Recordings is a British independent label, owned by Richard Russell it originated in 1989. Today it has two locations, London and New York. This label dabbles in various genres, this is ideal for my artist because they're situated in the Hip-Hop/Rap genre. As the label deals with this genre they're able to market y artist well, and push them to be the best they can be in terms of music, fan base, image etc. Also they would be the best in dealing with production, manufacture, distribution, marketing, promotion and enforcements of copyright for sound recordings and music videos relative to my artist.

Late/Current Artists of XL Recordings

Current artists include Adele, Jai Paul, Gigs, Basement Jaxx, King Krule, Radiohead and many more.

Former/Late artists include, Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, Tyler the Creator, MIA and Azealia Banks.

Copyright

Copyright is a legal concept, giving the creator of an original piece of wok exclusive rights to it. Usually this is for a specific period of time in which the copyright would have to be renewed. This will also give the person the ability to be credited from their work, they may credit from this by allowing others to copy their concept. Record Labels would use something called “Music Licensing” to copyright their pieces. This ensures that the owner of the pieces of music is compensated for the uses of their pieces for example if it was used in a advert or in a movie or even used by another artists for sampling etc. The record label will be in charge and responsible for finalising all copyrights for their artists’ pieces.

My music video (Copyright)

After looking at and understanding the concepts of copyright, I understand that I cant mimic or copy the original product of the song I’ve chose to produce a music video to. It cant match the concept of the original artist depiction. I also must ensure that I don’t take credit for the track itself as it wasn’t a product that I produced, I cant benefit or make money off the product I produce as the tracks isn't mine initially. Importantly I must make it clear that it isn't my intention to reap benefits off my finalised product. Failure to do so can hold a penalty, resulting in a potential court case and lawsuit.

My Logo (MOTIVATION MUSIC)

Motivation Music

Motivation Music is the name of my record label. As we are a independent label we will be signing and marketing local artist and acts. We will be signing artists of mixed genres, commonly Hip-Hop/Rap artists as this is our core genre, but on the other hand our label is diverse.

Reflection

Understood what record labels are and the two different types.

Understood what record labels do.

Understood what copyright is, and have also understood how to follow copy written procedures to avoid prosecution.