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Encyclopedia > Independent label

An independent record label is variously described as a record label operating without the funding or outside the organizations of the major record labels. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The world music market is dominated by the big four major record labels. ...


The boundaries between major and independent labels, and the definitions of each, differ from commentator to commentator. In practice, however the traditional definition of a 'major' record label is one that owns its own distribution channel. Some independent record labels, in particular those with successful performing artists, sign dual-release agreements (and make other deals) with major labels and may rely to some extent on international licensing deals, distribution agreements, and other arrangements with major record labels. Major labels may also wholly or partially acquire independent labels. A musician is a person who plays or composes music. ...


Other nominally "independent" labels are started (and sometimes run) by major label artists but are still owned at least in part by the major label parent. These spin-off labels are also frequently referred to as vanity labels and are intended to appease established, powerful artists and/or to give them latitude in discovering and promoting new talent. A vanity label is a term given to a situation where a famous recording artist is allowed to run a label within a label and release music by other artists he or she admires. ...


History

Independent labels have existed for almost as long as there has been a market for recorded music. Even as the music industry has become more centralised, independent labels have continued to be a significant, if small, part of the overall market. In a number of cases, independent labels have assembled rosters of recording artists that rival those of the majors. The 1960s and 1980s are regarded as having been particularly fruitful periods for independent labels.


Independent labels and the RIAA

Starting with the widespread piracy lawsuits of the early-2000s, non-membership in the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) or its non-American counterparts is increasingly seen as a prerequisite for a label to be truly independent, although this view is not universal. Some music consumers have begun to actively boycott RIAA member labels by purchasing only music from independent artists [citation needed]. Given the number of RIAA labels, this can be difficult unless one checks a database such as the RIAA Radar. In the UK, all of the independent record labels are jointly represented by the Association of Independent Music. The RIAA Logo. ... Copyright infringement is the unauthorized use of copyright material in a manner that violates one of the original copyright owners exclusive rights, such as the right to reproduce or Media:Example. ... The Recording Industry Association of America (or RIAA) is the trade group that represents the recording industry in the United States. ... The Association of Independent Music (commonly known as AIM) is a non-profit trade body established in 1998 by UK independent record labels to represent the independent record sector, which constitutes approximately 25% of the UK market. ...


See also


  Results from FactBites:
 
Independent record label - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (379 words)
An independent record label is variously described as a record label operating without the funding or outside the organizations of the major record labels.
Other nominally "independent" labels are started (and sometimes run) by major label artists but are still owned at least in part by the major label parent.
These spin-off labels are also frequently referred to as vanity labels and are intended to appease established, powerful artists and/or to give them latitude in discovering and promoting new talent.
Record label - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (1525 words)
A record label is also a company that manages such brands and trademarks; coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, promotion, and enforcement of copyright protection of sound recordings and music videos; conducts AandR; and maintains contracts with recording artists and their managers.
Often the record label's decisions are correct ones from a commercial perspective, but this typically frustrates the artist who feels that their artwork is being destroyed.
Independent labels are typically artist-owned (although not always), with a declared focus usually on making good music and not necessarily on the business aspects of the industry or making lots of money.
  More results at FactBites »


 

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