TF: Music Industry Questions

What role do NMT's now play in promoting artists? How has this changed traditional practice? To what extent is this an example of 'we media'?

Due to advances in technology, it is now much easier for artists to self-promote themselves. Web 2.0 applications such as YouTube now allow artists to promote their song and video, easily and freely. These videos tend to gain millions of views, which is helpful for promotion as new fans can now be found. You can also create your own YouTube channel, and it is very common for record labels to do this. A very good example is 'Vevo'.

YouTube is the most prevalent method of promoting artists now; however other methods still occur such as TV and Newspapers. TV is still a very common way of promoting artists; however the biggest advantage of YouTube is you can now customise your search instead of waiting to listen to a song you like. There are many TV channels which promote artists, including 'Chart Show', 'Kerrang' and 'The Vault'.

Who owns the Record Labels?

The Big 4:

Warner Music Group – Warner Bro’s
EMI – Citigroup
Sony Music – Sony
Universal Music Group – Vivendi

Independent:

Sun Records (Various) – Sam Phillips
Chrysalis Records (Various) – EMI
Cherry Red (Punk Rock) – Richard Jones
Apple Records (Rock) – The Beatles

What is involved in a Record Deal?

·         Record Company Signs up an Artist or Band, Pays Them in Advance

·         Cost covers marketing costs, such as the music video

·         Record Company Employs a Video Commissioner.

·         Commissioner develops a brief for the video

·         This would include the budget, the director, the deadline

·         Sends it with the music track to one or more directors, production companies  they work for.