Institutional Issues

Independent and Major Labels:

The main difference between independent and major record labels is that independent, or ‘indie’, record labels are not funded by large organizations, whereas major record labels are rely and are part of a huge international media group. Many music artists begin working with an independent record label and sometimes move to major record labels when they become more successful. More and more artists are now beginning in home studios, with home recording technology and are becoming Internet sensations before moving into both independent and major record labels.

An example of an independent record label is the American label ‘Fueled by Ramen’ who have produced the music video for Panic! At the Disco’s ‘The Ballad of Mona Lisa’. The label have also worked with artists such as Gym Class Heroes, Paramore and Travis McCoy but also have many inactive artists. The video is clearly made by an independent record company, as there is one location, with inexpensive set, and there are very little special effects, and nothing of great expense. 

An example of a successful music video lead by a major record label was Katy Perry’s ‘E.T’, which was produced by the major American record label ‘Capitol Records’. The song featured American rapper Kanye West, and the strong special effects in the video illustrates the difference between independent and major record labels, as was clearly an expensive video to make. The inclusion of a world famous American rapper also indicates that it comes from a major record label, as again it would increase costs in production.