It may seem obvious, but a record label is an actual label that is placed on records, cd’s and cassettes, for those who actually remember the later.
It is in itself a form of branding. In another sense, a record label is often used to describe the distribution company that is producing the records or works and getting them on the store shelves for consumers to purchase.
The record companies are the ones who are usually in charge of managing the production and distribution of records and cassettes and they must ensure that they are properly written. There is no specific size to the record labels that companies will produce, nor does it depend on the locality of the artist. In addition, it does not matter if the record is being independently produced or if it is part of a major company. The main idea behind the labeling process is to be able to make the album known on a worldwide basis so that it can be seen and heard by thousands, if not millions of people. This could mean being broadcast on the radio, television, or on the world-wide-web.
As per the formal definition, a record label is stated to be a physical label that is placed on an album, the same as a label placed on any other product. This label is adhered to the front of the album using adhesive. Not only does the label contain the artist and track listing but it also shows information regarding the producer and the place where it was recorded.
Sub-Label
A sub-label is a smaller counterpart of a big label publishing company. Artists most often make use of sub-labels when they are publishing their music on various different labels. This allows them to get more albums on the store shelves, while still sticking to the same major label.
Imprint
In the music industry an imprint is a word used to define a company trademark that has been placed on the record for legal purposes. It can be used to show the unit or division from which the record came. This legal based step is fairly common but by no means is it required. It is up to the artist and the label to decide.
White Label
When referring to the music industry a “white label” would often be used as a sort of “test press” for example individuals would print a few records and give them to club DJ’s and see how people reacted as a sort of gauge to see if it was worth printing any more.
Some also use the term “white label release” for a “boot leg” or unofficial release.
For example, if a producer creates a “mash up” or a remix using someone else’s music and/or vocals, by releasing it on white label they would not be subject to prosecution as they were not selling the product merely using the track for promotional purposes.
Major Music Group
A major music group is the next level in the chain of record companies. These major components include the large scale multinational conglomerate companies that hold the power and the money behind the scenes. Major groups can include all of the distribution channels, music companies and those that prepare the actual audio clips for production. This allows for the marketing of a band through various divisions within the company.
Independent Record Labels
The independent label is very popular among small artists who have yet to make it onto the scene. This usually entails the band forming their own label and from there they can market and publish their own music using their own funds. Most of the time, these groups that have no major label affiliation are referred to as “independent.”
Digital label
The definition of a digital label can be open to interpretation and applied to all the above in some way.
A digital label some would argue is the future and the way ahead for many as it cuts a lot of the costs for overheads and allows an individual or company, creative control utilising the reach of the ever growing Internet.
A lot of labels exist only online and with record sales being so low and the emphasis being on streaming these days, it’s very easy to see why an “independent digital label” is so popular with our growing creative culture.