Independent Labels Chapter Discussion

Module 5 Assignment: Independent Labels

Assignment due by Sunday at 11:59pm

Overview

This Critical Process exercise takes a deeper look at “indie” labels (independent labels). We will be applying the steps of the critical process (that we read about in Chapter 1 and is discussed in every chapter) to the music industry.

Instructions

Investigate a small, independent recording company (of which there are tens of thousands throughout the United States and the world).

Please do not choose one of the “major” labels: Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group. Make sure that one of these “majors” does not own the smaller label you have chosen. * Please also do not choose XL Recordings.

Visit its Web site, and look for information about the label online (newspapers, magazines, trade publications, etc.).

In your investigation,  proceed through the steps of the Critical Process (listed below).

Make sure you completed the required reading in the textbook, paying special attention to the discussion of “indies” vs “majors” so you understand what an “indie” is and what role indie labels play in the industry. 

This Critical Process exercise takes a deeper look at indie labels. We will be applying the steps of the critical process (that we read about in Chapter 1 and is discussed in every chapter) to the music industry.

Questions

Please number your responses and do not re-write the questions. 

1. Description. Which label did you choose? What kind of music does this label specialize in? Is the label limited to only one genre? What are some of the groups that the label produces? Where and how does the label identify its musical artists? How does the label describe itself? How does the label distribute its recordings to consumers?

2. Analysis. Look at the variety of groups that the label produces. What kind of fan is the label trying to target? How does this label promote its artists and get a recording to the consumer? What obstacles does the label face in popularizing its artists? Is the label fiercely independent, or is its goal to sell to a major label? Is the label struggling, or is it financially viable?

3. Interpretation. From what you’ve gathered so far from your research as well as from the textbook/required reading, what challenges do independent recording labels face? Do you see independent labels overcoming these problems? How? 

4. Evaluation. What is the value of small independent recording companies to the entire recording industry? What would be different about the recording industry as a whole if small independent labels didn’t exist?