Research- The state of the music industry

Record labels are responsible for the promotion, distribution and production of music videos. The four major labels that dominate the music industry are conglomerates that operate and own a number of specific label imprints i.e the logo stamped on the recording. These labels are responsible for 70% of music sales worldwide and 85% of music sales in the us.

1) UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP
They have accounted for 25.5% of the music market sales in 2005 according to IFPI. The groups well known label imprints include; Geffen, Island, Motown, Universal.

KEY ARTISTS:


Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Black eyed peas


2) SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
This is the second biggest major label in music sales. They accounted for 21.5% of the market in 2005. The company is well known for their logo imprints included Arista, Columbia, Jive and RCA.

KEY ARTISTS:

Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys


3)EMI GROUP
They are the third largest record label. They accounted for 13.4% of the market in 2005. The groups well known logo is included in Astralwerks,Capitol and virgin.

KEY ARTISTS:


Cold Play, The Beatles, Robbie Williams


Another major record label is the warner brothers.

Subsidiary Record Companies- 

These are the smaller companies that have been taken over by the major above.

They include The Island Def Jam Music Group including artists Justin Bieber, The killers and Rihanna. Universal Republic Records including artists such as Lil'wayne, Any Winehouse, Owl City ect. Interscope Geffen A&M They joined they joined the universal music group in 1999. The group is headed by chairman Jimmy Lovine. They have a major force of music crossing over the genres of Rock, Rap, Latin, Gospel and Pop.

Where is the music industry heading in the 21st century?

The music industry has been changing drastically due to the invention of convergent devices and the ways in which audiences are now consuming music. The music industry recognised piracy and illegal downloads was inevitable which is why music can be downloaded for free which was one aspect and change that the music industry made. They are now are learning more towards multiples of ways in which music cvan be experienced for audiences through, iTunes downloads, Youtube music videos, and also albums for cd players. The music industry is also moving towards synergy with films to help with the promotion of their songs. This is an effective move for both industry's as they benefit through a wide range of audiences and gain advertisement. the music industry are also moving towards digital technology to make music videos more exciting and engaging for audiences. 

What role do music videos play in the 21st century and how are audiences targeted by this?  

Music videos are used to appeal to a wide audience and is meant to promote and present the artist as a brand. The engaging tempo, performance of the artist, Mise en scene and Editing i.e. transition effects, filters and pace are used to make the experience exciting and impact energy so that audiences would be interested in the song. music videos ensure that the correct target audience are being appealed to through there music video to ensure the sale of the album and single.

How important are music videos to the industry?

Music videos are the reason for most of the sales of albums. It is important for the industry, because it allows them to connect to the audience through visual images and also present the artist as a brand through props, costume and mise en scene. Music videos are evidence that the music industry is pleasing their audience and embracing the new transformation towards digital technology.