Record Label Research

Island Records

Island Records was founded in Jamaica in 1959 by Chris Blackwell, Graeme Goodall and Leslie Kong. With Island Records huge success, the company became more corporate, so in 1989, Chris Blackwell sold the record label to the UK PolyGram group for £180 million. This sale meant that Island Records was no longer an independent company and PolyGram began using their manufacturing and distribution network to spread the back catalogue globally. In 1999, UMG placed three separate divisions under the control of Island Records, one in the UK, one in the US and one in Germany. Labels such as 'Mercury' were merged with Island Records across the globe, in order to build up the success. The US 'Island Records' genre of music was predominantly
Pop/Rock with many artists taking advantage of the freedom the label gave them.  With the label covering a range of different genres of music, it makes it accessible to a wider audience, therefore increasing popularity and sales.

Well known artists signed to Island Records;

NICKI MINAJ










             



                                               U2










DISCLOSURE

Domino Recording Company

Domino is an independent record label that was established in 1993 by Laurence Bell and Jacqui Rice in the UK. The type of music Domino covers is alternative/indie music, this made it difficult for the label to accumulate success at the beginning, as the acts were overshadowed by the BritPop era. However, with artists such as 'Arctic Monkeys' and 'Franz Ferdinand', the label soon gained huge success, which led to them now being the most successful and well known independent record label in the UK. The label also has divisions in the US, Germany and France and has a book publishing division named 'The Domino Press'. The label has had chart successes, with Franz Ferdinand's album "It could have been so much better" reaching No.1 , followed by the 'Arctic Monkeys' single "I bet you look good on the dance floor" which also reached No.1. Despite these acts success, they decided to stay with the 'indie' label, instead of moving to a more powerful label, as Domino prides itself with giving their acts independence with their music.

Well known artists signed to Domino;






ARCTIC MONKEYS














                                     THE KILLS

  VILLAGERS 

School Boy Records

School boy Records was established in 2007 in America, by Scooter Braun, through his entertainment company 'School Boy'. The company also manages sectors in consulting and publishing. School Boy Records is distributed by Republic Records. Scooter braun also co- owns record label 'Raymond-Braun Media group' with R&B performer 'Usher'. Scooter Braun is involved in a number of charities, one named 'Pencil for Promises', a charity founded by his brother, who funds the building of schools in undeveloped countries. Scooter Braun is well known for finding talent on the internet, and signing young people who are soon rocketed to fame. One prime example is pop singer 'Justin Bieber'. Braun saw a video of the then 12 year old, singing one of Ushers songs. Braun pitched the young star to singers Usher and Justin Timberlake, who both showed interest. In the end, Timberlake lost out on Bieber, and he was signed by L.A Reid to 'Def Jam Records'. Bieber has had a string of hit songs and sold out concerts around the globe. It seems that Braun has a very optimistic and relaxed way of running his business, which can be seen by quotes on his website; "Family is everything" "Always mentality" "Embrace the power of youth". 

Well known artists signed to School Boy Record;

JUSTIN BIEBER

PSY

          ARIANA GRANDE