Record Companies

Most performers and bands want their music to be heard and aim to gain a recording contract or produce an album for distribution.  There are hundreds of record companies and labels throughout the world who are dedicated to a specific style of music, whilst others maintain a wide stable of artists on their books.  Choosing the right company is important to any serious artist and whilst it is tempting to accept the first offer that comes along, it is wiser to research companies thoroughly to ascertain their policies and contracts are in tune with the music and career path that you hope to achieve.

Visit Vocalist for information on How to get a Record Deal which includes Sample Terms of a Recording Contract,  Sample Management Agreement, Books and links to Promotional Companies or browse the links to major and independant Record Companies Links.

Picture from

Linkware Graphics

1. The Majors (i.e., BMG, Warner etc.,)
   Control and maintain stables of artists and bands with smaller labels and companies as part of the group.  Departments for A & R in all styles of music and usually have in house recording facilities, engineers, producers and associated management companies and legal advisors.



2. The Labels
   Record labels that are owned by Majors or Independents. Often independants which grew successful and were subsequently taken over by a larger company. They work seperately from the major and tend to concentrate on a specific 'Genre' of music.  Whilst limited by the parameters set by the Major, the label has the advantage of a larger budget and access to the associated companies resources.



3. The Independents
   Started by interested individuals, frustrated bands, artists, dj's or producers, they have less funding but more interest in the artists signed.  Whilst some staff are employed if the company is successfull, they are usually a small operation with highly dedicated personnell who have experience from an artists perspective.



4. Online Resources
   Enterpreneurs, artists and bands can all set up their own website to promote and sell their music.  There are many small companies who have excelled in providing acts with a platform to be heard, most notibly Peoplesound and Mp3.com whose charts are now included in the top 100. Both parties benefit with the artist receiving most of the sales money whilst the company take a small admin charge for processing the orders.



5. Promotional Companies
   Act as a go-between between artists and A & R people or provide webspace, advice and/or addition to CD's made available to A & R, Radio etc.

Free Music

• Free Music Philosophy
  (V1.4 - June 17, 1998), Article on the philosophy of free music as it pertains to personal use and rights of the artist also provides List of Free Music Advocates
  
  
• MP3.com Free Music
  Tracks from a variety of artists which visitors may listen to free of charge!
  
  
• 3rd Eye Mp3
  A site that has an eye for cool Mp3 song downloads, top sites Mp3 players and Mp3 search engines
  
  
• Twisted (Helices) Page, The
  
  
• Monotonik :: Mono
  Online mp3 electronica label
  
  
• MySpace
  One of the largest online communities for musicians and artists where you can hear latest tracks via their integrated online player.
  
  
• Narcopop
  Independent Music Web Sites - Free Trance Mp3 Downloads ... - Largest collection of manually reviewed independent musicians web sites with MP3s to play or download, free MP3 software, music news and MP3 newsletter.

Record Companies | Albums | Articles | Blues Labels | Record Labels | Studios | Television | Webcasts
Home | Lessons | Interactive | Gig Guide | Site Map | Free Stuff | Contact


Best Viewed 800x600 IE javascript enabled

Dropdown Menu by Brothercake
Graphics & Services