Independent Record Labels

Research into to independent record labels I thought was an essential part of my research. This gave me great insight into the subject matter and industry. An independent label operates without the funding of or outside major record labels. Many commercial bands and musical acts begin their careers on independent labels.

History 

Independent labels have a long history of signalling developments in popular music, this stretches back to the post-war period. Sun Records played an essential role in the genres of rock n roll and country. 

Independent labels were aimed at a small but devoted audience. This is because the labels did not rely on mass sales but were more focused on artists the option of experimentation and a way of expressing artist freedom.

In the United Kingdom during the 1950s and 1960s, the major record companies EMI, Philips, and Decca had so much power that independent labels struggled to become established. Chrysalis Records, launched by Chris Wright and Terry Ellis, was perhaps the most successful from that era continuing growth and expansion.

Some major rock stars also set up their own independent labels – The Beatles with Apple Records, The Rolling Stones with Rolling Stones Records, and Elton John with The Rocket Record Company, but they generally failed as commercial ventures or were swallowed up by the majors.

In the late 1940s and into the 1950s, the American business changed in music when a group of people became quick learners of the industry. Several companies set up their own studios and the record label owners began to increase. Many of label bosses figured out that whoever publishes a song is legally entitled to receive compensation for every record sold. 

Example Record Labels 

 A&M Records

The Rocket Record Company

Chrysalis Records

Universal Music Group