Record Company or Record Label – The Artist’s Dilemma

At some point in the professional career of most musicians, the time comes for them to choose whether to continue as an independent or join an organization to represent and publish their content. Record Companies (Companies) or Record Labels (Labels) are these establishments. A company is a large for-profit organization with many established artists. At the same time, a label is a smaller organization that usually works within a specific musical niche and publishes lesser-known and up-and-coming artists.

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Record Companies

Record companies typically sign musicians who are more established or are on the precipice of becoming established. They are more willing to sign a variety of musicians regardless of their genres. Hoss, the founder of Funktasy Records and Magazine, says record companies are often known as majors while labels are often called “Indie”, highlighting the difference in status the two organizations enjoy.

Once an artist signs with a company, the company will help the artist publish, market, and distribute their work. The company will also assist with any legal issues such as copyrighting the artist’s work. In addition, companies will help the artist find the right individuals to manage other parts of their music career. For example, a person to deal with the artist’s taxes or manage tour dates and venues. This is accomplished either with in-house services or through referrals to other organizations with which the company has working relationships.

Companies will often run multiple labels as subsidiaries of their main organization. It allows them to focus on more established artists, while the subsidiaries manage the lesser-known artists and artists who work with a more niche genre. Using Sony Music as an example, the company is associated with labels like Arista Records, RCA Records and Sony Music Latin, to name a few. Sony Music handles Celine Dion and AC/DC while Arista Records handles artists like Whitney Houston and Lola Brooke.

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“We help our artists to craft and draft their careers and brands,” says Funktasy’s Founder, Hoss.

Record Labels

Record Labels may be smaller organizations, but they offer a more personal touch. Hoss from Funktasy says his label works more organically and personally with their artists to help develop and shape their signature sound. “We help our artists to craft and draft their careers and brands,” Hoss says.

Hoss – Funktasy Founder & Director

Hoss says Funktasy “is one musician’s dream turned into reality.” As a label, Funktasy has been able to thrive in the modern age by using the internet to be innovative and bold. The label takes advantage of technology such as Zoom to allow representatives to meet and collaborate with artists. “We know what it takes to survive in the industry and what it takes to make it to the top… Patience, quality, planning, teamwork, and communication are key to our success,” Hoss says.

As a Musician Progresses from their Bedroom to the Stage…

Their needs increase and a company or label can help lessen the load and manage the rigours of producing music and working in the industry. Whether that is a large corporation such as a record company with lots of resources and a team of personnel ready to help you with all aspects of your work, or a small label with its personal and friendly team of individuals to help bring your creation to the next level, an artist should carefully choose the organization that best suits their needs and comfort based on their situation.

If you’re an artist, producer or musician, feel free to submit your Demo to us.