Record Label Research
For our coursework, my group and I must create our own record label to use with our music videos. So I have decided to research 5 record labels in order to get a good idea of what my own record label should look like. The five record labels in which I have chosen are:
ANALYSIS
Universal Music Group
This record label is an american global music corporation which is a subsidiary of the french media conglomerate Vivendi. It is considered one of the three major music record label companies. Alongside Sony Music and Warner Music Group. Artists who have signed with Universal Music Group are Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Kanye West and Mariah Carey. When analysing the logo of Universal Music group a globe can be seen in the background which can suggest that the record label is a very diverse company in terms of what artists and music they sign.The black and white colour scheme is very simple and looks very formal. This suggests that they are very professional and this makes them more appealing to artists who they may want to sign. In terms of how we can use this in our own logo, i feel the simplicity of the logo is very and effective and is something we should consider as if the logo is too busy then it can confuse audiences.
Warner Music Group
The Warner Music Group record label is a multinational conglomerate who are based in New York City. Much like Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group is considered one of the big three major music record labels alongside Sony Music as well. Overall, Warner Music Group is the third largest record label in the global music industry. Artist who have signed with Warner Music Group are Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Jason Derulo and Madonna. When looking at the Warner Music Group logo it can be seen that, much like the Universal Music Group, the logo is very simplistic featuring only the company name and an illustration. The simplicity of this design makes it more likely to become iconic and memorable.
Creation Records
Creation Records is an independent record label founded in 1983. The name came from the 1960's band The Creation, of whom the founder of the company, Alan McGee, greatly admired. The record label focused on alternative rock releasing many indie rock and Britpop records. Much like the other logos the Creation Records logo is very simple, with there only being the image and the name of the company. The colour palette is very simple also with there only being two colours present (red and blue). And when looking at the name of the company it can be seen that there is a sans serif font used which is again very simple in order not to confused their audience. Creation records have the same strategy as many other companies which is to keep the logo simple in order to increase the chance of the logo to become iconic and memorable.
Sony Music​
Originally founded in 1929 as American Record Company eventually evolving into Sony Music Entertainment in 1991, this record company is one of the Big 3 record companies. It has signed well known artists such as One Direction, Pharrell Williams and Paloma Faith who have won awards such as Best Female Solo Artist and Best British Single. When looking at the logo itself of Sony Music Entertainment, it can be seen that there is two main sections to it - The name and the illustration. The name is in black serif font which connotes a very formal company. This formal connotation will tell customers that the business is reliable and safe. The logo's illustration is also very simple which is again something that will not confuse the audience (this is common on with all of the logos i have analysed). The colour is a bright red which will help the logo stand out from other logos.
