Atlantic Records

Introduction

The Atlantic Record Corporation is one of the most famous American Record Label companies that have established its name in the music industry for the past 20 years. It was created initially by Ahmet and Nesuhi. Herb was later on added to the idea by Ahmet and financed by his family dentist, who doled out an impressive 10,000$ for his cause. They specialized in creating initially records of 'soul music' i.e. blues and rhythm, jazz, rock and roll.

It was in 1949 when they started their roller coaster ride to the top with Stick McGhee's song “Drinking Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee”. They promoted most of the African American music including R&B. During the 1967, Warner Music Group made Atlantic its subsidiary and added pop and rock music into its lists. They promoted artists like Led Zeppelin, Cream, etc.

Discussion

The Importance and Impact of Independent Record Labels on the Music Industry

The sales of CDs of the whole music industry in 2005 were fallen by 8% compare to the year 2004. However, the independent level still held the 18% share of the market that was the highest they had achieved in the past five years. This shows how successful, independent labels are working in the modern world (Leeds). The reason for this success lies in the fact that now more and more effective business models are being created and music fanatics are recognizing the appeal of independent music.

Music is a form of expression. It is a medium which is used to express the ideas, thoughts or feelings of the artists to the masses. Keeping this fact in mind, the functionality of both the business types can be evaluated. The functionality of independent labels is altogether different from the major labels. The problem is that the major Labels are being controlled and run by efficient business executives holding highest degrees in management and business. They have nothing in common with the artists, composers or singers of the original songs. In contract, the independent labels are run by less number of people, thus creating a direct link or interaction between the decision makers and the artists. This kind of interaction helps preserve the though and idea behind the song.

The biggest advantage which major Record companies had over the Independent companies was that they had huge distribution channels and networks already set up. They could easily ensure a through and widespread distribution of their artist's works over a short notice. Second biggest advantage it held was the fact that it could afford to invest a lot of money into the launch of their artist. Creating media plans that would bombard their artists all over the radio, TV, magazine, newspapers, etc. they could easily expose him to their target audiences. The best example can be quoted of in this regard is Micheal Jackson's video 'Thriller' which cost an obscene amount of cash in its production. A small independent label, even if it wanted to would not be able to match that. They would spend cash in order ...