Structure of a Major record label

1. THE STRUCTURE OF A
MAJOR RECORD LABEL
By Stefan Mekki

2. THE A&R DEPARTMENT
Some see the A&R (Artists and Repertoire) department is seen to many as the most
captivating department within music. The A&R department take charge of finding
the hottest new talent around. When the A&R discover a new artist, they often tend
to work very direct with them for example Sam Smith was discovered by UMG
(Universal Music Group) after attending several musical theatre groups and being a
member of Bishop’s Stortford Junior Operatics. The A&R department pretty much
look after the artist, they assist with jobs such as choosing the music, and deciding
where it’ll be recorded. This department work closely with other department to try
and branch out the artist’s music as much as possible.

3. THE ART DEPARTMENT
The art department have one job main job in which they are in charge
of all the artwork and designs that go with the production on a
single/album. Producing CD cover, advertisements and displays are
examples of the type of jobs this department does.

4. THE ARTIST DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT
This department is crucial in the development of and artist and are in charge of
planning the careers of the artist who are signed to the record label. It advertises
and publicizes the artists over the advancement of their career. However, majority
of labels no longer acquire this department due to record labels seeing artists as
more a product in modern time. ‘Product development is what this department has
been renamed as due to many artists insisting that because of the attention within
the industry is to promote artist densely at the start of their career, as opposed to
long-term planning.

5. THE LABEL LIAISON
DEPARTMENT
This department usually consists of one person, or potentially a small
group of people (depending on the artist) who serves as the liaison
between the record company’s delivery service (the delivery service may be
under the same division as the record label, however it may be from an
outside company) and the record company. Furthermore its down to the
label liaison to decide when the artists album is released, along with making
sure there is no clash with any of the other labels the record company
owns.

6. THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT
With so many contracts and agreements being made the legal
department play a major hand in keeping it all together. Its their job
to tie up deals and contract signings between the record label, artist
and other companies.
However, should any legal issues emerge e.g. lawsuits between an
artist and a company) the legal department will be informed
immediately.

7. THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT
The department is in charge of creating marketing plans for every
album that the record label plans to release. A basic marketing plan
will obtain the coordination and help of the promotion, sales and
publicity departments.

8. NEW MEDIA DEPARTMENT
This department can be seen as a ‘new’ addition to the modern record
label structure. Its job is to deal with the newest aspects of the music
business. This includes the likes of producing and promoting music
videos for the artist. Furthermore the department is also I control of
of assistant the artist to a create a online presence. For example they
may create a Facebook/Twitter page for the artist in order to promote
their latest tracks, but to also interact with fans.

9. THE PROMOTION DEPARTMENT
This department plays a crucial part in making sure the artist records are
being played on the radio. This is important due the fact that the more often
the artists new song is played, the better success its due to have meaning more
success for the record label. In addition this apartment needs to ensure that
the other departments are communicating and working together in order to
work out the best way to try and promote their music e.g. trying to get their
music videos on major music TV channels. However this department may
also work closely with the ‘New’ department.

10. THE PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT
In order for the artist to grow the publicity department is responsible
for getting the public to view and talk about the new artist. They
would usually arrange for photoshoots and news articles to be written
and publicised in newspapers and broadcasted across social media.
Major artist would usually have their own publicists who help
coordinate publicity events.

11. THE SALES DEPARTMENT
The sales department are in control in the retail aspect of the record
business. The would work with big music chain stores in order to get
new albums/singles onto the retailers shelves. The department will
also work closely with the promotion and team in order to discuss
prices of the product being sold.

12. BUSINESS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
As the for the business affaires department, they are there to keep
control of payroll for the artists and all other general finances.