By understanding the way in which record labels run, it becomes a whole lot easier to know how to work with the label and get the most out of the contract.
Major labels have a CEO. These labels divide into affiliate labels, each run by a president. These labels have departments, and the most important departments that a new artist would have contact with include some of the following:
– Legal Department: This department handles the contracts and other legal issues.
– A&R (Artist and Repertoire) Department: This department is the link between the artist and other departments in the company. The main purpose of A&R is to choose the song (s), producers and handle the paperwork.
– Art Department: Handles creative decision such as the CD cover, posters and advertising.
– Marketing Department: Creates the marketing plan for the artist.
– Publicity Department: Organizes interviews, magazines/ newspaper articles and television and radio coverage.
– New Media Department: Creates and promotes the music videos.
– Artist Development Department: Concentrates on developing and changing artist’s images over the years.
– Sales Department: This department handles all the retail sales for the label.
– Promotions Department: This department makes sure the single gets enough air play.
Independent labels on the other hand work in a similar way but usually have one or two people doing the tasks of many departments.