The Big 4
The music industry is dominated by the major record labels. These are also known as "The Big 4".
The big 4 represent as much as 70% of the worldwide market and 80% of the US music market at any given time. The other 20% to 30% is shared out between the thousands of independent labels and people who self release each year.
The Big 4 Are:
- EMI
- Sony BMG
- Universal Music Group
- Warner Music Group
Within each of these major labels there are also subsidiary labels. For instance, Atlantic Records is u subsidiary label of Warner Music Group. What this means is that although they can sign artists and make most of their own financial decisions they are still answerable to the central label, Warner Music Group.
1. Universal Music Group
The Universal Music Group sells more music than any other major label. Its well-known sub-labels include Geffen, Interscope, Island, Motown, and Universal. Some of their key artists are:
- Aerosmith
- Eminem
- Black Eyed Peas
- Mariah Carey
- 50 Cent
- Gwen Stefani
- Kanye West
2. Sony BMG
Sony BMG Music Entertainment is the second biggest major record label in music sales. Its well-known sub-labels include Arista, Columbia, Epic, J, Jive, and RCA. Some of their key artists are:
- Kelly Clarkson
- Alicia Keys
- Outkast
- AC/DC
- David Gilmour
- Shakira
- Britney Spears
3. EMI Group
The EMI Group is the third biggest major record label in music sales. Its well-known sub-labels include Astralwerks, Capitol, EMI, Mute, and Virgin. Some of their key artists are:
- The Beatles
- Coldplay
- Kylie Minogoue
- Rolling Stones
- Robbie Williams
4. Warner Music Group
The Warner Music Group is the fourth major record label in music sales. Its well-known sub-labels include Asylum, Atlantic, Lava, Reprise, Rhino, and Warner Bros. Some of their key artists are:
- Green Day
- Madonna
- Alanis Morissette
- My Chemical Romance
- Rob Thomas