Record labels
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group are an American-french based worldwide corporation. They are a subsidiary of a Paris-based conglomerate “Vivendi”. Their headquarters are located in Santa Monica, California. Over the years Universal have signed successful artists such as Amy Winehouse and The Rolling Stones to more recent artists such as Ariana Grande, Kanye West and Shawn Mendes. The company represent a lot of artists who have high social statuses and who are also seen doing a lot of charity work that represents their brand. As well as being a record label, Universal are also known as also being a production company and being a theme park in the states. Their logo is a simplistic black and white logo that is clean and professional looking. They have kept the same logo throughout the companies and different branches to create continuity throughout the organisations. The company aim for mass audiences, typically online users/ social media users.
Creation Records
Creation Records are an independent British label that is headed by Alan McGee. The label was founded in 1983, McGee wanted to provide an outlet for like-minded musicians and give them an opportunity for young artists to see their work on vinyl. Between the years of 1995 -1998, Creation Records won independent label of the year. In the 2000’s we saw the last releases of the label but in 2011 a compilation album was made in celebration and memory. The logo symbolises the British flag through its colours. It shows the labels dedication and roots to it country, Britain.
Forefront Records
Forefront Records – they are a contemporary Christian Music/Christian Rock record label, it was founded in 1987 but was later bought by EMI in 1996. It has a niche audience who are interested in the message and talent of the artist. The company fund many compilation CDs rather than funding big tours and media campaigns. Their logo is simplistic – reflecting that the music is more important than the group and label.
Glassnote Records
Glassnote Records was founded in 2007 by Daniel Glass. The label primarily has a line up of indie rock/ alternative rock artists. They became widely known from one of their signed artists, Mumford and Sons, in February 2011 their album "Sigh No More" became one of the highest charting albums. The company mainly looks for individual and unique artists that alter want to take charge in their own career. Glassnote Records are based in New York but have multiple offices across the world, including London and Toronto. They have contracts with indie bands and artists such as Two Door Cinema Club and Mumford and Sons. Their logo has a very simplistic design which looks clean and professional. To create it more visually interesting they have a medium sized music note embedded in the G.
XL Records
XL Records – is and English independent record label that was established in 1989 and are indie, electronic and dance genre focused. In the early 90s the label was primarily focused on producing and distributing dance orientated tracks. This later changed due to them being willing to work with more eccentric and experimental artists. They currently have partnerships with artists such as Tyler and the Creator. In 2010 the label released Vampire Weekend's album "Contra" which was the band's first album ever to reach number on the US billboard charts. In 2012, XL Records became "Label of the Year" due to their release of Adele's "21" album. Similar to other record labels, their logo is simplistic, clean and professional looking with the black and white.
