Record Label Research

A record label is a brand that markets music recordings and music videos in order to promote bands signed to the label, and generate profit through the distribution and sale of music through tools such as the internet (music downloads), record stores, radio and television (music video channels). Record labels also manage the copyright of music produced by them and bands signed by them.

After receiving recognition and fame, some artists find that it benefits them financially to release albums and singles without the aid of a record label, Jimmy Eat World being no exception; self-producing their sixth album ‘Chase This Light’ released in October 2007, along with the singles ‘Big Casino’ and ‘Always Be’.

Jimmy Eat World, like many emocore style bands, started out life playing in the indie underground scene in the mid 90’s before being noticed by a talent scout from Capitol Records. Most emocore bands that sign to major labels are seen as ‘sell-outs’ by die hard emocore fans that enjoy the underground scene and abhor the mainstream music culture, style and sound. Jimmy Eat World, however, have found themselves still widely excepted as an emocore band signed to a major label, without being heralded as ‘sell-outs’ or conforming to the traditional mainstream rock band sound. This is somewhat due to the idea of emocore being a very emotional genre, with gripping sound and heartfelt lyrics that are meant to provoke emotion and connect with fans as opposed to just focusing on what will generate a large profit. It would seem apparent that Jimmy Eat World, however, have managed to combine the two by connecting with and relating to what is an ever growing fan base hat they have drawn in.

Jimmy Eat World, like most bands started out releasing singles and EP’s, followed by a full-length album on a small, local, independent label known as ‘Wooden Blue Records’ and will have made the majority of their money through playing their material at live shows in the hope of being noticed. An independent label as one not controlled by a major record label, even if they are part of large conglomerates.

They then signed to major music label Capitol Records, and eventually Interscope Records after Capitol planned to shelf one of their releases. Major record labels are usually very large conglomerate companies within themselves, and may have a parent and sister companies that are also very large organisations. This gives them a massive budget, allowing for them to offer the highest quality recording from world-class recording studios. It also allows them to market their products to huge audiences through various advertisements and promotional material, such as music videos, which can have extensive budgets to make them as aesthetically pleasing as possible, often spending in excess of $100,000. The money spent on a particular artist or band depends hugely on their popularity as record labels are still businesses, and look to maximise their profits were possible.