Record Companies Research

Universal Music Group is the largest record label in the world. It releases music that is pop, rock, Rap, R&B, Jazz, Classical and Latin. The record label is split into two divisions, recorded music and music publishing. It releases music in 77 countries, controlling nearly 98% of the music market. It also sells and distributes music videos and DVD’s.

The companies sub record labels include Decca Records, Barclay, Island Def Jam Music Group, Polydor Records and Mercury Music.

Artists signed to this label include Lady Gaga, One Republic, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Kayne West and Eminem.

Sony Music Entertainment is the second biggest record label in the world. The company was founded in 1929 under the name American Record Corporation (ARC) and initially released rockabilly music, although now they produce records for many different styles. In 2004 Sony entered into a joint venture with the Bertlsmann Music Group to form, Sony BMG Music, however in 2008 Sony bought out Bertlsmann and the company was again known as Sony Music Entertainment.

Its headquarters are in New York but has offices around the world. The company has a number of sub music labels including Columbia, Epic, J-Records, RCA Records, Nashville, Sony Latin and Zomba.

Acts signed to Sony include Pink, Shakira, Kings of Leon, Susan Boyle, Ke$ha and The Script. They also own the rights to music by Elvis and Micheal Jackson.

Warner Music Group is the third largest record label in the world. It is the worlds only public limited trading major record label. Sub-labels include Atlantic records, Rhino records and Warner Music Nashville. They have managed artists such as Frank Sinatra, The Doors, The Bee Gees The Pixies and Van Morrison. Artists currently signed to Warner Music Group include Jason Marz, 30H!3, The Enemy, Gnarls Barkley and Red Hot Chilli Peppers.



EMI is the only privately owned major music company, after being bought by Terra Firma in 2007. EMI owns recording studios, Abbey Road in London and Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. It is the fourth largest record label in the world.

It has a number of sub-record labels including Angel, Blue Note, EMI Classics, EMI CMG, EMI Records Nashville and Capitol. Artists signed to their label include Lily Allen, Bat For Lashes, Gorillaz, Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg, Thirty Seconds to Mars and Kylie Minogue. They also own the rights to classic albums such as Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie), Revolver (The Beatles), Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band (The Beatles), Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd) and A Rush of Blood To The Head (Coldplay).