| labels continue to consolidate and internal | | | | 1. Finds new artists (works with a research team |
| departments continue to merge. However, it is | | | | to uncover important market research statistics |
| important for future record industry executives | | | | numbers) |
| to have some idea of the internal mechanisms | | | | 2. Finding artists’ material |
| that exist within a major label. In fact, independent | | | | 3. Liaison between artist and all other departments |
| labels have to incorporate many of the same | | | | of the record company |
| responsibilities within their infrastructure in order to | | | | 4. Coordinates across departments for projects |
| compete in today’s marketplace. | | | | 5. Product Manager (your manager within the |
| Some of the departments may seem obvious to | | | | label) |
| some of the more experienced readers. | | | | PROMOTIONS |
| However, even you can benefit from knowing | | | | 1. Primary function is to service radio stations with |
| what tasks need to be tackled and accomplished | | | | product and secure airplay |
| in order to be a fully functional recording | | | | 2. Manages independent promoters and |
| label
independent or major. | | | | contractors |
| It is important to remember that a record | | | | 3. Works closely with radio stations on contests, |
| company is defined by foundational concepts: | | | | concerts, giveaways, etc. |
| 1. Equity in the copyright of the sound recording | | | | 4. Works closely with new media and marketing |
| 2. An ability to promote | | | | SALES |
| 3. An ability to distribute | | | | 1. Primary function is to service retail with product |
| Keeping these underlying concepts in mind, a label | | | | and oversee retail initiatives |
| can then be about anything the owners want it to | | | | 2. Services national and independent accounts |
| be about. Many people hate to concede to the | | | | 3. Instrumental in planning release schedule, initial |
| idea that a record label is ultimately about making | | | | unit volume, and solicitation strategies |
| money, then hopefully about making great music. | | | | 4. Works closely with marketing and promotion to |
| Although, the latter has been falling farther and | | | | track radio airplay |
| farther behind in today’s marketplace. | | | | MARKETING |
| Suffice it to say, the label’s departments | | | | 1. Creates strategic marketing plan for the |
| must also be working toward the common goal in | | | | company as well as, specific artists and their |
| their own ways. Below is a general list of | | | | releases |
| departments within a record label and the | | | | 2. Instrumental in seeking strategic alliances for |
| responsibilities of each department. Remember | | | | the label (Consumer Products, advertising, radio/tv |
| with smaller labels, departments are smaller and | | | | film) |
| therefore, many tasks are accomplished by | | | | PUBLICITY |
| fewer people. | | | | 1. Gets the word out |
| CEO | | | | 2. Writes press releases |
| 1. Crafts strategy and implements agenda of | | | | 3. Helps secure personal appearances — |
| corporate parent company | | | | radio interviews, television exposure, featured |
| 2. May not be involved in day-to-day operations | | | | articles |
| 3. May be responsible for the business affairs of | | | | 4. Works with artist’s independent publicist |
| all affiliated labels under the corporate umbrella | | | | if applicable |
| 4. Reports to executive at corporate parent | | | | NEW MEDIA |
| company | | | | 1. Responsible for dealing with some of the newer |
| PRESIDENT | | | | aspects of the music business |
| 1. Responsible for entire record label | | | | 2. Creates Online Presence — social |
| 2. Reports to CEO | | | | networks, online reviews and feature, blogs, |
| 3. Less removed than CEO and may be involved | | | | website, streaming music, etc. |
| in day-to-day operations and high profile signings | | | | 3. Responsible for producing and creating music |
| BUSINESS AFFAIRS | | | | videos for the artist |
| Responsible for all contract negotiations and legal | | | | MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION |
| affairs | | | | 1. Coordinates |
| FINANCE/ACCOUNTING | | | | 2. Pressing |
| Responsible for all financial functions, payroll, | | | | 3. Packaging |
| royalty accounting and financial reporting | | | | 4. Shipping |
| LABEL LIAISON | | | | 5. Warehousing and Inventory Management |
| 1. One person or a small group of people | | | | 6. Digital Distribution |
| 2. Serves as liaison between record | | | | 7. Rack Jobbers, One Stops, Record Clubs |
| company’s distribution company and the | | | | The aforementioned departments and their tasks |
| record company | | | | are for general reference only. Each specific label |
| 3. Helps decide when to release an album and | | | | has their own way of accomplishing tasks, |
| makes sure it doesn’t conflict with any | | | | assigning names to departments, and ultimately |
| other labels the record company owns | | | | selling product. |
| A&R | | | | |