'Free content is an inexorable fact of life brought on by the unstoppable advance of technology.' How far do you agree?

Why Music Matters Campaign

http://www.whymusicmatters.org/

make some notes about the campaign, considering how you might be able to use it in an exam response. In particular, look for artists from your labels who are involved.

 The Music Matters campaign is a collective of people across the music industry, including artists, retailers, songwriters, labels and managers, formed to remind listeners of the significance and value of music.

with music more available than ever before, it’s worth reminding ourselves of that fact. It’s easy to forget about the extraordinary lengths that performers, songwriters and musicians can go to record their songs, and the powerful effect music has on each and every one of us

 it is important to support the artists and all those involved in making incredible music by choosing to consume music in an ethical way

Globally, 19 out of every 20 tracks downloaded are done so illegally. In an evolving digital landscape, there can be confusion over which sites are legal. We think music fans would like to know that when the site that they are using is legitimate they are supporting the artists, musicians, songwriters and everyone involved in creating the music.

With a downloading service, tracks are stored on an individual’s iPod, iPhone or preferred device and can be listened to when and where the consumer chooses.

Online streaming services make the music available to listen to online without purchasing and downloading the files.

Both of these are legitimate ways to consume music. Look for the Music Matters trustmark to find legal sites.

Discuss the ways in which media products are produced and distributed to audiences within a media area you have studied.

Music Audience Survey - Results

Music Audience Survey

1. What gender are you?  Male Female

2. How old are you?

Under 10 10 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 30 31+

3. Where do you live?

UK Other Europe America Australia

Other (please specify)

4. What genres of music do you listen to?

Rock Alt. Rock / Indie Pop Punk Jazz RnB Country Rap

Other (please specify)

5. How do you listen to music?

Internet MP3 player TV Radio Phone

6. Have you ever downloaded music illegally?

Yes No

7. Do you know the name of any record labels, if so which one(s)?

Do you know the name of any record labels, if so which one(s)?

8. How do you prefer to buy your music:

How do you prefer to buy your music:  Online (MP3 format) Shops (CD format)

9.  Who are your favourite artists? Please list below?

The online revolution has proved as damaging to independent labels as to multinational companies. How far do you agree?

The online revolution has been more damaging to independent labels than multi-national labels as they do not have as many artists signed to them as multi-national labels which means that the money that they lose out on from illegal downloads will show significantly more unlike a multi-national label. 


The fact that independent labels are not as well-known means that less people will look at the music they produce and offer on the internet, this is because it will be much harder to find than a multi-national company whose artists are well known. This means that they will sell less music and make less money.


The online revolution has damaged both independent and multi-national labels because if people are downloading their music illegally, the labels are going to get less money from sales because the more people that are downloading illegally, the less amount of people will be paying for the single/album.


Due to the high use of the internet it is now easier to download music illegally. This has a much bigger impact on independent labels than it does on multi-national labels due to the fact that they do not make as much  money as big companies and they need this money to keep themselves running.


However, the online revolution has helped labels because they can help an artist to become more well known because they can put up free downloads so that people can download it for free and listen to it and decide whether or not they like the artist before they go and buy more of their music. Music is easily accessed by many people who use the internet everyday.  The internet has made it very easy to download music straight away and listen to it quickly rather than having to go to a shop. Also with the access of iTunes, you can buy your music on your iPhone or iPod touch on the go and listen to it straightaway.

Domino Records: a British independent record label

1.   What differences do you notice between Domino and Universal in terms of artists and genres?

Domino records is an independent label that associates itself with the genre indie rock and indie pop. Most of the artists signed to Domino records are not as well-known as those signed to Universal but Domino has got a handful of acts that are well known such as Franz Ferdinand and The Arctic Monkeys.

Universal music group has many subsidiaries that associate themselves with different genres for example Island records focuses on pop/rock and has artists such as U2 and Fascination records focuses mainly on pop which has artists such as Girls Aloud and The Saturdays.

2.   a)  How would you describe Domino’s target audience(s)?

b) How does the label address and appeal to its audience?

I would describe Domino's target audience as young people aged around 16-30 years old, more males than females who are interested in Indie music.

The label's website appeals to it's audience through it's style. The colours used are bright which creates a modern look and appeals to the younger audience.  there are many links at the top of the page such as MP3 where the audience can download songs. there is also a link called live which informs the audience of the latest gigs and concerts.

 

3.   a) Have you heard of any artists on their roster? Which ones?

b) Why do you think a high profile artist might sign to Domino?

I have only heard of two artists on their roster and they are Franz Ferdinand and The Arctic Monkeys.
I think a high profile artist might sign to Domino because Domino record label lets their artists just focus on the music and does not manufacuture their artists like Fascination records with Girls Aloud who have been 'moulded'.

4.   Find out about the Archie Bronson Outfit, a group signed to Domino. What strategies is the label using to promote and distribute their music?

5.   How has convergence affected the label?

Disadvantages of convergence in the music industry

- It's easier to steal music.


- Lose CDs and lyric booklets and any other free things that come with a CD.


-  Artists communicating with their fans on blogs, twitter and Facebook may not feel personal as it is to a mass audience.

Advantages of convergence in the music industry

- Easier access into the music industry for artists.


- Fans/audience can their favourite artists music much easier and quicker.


- It's easier to communicate and get more information with your favourite artist, via blogs and websites.


- Free distribution of music which means it can be done electronically so less money is wasted on producing  CDs.

Convergence ...

- Narrows gap between producers  and audiences

- Allows audiences to access content instantly.

- Opens up opportunities for any artist to promote their work.
  Record Labels no longer only gateways.

- Offers free distribution

- Allows audience to steal music.

Convergence in the music industry

Technological convergence means instant access.

Therefore:

* TV and music are converging to increase sale e.g. Britannia High, Glee, The X Factor - this illustrates the way in which synergy is supported by convergence.

* Music/internet convergence - streaming and downloading e.g. Spotify, We7, Vevo.

Convergence has changed the music industry dramatically

Labels can promote and distribute music directly.

Since Web 2.0

A website no longer just a shop window, it is immediately also a shop...

The way in which the web has changed, more interactive, can change what you have seen. It has made much easier to distribute music.

Audience perception

 - Audiences no longer perceive media platforms as separate, due to technological convergence.

E.g. Internet is television and music for some consumers.

Technological convergence

What is it?

 - Describes ways in which different technologies have come together in recent years.

 - Boundaries between media forms are beginning to blur.

Technological convergence in the music industry

Technologies that are converged in an iPhone:

- Camera

- Internet 

- TV

- Radio

- Videogames

- Telecommunication

- E-mail

- GPS

- Music - MP3s 

Universal Music Group and Multi-platform promotion

In what ways is UMG working towards integrating music with television? Why do you think this is an important focus for the label?


UMG is integrating music with television by 'creating programming around its current and catalogue artists, alongside developing new television formats, both music-based and factual. It will develop programme ideas in-house, as well as working closely with independent production companies.'


Universal Music Group International Chairman and ceo Lucian Grainge says: “The launch of Globe is a natural progression for Universal Music. The opportunities for our artists in television are immense, and through Globe we are taking a more pro-active approach, closing the gap between artists and broadcasters. I hope we can find new ways of presenting music on television, and the promotional aspect is just the tip of the iceberg; my vision for Globe is to develop ground-breaking television formats which can be successful worldwide."






Globe productions is UMG-owned but UK-based with a partnership between Globe and ITV. Why do you think it is important to UMG to open companies like this in countries outside the US?


I think it is important to open companies like this in countries outside the US as it will meet that specific countries audience.


EXAMPLE:


Globe already has several programme ideas in development and has secured its first commissions, the latest being a documentary on Paul Weller via a new ongoing relationship with Double Jab Productions. A similar alliance with Monkey, the independent production company set up by Will Macdonald and David Granger, resulted in the six-week series on Girls Aloud which has already been a ratings hit for E4 and will be broadcast on Channel Four this autumn. Globe Productions owns a stake in these and all further joint commissions, as well as owning ancillary rights such as audio and DVD spin-offs.

 Find out about the ITV programme Popstar to Opera Star, produced with Globe Productions. How did UMG use the programme to promote it's artists and songs? Why do you think UMG created a programme like this for a UK audience?


POPSTAR TO OPERA STAR


Popstar to Operastar is a British television programme based around the training of current pop stars to be able to sing opera.


Format:


The show starts with 8 celebrity singers who are known for singing pop music. Each week they are trained by mentors to sing opera. At the end of each week they give a live performance on television and the viewers vote to decide which singers they want to keep. One of the two singers with the fewest votes is to be eliminated by the judges. If the judges' votes are tied the person with the lowest number of tele-votes is eliminated. A proportion of the revenue from the telephone votes is donated to the Nordoff-Robbins music therapy charity


UMG used the programme to promote some of it's artists such as Vanessa White from the Saturdays who are signed to Universal Records. The programme also featured songs from Universal Records. The judges used for the show are signed to Universal records.


I think UMG created a programme like this for a UK audience because the audience are familar with the British Acts featured such as Alex James from Blur and Vanessa White from the Saturdays and Kym Marsh who was part of Hear say and is now on coronation Street the UK audience will have seen these people before.






Search the UMG website for information about Six-string, the UMG guitar game. Why is it a different and successful product? Why d you think UMG has made a deal to make it available to iTunes?


What can you find out about Web 2.0? Consider its effect on the music industry.

Island and Fascination Records - Subsidiaries of UMG

Fascination Records and Island Records are two subsidiaries from the mass Music Label Universal Music Group.
Subsidiaries are used to appeal to different audiences who like a certain genre of music.


Island Records 





Island Records is a record label that was founded by Chris Blackwell in Jamaica. It was based in the United Kingdom for many years and is now owned by Universal Music Group. The label now operates as a division of The Island Def Jam Music Group in the United States (where it is now a largely rock-oriented label) and as a standalone label in the United Kingdom (also known as Island Records Group or Universal Island). Since 2007, there is also a front line local artist and repertoire label in Australia known as Island Records Australia, run by Universal Music Australia.


Island records is aimed at reggae, you can also see this from the look of the website with it's use of exotic tropical colours. Island records features many reggae artists such as Bob Marley, however, it also includes artists such as Colbie Caillat, Sugababes, U2 etc which shows that Island records are looking to appeal to a more wider audience even though it comes across as being for a niche audience.


There is link on the website called records, by clicking on this link you are taken to a page where you are told of new releases, past releases, coming soon, singles and albums. this page shows the variety of artists that are signed to island records which is effective in people discovering new artists when looking and listening to another artist.
There is also a link where you can download 'Free Tunes' again a variety of artists shown on this page appealing to a mass audience.


Fascination Records 







Fascination Records is a UK-based record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as an imprint of Polydor Records. The label was launched in spring 2006, and is managed by former TOTP Magazine editor Peter Loraine. It concentrates on a relatively small number of pop acts and will complement the re-activated Fiction rock imprint.

Fascination records appeals to a mass audience. Looking at island records website and fascination records website you can see that colour scheme used for fascination records is simple and does not reflect on a certain genre of music like island records does (emphasises reggae).


Universal Music Group will benefit from having subsidiaries based in different countries because it allows the subsidiaries to focus on the mass needs of the country they are based in, meaning that Universal Music Group can appeal to a mass audience world wide.


In conclusion, subsidiaries are used to gain a larger audience and are specific in the music genre they distribute making it easier for not only Universal Music Group but also for their audience.

Universal Music Group (UMG)

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP (UMG)

WHO OWNS THE COMPANY?

·         Vivendi SA which is a French international media conglomerate with activities in music, television and film, publishing, telecommunications, the internet and video games. Headquarters are in Paris.

CEO Doug Morris announced that he would step down from his position as CEO on January 1, 2011. Former Chairman/CEO of Universal Music International Lucian Grainge was promoted to CEO of the company. Morris has retained his title as chairman of UMG and remains a member of Vivendi's management board.

·         CEO of UMG is Lucian Grainge

·         Chairman of UMG is Doug Morris.

WHERE IS IT BASED?

·         The headquarters of UMG are in New York City.

·         The main offices are in Santa Monica and Universal city.

·         In the UK the group has a number of offices in London and Romford

·         In Japan the group has an office in Minato, Tokyo.

Record Labels

UMG’s strength and legacy of music flows from a diverse family of record labels which include: A&M/Octone, Barclay, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Disa, ECM, Emarcy, Fonovisa, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, Machete Music, Mercury Records, Polydor Records, Show Dog–Universal Music, Universal Motown Republic Group, Universal Music Latino, Universal Music Group Nashville (which includes Lost Highway, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville), and Verve Music Group.

Five well known record labels owned by UMG:

1) Interscope Geffen A&M Records

2) Island Def Jam Music Group

3) Polydor Records

4) Mercury records

5) Verve Music Group


Facts and figures about the company - E.g. Record sales, Percentage of world market:


Revenue: $6.14 billion (2007)

UMG’s roster is comprised of artists covering the full spectrum of music around the world, making UMG the leader in both international and local repertoire. Artists signed to UMG throughout the world include:

North America: Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Lady Gaga, Timbaland, Lil Wayne, Dr.Dre, Eminem, Ne-yo, Gwen Stefani, Mariah Carey.

Europe: Sugababes, David Bisbal,

How far do you think developments in technology have changed the way the music industry operates? Consider how new technologies have changed the relationship between audiences and artists.

Throughout recent years there have been huge technological changes which have completely morphed the way in which the music industry operates. New ways have been created for artists to distribute their music to the audience, as well as new ways that the audience can get hold of this music.


With the use of new technology, the way in which people listen to and get hold of music is completely different. Instead of buying a record or even a CD, the majority of people now buy their music from the internet and get an instant download of that song or album. To listen to music, these tracks can then be saved onto an mp3 player/iPod, computer, or even onto your mobile phone. This also means that this music can be listened to on the go, pretty much anywhere. Music can also be streamed straight from the internet on social sites such as MySpace, or even through programmes like Spotify.

Record Labels

a) What does a record label do?

Record labels enable artists to treat music making as a full-time career. They exploit the artists' recordings commercially and collect and pay the resulting royalties on their behalf.

b) Give four examples of services a record label might provide for an artist.

1. Pay for the recording and mixing of albums and underwrite new acts' touring costs to help raise their profile and sales.

2. Provide essential promotional and marketing role, includes developing and executing ad and marketing campaigns as well as promoting and plugging the acts to the media.

3. Exploit recordings in movies and adverts and license rights to global parties in different markets.

4.

c) Why might an artist want to be signed to a record label?

An artist might want to be signed to a record label because they provide money for the artist to make music as their career, record labels help get acts noticed.

d) Give four examples of ways in which record labels make money (these are known as revenue streams)
 1. Royalty costs
 2. Distribution costs
 3.Promotional costs
 4.Manufacturing costs

and potential profits

e) Name the 'big four' record labels (also known as 'the majors') and name two well known artists who are signed to each one.

EMI music - Katy Perry and Coldplay
Sony Music Entertainment - Beyonce and Usher
Universal Music - Dizzee Rascal and Will.i.am
Warner Bros Records - Michael Buble and Jason DeRulo

AS Media Studies Unit G323 - Exam

AS Media Studies Unit G323 - exam

Section B: Institutions and Audiences

For Section B, we shall be studying the music industry. We shall focus on case studies of two record labels within the contemporary music industry which target British audiences, including their patterns of production, distribution, marketing and consumption by audiences. This will be accompanied by study of the strategies used by record labels to counter the practice of file sharing and their impact on music production, marketing and consumption.

Candidates should be prepared to understand and discuss the processes of production, distribution, marketing and exchange as they relate to contemporary media institutions, as well as, the nature of audience consumption and the relationship between audiences and institutions. In addition candidates should be familiar with:

·         the issues raised by media ownership in contemporary media practice;

·         the importance of cross media convergence and synergy, in production, distribution and marketing;

·         the technologies that have been introduced in recent years at the levels of production, marketing and exchange;

·         the significance of proliferation in hardware and content for institutions and audiences;

·         the importance of technological convergence for institutions and audiences;

·         the issues raised in the targeting of national and local audiences (specifically, British) by international and global institutions;

·         the ways in which the candidates’ own experiences of media consumption illustrate wider patterns and trends of audience behaviour.