Transnational Institutions and Corporations in the Music Industry

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on transnational music corporations, indie labels, payola, and artist independence.

Record label

A brand or trademark associated with marketing music recordings; the company that signs artists and distributes records.

Publicist

A professional hired by a label to secure positive media coverage, coordinate publicity, and promote merchandise.

Big three

The three largest multinational music corporations: Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music Group.

Payola

Illegal practice of paying radio stations or DJs to play specific songs or artists.

Independent (indie) label

A record label not affiliated with or controlled by the big three; operates independently.

Independent plugger

A promoter for indie labels who negotiates radio rotations for artists, in exchange for annual payments.

Six-figure promotional payment

A fixed annual payment made to a promoter or radio station for promotional support by pluggers

Amalgamations and buyouts (mergers and acquisitions)

Mergers and acquisitions that consolidate companies into larger groups with control over multiple media divisions.

Digital distribution services

Online platforms that distribute music digitally (streaming and downloads), expanding reach beyond physical sales.

360 deal

A recording contract where the label gains rights to an artist’s revenue from touring, merchandise, and endorsements in exchange for higher advances and longer development paitence

Merchandising

Fan-branded products sold to fans for revenue and artists promotion.

Artist-owned label

Artists creating their own record labels to gain control over production and touring; examples include Jay-Z, Eminem, Diddy, Kanye West.