11. Mainstream v Indie

One Direction











Signed to: Syco Music and Columbia Records
Signed by: Simon Cowell
Other Artist associated with label: Olly Murs, Sam Baileys, Little Mix, Beyoncé, Desstiny's Child, The Script.
Target Audience: Teenage Girls mostly.
Merchandise: T-shirts, bags, converse, mugs, calendars, perfume, posters, bed covers, birthday cards, jewellery, and makeup sets. They also have their own biography film.
How to purchase their music: ITunes, Amazon, Through their album and from their website.
Background: They all auditioned for XFactor as solo artist but ended up being put together as group and was then signed by Simon Cowell.

Lanterns of the lake


Signed to Bella Union which specializes in Indie Rock.
Target Audience: Not specified.
Merchandise: Albums, Records, T-shirts
How to purchase their music: Amazon
Background: Their not known globally or got a huge fan base.




Independent Label:
Advantages-

• You have  more freedom 
• Independent within music/ more rights to their music
• Less restricted
• Its your own business/company
• Closer connection to fans/ loyal following

Disadvantages-

• Less connection or influence
• Less profit because there on a smaller scale
• Not necessarily known globally 
• No production value 

Mainstream Label:
Advantages-

• Support team e.g producers, distributors, costume designers, choreographers ect.
• Synergy
• Publicised quicker
• Large budget and financial support
• Larger audience to distribute to 
• Merchandise

Disadvantages-

• Don't have much say or control
• Labels can exploit the artist 
• They don't get all the profits 

How important do you think merchandise and ancillary products are to the success of the band and to the audience?
It helps gain maximum profit and increases brand awareness.

How many different ways can fans find out information?

Social media- feels more personal and more engaging with the artist than a website

Artist website

Fansite 

Would you rather be signed to a mainstream or independent label?
I would rather be signed to a mainstream label, because even though when signed to an independent label you have more control of your music and full rights to profit, what would be the point if barely anyone heard your music. At least with being signed to a mainstream label you have a huger fan base and through promotion, you could make so much more money than the profit you would make from being signed to an independent label.