Research for Music Video: Mainstream vs Independent(Indie)

One direction are commonly known as a Mainstream band and commonly mainstream artists are much more of a commercial success then Independent artists. From this blog we are going to find more about Mainstream vs Independent.

First we'll start of with Mainstream; One Direction

One direction are a manufactured boy boy from the hit series of the X Factor UK. They were formed in boot camp as the failed to make it as solo artists as Simon Cowell thought they all had potential.

Record Label: Syco, Columbia
Genre: Pop, Teen Pop, Pop Rock
Active since 2010




Lanterns on the Lake


Lanterns on the lake have been active since 2007 where they are joined to an Independent record label: Bella Union.


Record label: Bella Union 
Genre: Indie
Active since 2007 



1. What are the main advantages and disadvantages to being signed to an mainstream label?

Advantages:

•  Money and power are the most desirable assets of a major record label. In order to successfully release an album nationally and expect it to have widespread appeal and attract the attention of the majority of people who listen to new music, a significant amount of money must be invested in the release.
• Radio airplay has historically been an especially important factor in a record’s release. Consumers of mainstream music listen to the radio to hear their favorite songs, and greatly rely on it to introduce them to new music. Launching a national commercial radio campaign takes money, time, effort, and strong relationships with the program directors at radio stations. Many labels, even majors, outsource the job of radio promotion to an independent promoter who can take the time and effort to do the job successfully, and has good relationships with radio stations.

Disadvantages 

• One of the main arguments against major labels is that they are set up to promote and reward formulaic, unoriginal music, in order to safely market music that is known to have high consumer appeal.
• Less creative control for artists.