Description
Overview
This Critical Process exercise takes a deeper look at indie labels. We will be applying the steps of the critical process (that we read about in Chapter 1 and is discussed in every chapter) to the music industry.
Instructions
Investigate a small, independent recording company (of which there are tens of thousands throughout the United States and the world). Visit its Web site, and/or e-mail or telephone the company. In your investigation, proceed through the steps of the critical process (listed below).
- Write up your analysis in about 3- 5 pages (double spaced).
- Please number your responses.
1. Description. What kind of music does this label specialize in? Is the label limited to only one genre? What are some of the groups that the label produces? Where and how does the label identify its musical artists? How does the label describe itself? How does the label distribute its recordings to consumers?
2. Analysis. Look at the variety of groups that the label produces. What kind of fan is the label trying to target? How does this label promote its artists and get a recording to the consumer? What obstacles does the label face in popularizing its artists? Is the label fiercely independent, or is its goal to sell to a major label? Is the label struggling, or is it financially viable?
3. Interpretation. From what you’ve gathered so far from your research, what major problems do independent recording labels face? Do you see independent labels overcoming these problems? How?
4. Evaluation. What is the value of small independent recording companies to the entire recording industry? What would be different about the recording industry as a whole if small independent labels didn’t exist? Add other questions and information as you go along.
Explanation & Answer
Attached.
Running head: EVALUATION OF SHADY RECORDS LABEL
EVALUATION OF SHADY RECORDS LABEL
Name
Institution
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EVALUATION OF SHADY RECORDS LABEL
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1. Description
Shady Records is an independent record label in the United States. It was founded in
1999 by Paul Rosenberg and Eminem. The record label specializes in hip hop music. At the face
of the record label is rapper Eminem whose hip hop music career has been flourishing over the
years (Shady Records, n.d.). The first act released by the label was Eminem’s album “The Slim
Shady LP.” From 1999, Shady record label has signed nine groups. It is also part of business
investment in the Shade 45 radio station. The label also has a special edition magazine which is
released monthly to inform the fans about the trending information in the music industry. The
label describes itself as “a boutique label” with and an effective strategy that supports their every
initiative.
How Shady Records identifies its artists
Most the artists signed by the groups are acquired through referral, artists such as 50
Cent, D12, and Yelawolf, signed with Shady Records following referrals from other artists under
the label (Shady Records, n.d.). The label also identifies artists through street competitions such
as “rap battles” where upcoming artists in a particular town meet and compete to determine the
artists with the best lyrics.
Music Groups produced by Shady Records
The main artist that the label produces is Eminem. The label also produced 50 Cent’s
music in the early 2000s before he switched to other labels. The record produced 50 Cent’s
albums such as “Lose Yourself” that earned the artists an Academy Award for best original song
(Mic Network, n.d.). Another 50 Cent’s single produced by Shady Records was “Wanksta.” The
label produces music for Westside Gunn, Yelawolf, Joell Ortiz, Conway, Hall N' Nash, Stat Quo
EVALUATION OF SHADY RECORDS LABEL
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and Boogie. Former acts that worked with Shady Records inclu...
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