10 Must-Know Record Labels in the Industry

While we're big fans of the independent record label, we know that the three biggest labels (The Big Three) - Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group - loom large over the music industry and have brought tremendous history to the industry as a whole. Under those Big Three are many successful labels you know and love, and today we want to explore those major record companies, their subsidiary record labels, and how they made a name in the industry for themselves.

Sony Music Entertainment

As one of the Big Three, Sony Entertainment is a conglomerate of music history dating back to the 1920s, at its roots as the American Record Corporation. Through the years, it's undergone many name changes including Columbia, CBS Records (with Clive Davis), and eventually Sony Music. Under their impressive umbrella are genre divisions such as Epic Records, Columbia Records, Sony Music Japan, Sony Music UK, and Nashville, proving just how global they've truly become.

Warner Music Group

Warner Music is an offshoot of Warner Bros Records, which was formed in the 1950s when one of Warner Brothers' famous actors, Tab Hunter, decided to try his hand at music and released a number one chart-topper. Sensing an opportunity, Warner Bros. Records was formed to make a stand in the music industry, and it was transformed into Warner Music in 2011 after being privately bought. Over the years, Warner has taken many labels under its wing, including Atlantic Records, Fueled by Ramen, and the indie branch Alternative Distribution Alliance.

Universal Music Group

Like Warner, Universal began as an offshoot of Universal Studios, but has now operated separately from the studio since 2004. What may come as a surprise is that Universal is actually owned by the French media conglomerate known as Vivendi, but this has definitely increased their global reach. Since then, they've ushered in pop music-heavy labels like Island / Def Jam Records, Republic Records, Cash Money and Young Money.

Epic Records (Sony)

Notable Artists: Shakira, Pearl Jam, Rage Against The Machine, Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled, Outkast, Camila Cabello

Epic Records started as a jazz and classical music label in the 1950s, working with the likes of the Juilliard String Quartet and the Berlin Philharmonic. You wouldn't think that today. Since its inception, they've broadened their artist library to include pop, R&B, and hip hop. Due to popularity, it quickly became one of Sony's “flagship labels”.

Island Def Jam Music Group (Universal)

Notable Artists: Aviici, BTS, Lionel Richie, Bon Jovi, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Kanye West, The Killers, Elton John, Shania Twain

Island Def Jam was the result of a 1998 fusion between Island Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Mercury Records, and later joined by Motown Records. They reached a peak in 2012 when they became the first to have seven number-one hits played on the radio, including songs from major artists like Rihanna, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, and Ne-Yo. They're experiencing a similar explosion with the success of Korean sensation BTS making it big in the west.

Columbia Records (Sony)

Notable Artists: Adele, Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, Harry Styles, Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Pink Floyd

Columbia Records is the final form of a phonograph business that was started in 1887, which came from the District of Columbia where the business was founded. Over the years, the label has changed hands and gone through many evolutions, especially in the 1960s under the tutelage of Clive Davis. Today it's another flagship of Sony Music and has acquired enormous talent like the names mentioned above.

Aftermath Entertainment (Universal)

Notable Artists: 50 Cent, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, Kendrick Lamar, The Game, Eve, Raekwon

Aftermath is most notable for being founded by the incomparable Dr. Dre. Though it's a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, its roster of artists has been anything but small-fry. Several artists on their roster have achieved either Platinum or Diamond status, and their newest artist, Anderson.Paak, has been making waves on his way to that same status.

Young Money Entertainment (Universal)

Notable Artists: Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Lil Twist, Cory Gunz, Drake, Mack Maine, Flow

Young Money is the result of a sour break-up between Cash Money and Lil Wayne, after an ugly dispute between the label's founder Bryan “Birdman” Williams. When Lil Wayne split off to form his own label, he brought the likes of Nicki Minaj and Drake with him. Since then, the label has achieved 12 number-one albums among its roster of successful artists and shows no signs of stopping.

Atlantic Records (Warner)

Notable Artists: Against The Current, Janelle Monae, Jill Scott, Kehlani, NEEDTOBREATHE, Bruno Mars, Cardi B

Atlantic Records is the name you think of when it comes to jazz, soul, and R&B, with the likes of Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, among the other household names, in their lineup. In 1967, after being acquired by Warner Music Group, the genre range expanded to rock and pop, but has still kept its groovy, sultry roots strong.

Republic Records (Universal)

Notable Artists: Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, 3 Doors Down, Black Veil Brides, The Weeknd

You may have seen Republic Record's name in the news recently, as Taylor Swift officially signed over to them this past year before her previous label, Big Machine, went on the market. Republic was born in 1995, and in 2000 was acquired by Universal Music Group. Their genre range is all over, like the many labels on this list, and they don't discriminate. From pop artists Jessie J and Ariana Grande, to hip-hop powerhouses like Post Malone, Snoop Dogg, and Wiz Khalifa, Republic Records has definitely been doing well. They're also taking a chance on TXT, an up-and-coming Korean boy band hot on the heels of BTS's western success.

Well, there you have it! Ten well-known, major label names that you absolutely MUST know if you want to become successful in the music business. While we always encourage artists to make the decision that will be best for their careers, we know that these major companies pack a huge punch in distribution, tour management, and music production.

What about indie labels?

Interested in learning more about independent labels? Check out the Pros and Cons of Indie Record Labels You Need to Know.