Complete Guide: Comprehensive List of Record Labels Worldwide
I've compiled a comprehensive overview of record labels across the music industry, categorizing them by size and influence. Here are the major players and notable independent labels that shape today's music landscape.
Major Record Labels (The Big Three): - Universal Music Group • Interscope Records • Republic Records • Def Jam Recordings • Capitol Records • EMI
- Sony Music Entertainment
• Columbia Records
• Epic Records
• RCA Records
• Legacy Recordings
• Arista Records
- Warner Music Group
• Atlantic Records
• Warner Records
• Elektra Records
• Parlophone
• Nonesuch Records
Notable Independent Labels: - Merge Records - Sub Pop - 4AD - Domino Recording Company - XL Recordings - Secretly Canadian - Rough Trade Records - Ninja Tune - Warp Records - Third Man Records
Electronic Music Labels: - Anjunabeats - Spinnin' Records - Armada Music - Monstercat - Hospital Records - Toolroom Records - Defected Records
Hip-Hop Labels: - Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) - Stones Throw Records - Rhymesayers Entertainment - Quality Control Music - 300 Entertainment - Dreamville Records - GOOD Music
Metal and Rock Labels: - Nuclear Blast - Metal Blade Records - Roadrunner Records - Century Media - Epitaph Records - Rise Records - Sumerian Records
Classical Music Labels: - Deutsche Grammophon - Naxos Records - Harmonia Mundi - ECM Records - Hyperion Records
Jazz Labels: - Blue Note Records - Verve Records - ECM Records - Impulse! Records - Mack Avenue Records
Country Music Labels: - Big Machine Records - Broken Bow Records - Show Dog Nashville - Average Joes Entertainment - Black River Entertainment
It's worth noting that many of these independent labels often have distribution deals with the major labels, creating a complex network of partnerships in the music industry. The landscape continues to evolve with digital distribution and streaming platforms creating new opportunities for independent artists and labels.
Remember that this list represents the most prominent labels, but there are thousands more operating worldwide, ranging from small boutique labels to medium-sized operations serving specific genres or regions.