record label: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/informal (common in music journalism, business, and everyday conversation about music)
Quick answer
What does “record label” mean?
A company or brand that manages the production, distribution, and marketing of recorded music and music videos.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A company or brand that manages the production, distribution, and marketing of recorded music and music videos.
The organization that discovers, signs, funds, promotes, and sells the recordings of musical artists; can also refer to the brand imprint itself, especially in digital distribution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The spelling 'label' is consistent. The term 'record' is slightly more formal in UK English, where 'music label' or just 'label' is common in casual speech.
Connotations
In both, 'major label' implies large corporate backing, while 'indie label' suggests independence and artistic credibility.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects, given the global nature of the music industry.
Grammar
How to Use “record label” in a Sentence
[Artist] signed with [Record Label][Record Label] released [Album][Record Label] is based in [Location][Record Label] dropped [Artist]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “record label” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was recently label-hopped to a larger distributor.
- They decided to label the single themselves.
American English
- The artist got label-dropped after one album.
- We need to label this release properly for streaming.
adjective
British English
- The label executive was unavailable for comment.
- It was a shrewd label move.
American English
- She took a label meeting in Los Angeles.
- The contract had standard label language.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The merger will consolidate three major record labels under one parent company.
Academic
The study analysed the market strategies of independent record labels in the streaming era.
Everyday
My favourite band just got signed to a huge record label.
Technical
The metadata must correctly identify the record label (P264) for digital rights management.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “record label”
- Using 'record label' to refer to a recording studio (a place where music is recorded).
- Confusing 'record label' with 'publishing company' (which manages songwriting copyrights).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Major labels are large, multinational corporations (e.g., Universal, Sony, Warner). Independent ('indie') labels are smaller, often privately-owned companies that operate outside the major label system, sometimes focusing on specific genres.
Not necessarily. Artists can self-release music via digital distributors. However, labels still provide significant advantages in funding, marketing reach, industry connections, and professional expertise.
No. A record label deals with the master recording (the specific performance). A publishing company manages the composition (the song itself, its lyrics and melody) and collects royalties when it is performed, reproduced, or sampled.
The term originates from the physical paper label fixed to the centre of a gramophone (vinyl) record, which displayed the company's name and logo.
A company or brand that manages the production, distribution, and marketing of recorded music and music videos.
Record label is usually formal/informal (common in music journalism, business, and everyday conversation about music) in register.
Record label: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrek.ɔːd ˌleɪ.bəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrek.ɚd ˌleɪ.bəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To get a record deal (with a label)”
- “To be dropped by a label”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PHYSICAL RECORD (vinyl) with a sticky LABEL on it showing the company's logo. That company is the RECORD LABEL.
Conceptual Metaphor
A RECORD LABEL IS A PARENT/GUARDIAN (nurtures, invests in, and profits from the artist).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a record label?