k at hand are forced to be quite creative and energetic to complete all their tasks. Much of the information within this essay derives from various books, articles, industry professionals, and more importantly my personal experience in working with a Massachusetts based record label known as Relaxed Inhibitions.
             Running a record label is a very expensive and time-consuming job. One of the reasons so few independent labels succeed relates to the issues outlined above. It takes a lot of money, and a lot of time to operate a legitimate record label. The more research and planning a young label does before jumping into the world of music marketing, the higher the likelihood of surviving, and perhaps even prospering in a very competitive business.
             To begin with, the CEO of a major label generally oversees the business affairs of all the affiliated labels under its corporate umbrella. Each major label will have its own President who is responsible for all the label activities. For example, at Warner Brothers, there is a president for Warner Brothers Records, a president for Reprise Records and a president of Atlantic Records. A Senior Vice President usually runs every department at a major label, and smaller labels are generally supervised by the owner. (Kennedy, McNutts, p36) The following departments create the record label's assembly line. When these groups communicate and complete their given tasks, the music gets made.
             • The Business Affairs Department takes care of label finances; bookkeeping, and payroll
             • The Legal Department handles all contractual issues and other legal responsibilities. (Appendix 1)
             • The A&R (Artists and Repertoire) Department locates and signs new talent. They work with the artist in song selection, choice of producers, recording studio selection and they communicate with the label's Business Affairs Department to make sure all the paperwork and accounting issues involved...