50-652: Sounds from the Other Side (abbreviated as SFTOS ) is the third studio album and major label debut by Nigerian singer Wizkid . Described by the singer as an EP, the album contains songs that were recorded between 2014 and 2017. It was released on July 14, 2017, by Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records . Primarily a Caribbean-influenced record, SFTOS encompasses several other genres, including Afrobeats , EDM , R&B , and house . The album features guest appearances from Drake , Major Lazer , Chris Brown , Ty Dolla Sign , Efya , Bucie and Trey Songz . Its production
100-538: A "record group" which is, in turn, controlled by a music group. The constituent companies in a music group or record group are sometimes marketed as being "divisions" of the group. From 1929 to 1998, there were six major record labels, known as the Big Six: PolyGram was merged into Universal Music Group (UMG) in 1999, leaving the remaining record labels to be known as the Big Five. In 2004, Sony and BMG agreed to
150-414: A "true afro-fusion album, well-balanced between world conquering ambitions and the culture whence it came". In a less enthusiastic review for NotJustOk , Tola Sarumi described the album as a "collection of songs that chart the artist’s travails from ' Ojuelegba ' to now". Moreover, Sarumi said the album lacks "an overarching sound and feel" and that the other side is "essentially the listener". Sounds from
200-405: A 50% profit-share agreement, aka 50–50 deal, not uncommon. In addition, independent labels are often artist-owned (although not always), with a stated intent often being to control the quality of the artist's output. Independent labels usually do not enjoy the resources available to the "big three" and as such will often lag behind them in market shares. However, frequently independent artists manage
250-558: A US Senate committee, that the Byrds never received any of the royalties they had been promised for their biggest hits, " Mr. Tambourine Man " and " Turn! Turn!, Turn! ". A contract either provides for the artist to deliver completed recordings to the label, or for the label to undertake the recording with the artist. For artists without a recording history, the label is often involved in selecting producers, recording studios , additional musicians, and songs to be recorded, and may supervise
300-470: A bigger company. If this is the case it can sometimes give the artist greater freedom than if they were signed directly to the big label. There are many examples of this kind of label, such as Nothing Records , owned by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails ; and Morning Records, owned by the Cooper Temple Clause , who were releasing EPs for years before the company was bought by RCA . If an artist and
350-408: A conventional cash advance to sign the artist, who would receive a royalty for sales after expenses were recouped. With the release of the artist's first album, however, the label has an option to pay an additional $ 200,000 in exchange for 30 percent of the net income from all touring, merchandise, endorsements, and fan-club fees. Atlantic would also have the right to approve the act's tour schedule, and
400-684: A deal with a proper label. In 2002, ArtistShare was founded as the Internet's first record label where the releases were directly funded by the artist's fans. YNaija YNaija is a Nigerian online content publishing platform , founded by Chude Jideonwo and Adebola Williams of RED Africa media group. YNaija launched in May 2010 with columnists and various news sources. It offers news, original content and covers politics, business, entertainment, environment, technology, popular media, lifestyle, culture, comedy and healthy living. In July 2012, YNaija
450-609: A joint venture and merged their recorded music division to create the Sony BMG label (which would be renamed Sony Music Entertainment after a 2008 merger); BMG kept its music publishing division separate from Sony BMG and later sold BMG Music Publishing to UMG. In 2007, the remaining record labels—then known as the Big Four—controlled about 70% of the world music market , and about 80% of the United States music market. In 2012,
500-471: A label want to work together, whether an artist has contacted a label directly, usually by sending their team a demo, or the Artists & Repertoire team of the label has scouted the artist and reached out directly, they will usually enter in to a contractual relationship. A label typically enters into an exclusive recording contract with an artist to market the artist's recordings in return for royalties on
550-462: A large international media group , or somewhere in between. The Association of Independent Music (AIM) defines a 'major' as "a multinational company which (together with the companies in its group) has more than 5% of the world market(s) for the sale of records or music videos." As of 2012 , there are only three labels that can be referred to as "major labels": Universal Music Group , Sony Music , and Warner Music Group . In 2014, AIM estimated that
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#1732858561526600-605: A return by recording for a much smaller production cost of a typical big label release. Sometimes they are able to recoup their initial advance even with much lower sales numbers. On occasion, established artists, once their record contract has finished, move to an independent label. This often gives the combined advantage of name recognition and more control over one's music along with a larger portion of royalty profits. Artists such as Dolly Parton , Aimee Mann , Prince , Public Enemy , among others, have done this. Historically, companies started in this manner have been re-absorbed into
650-454: Is often marketed as a "unit" or "division" of the parent label, though in most cases, they operate as pseudonym for it and do not exist as a distinct business operation or separate business structure (although trademarks are sometimes registered). A record label may give a musical act an imprint as part of their branding, while other imprints serve to house other activities, such as side ventures of that label. Music collectors often use
700-684: Is owned by Sony Group Corporation ). Record labels and music publishers that are not under the control of the big three are generally considered to be independent ( indie ), even if they are large corporations with complex structures. The term indie label is sometimes used to refer to only those independent labels that adhere to independent criteria of corporate structure and size, and some consider an indie label to be almost any label that releases non-mainstream music, regardless of its corporate structure. Independent labels are often considered more artist-friendly. Though they may have less sales power, indie labels typically offer larger artist royalty with
750-459: The free software and open source movements and the success of Linux . In the mid-2000s, some music publishing companies began undertaking the work traditionally done by labels. The publisher Sony/ATV Music, for example, leveraged its connections within the Sony family to produce, record, distribute, and promote Elliott Yamin 's debut album under a dormant Sony-owned imprint , rather than waiting for
800-505: The "parent" of any sublabels. Vanity labels are labels that bear an imprint that gives the impression of an artist's ownership or control, but in fact represent a standard artist/label relationship. In such an arrangement, the artist will control nothing more than the usage of the name on the label, but may enjoy a greater say in the packaging of their work. An example of such a label is the Neutron label owned by ABC while at Phonogram Inc. in
850-518: The Other Side won Best R&B/Pop Album and was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies 2018 . Notes Major label [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] "Big Three" music labels A record label or record company is a brand or trademark of music recordings and music videos , or the company that owns it. Sometimes, a record label is also a publishing company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates
900-595: The Other Side . In a video published on May 3, 2017, he told DJ Semtex he considers the album to be a mixtape while in another interview with Ebro Darden on Beats 1 radio, he called it an EP. Wizkid told XXL magazine he recorded "One for Me" and "Dutty Wine" with Ty Dolla Sign in Los Angeles. The latter song was completed in December 2016. He also said he recorded "African Bad Gyal" with Chris Brown in Los Angeles. In April 2017, Wizkid told BBC News that "Come Closer"
950-501: The UK. At one point artist Lizzie Tear (under contract with ABC themselves) appeared on the imprint, but it was devoted almost entirely to ABC's offerings and is still used for their re-releases (though Phonogram owns the masters of all the work issued on the label). However, not all labels dedicated to particular artists are completely superficial in origin. Many artists, early in their careers, create their own labels which are later bought out by
1000-546: The United States would typically bear a 4th & B'way logo and would state in the fine print, "4th & B'way™, an Island Records, Inc. company". Collectors discussing labels as brands would say that 4th & B'way is a sublabel or imprint of just "Island" or "Island Records". Similarly, collectors who choose to treat corporations and trademarks as equivalent might say 4th & B'way is an imprint and/or sublabel of both Island Records, Ltd. and that company's sublabel, Island Records, Inc. However, such definitions are complicated by
1050-506: The Y! Politico, SuperBlogger and 30 Days, 30 Voices series and more on the newspaper, including Abang Mercy , Subomi Plumptre and Ifeanyi Dike Jr. In 2012, YNaija co-founders Chude Jideonwo and Adebola Williams were included by BusinessDay , in a 40 under 40 list. In February 2013, Jideonwo and Williams were named in Forbes ' 30 Under 30: Africa's Best Young Entrepreneurs. Nigerian technology and lifestyle blog, CPAfrica named YNaija
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#17328585615261100-500: The album being "thwarted by the misguided nobility of a hit-seeking agenda". Oluwatosin Adeshokan, a freelance journalist for YNaija , gave the album an A rating, describing it as a versatile project that marries a lot of sounds to "give a feel good vibe". Joey Akan of Pulse Nigeria described SFTOS as a "well-crafted, one-dimensional pop dance project that is all about vibes than actual substance". Sabo Kpade of OkayAfrica called SFTOS
1150-407: The album will sell better if the artist complies with the label's desired requests or changes. At times, the record label's decisions are prudent ones from a commercial perspective, but these decisions may frustrate artists who feel that their art is being diminished or misrepresented by such actions. In other instances, record labels have shelved artists' albums with no intention of any promotion for
1200-448: The album's first single would be titled "African Bad Gyal" and would feature Chris Brown. According to The Fader magazine, English rapper Tinie Tempah and Beninese singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo would also be featured on the album. In September 2015, Wizkid revealed he was dropping an EP and postponing the album's release. Since making this revelation, Wizkid has used the terms EP and mixtape interchangeably to refer to Sounds from
1250-411: The artist from their contract, leaving the artist in a state of limbo. Artists who have had disputes with their labels over ownership and control of their music have included Taylor Swift , Tinashe , Megan Thee Stallion , Kelly Clarkson , Thirty Seconds to Mars , Clipse , Ciara , JoJo , Michelle Branch , Kesha , Kanye West , Lupe Fiasco , Paul McCartney , and Johnny Cash . In
1300-415: The artist in question. Reasons for shelving can include the label deciding to focus its resources on other artists on its roster, or the label undergoing a restructure where the person that signed the artist and supports the artist's vision is no longer present to advocate for the artist. In extreme cases, record labels can prevent the release of an artist's music for years, while also declining to release
1350-425: The artist is established and has a loyal fan base. For that reason, labels now have to be more relaxed with the development of artists because longevity is the key to these types of pact. Several artists such as Paramore , Maino , and even Madonna have signed such types of deals. A look at an actual 360 deal offered by Atlantic Records to an artist shows a variation of the structure. Atlantic's document offers
1400-484: The artists may be downloaded free of charge or for a fee that is paid via PayPal or other online payment system. Some of these labels also offer hard copy CDs in addition to direct download. Digital Labels are the latest version of a 'net' label. Whereas 'net' labels were started as a free site, digital labels represent more competition for the major record labels. The new century brought the phenomenon of open-source or open-content record labels. These are inspired by
1450-403: The company. Some independent labels become successful enough that major record companies negotiate contracts to either distribute music for the label or in some cases, purchase the label completely, to the point where it functions as an imprint or sublabel. A label used as a trademark or brand and not a company is called an imprint , a term used for a similar concept in publishing . An imprint
1500-400: The corporate mergers that occurred in 1989 (when Island was sold to PolyGram) and 1998 (when PolyGram merged with Universal). PolyGram held sublabels including Mercury, Island and Motown. Island remained registered as corporations in both the United States and UK , but control of its brands changed hands multiple times as new companies were formed, diminishing the corporation's distinction as
1550-416: The early days of the recording industry, recording labels were absolutely necessary for the success of any artist. The first goal of any new artist or band was to get signed to a contract as soon as possible. In the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, many artists were so desperate to sign a contract with a record company that they sometimes ended up signing agreements in which they sold the rights to their recordings to
Sounds from the Other Side - Misplaced Pages Continue
1600-512: The end of their contract with EMI when their album In Rainbows was released as a " pay what you want " sales model as an online download, but they also returned to a label for a conventional release. Research shows that record labels still control most access to distribution. Computers and internet technology led to an increase in file sharing and direct-to-fan digital distribution, causing music sales to plummet in recent years. Labels and organizations have had to change their strategies and
1650-725: The major divisions of EMI were sold off separately by owner Citigroup : most of EMI's recorded music division was absorbed into UMG; EMI Music Publishing was absorbed into Sony/ATV Music Publishing; finally, EMI's Parlophone and Virgin Classics labels were absorbed into Warner Music Group (WMG) in July 2013. This left the so-called Big Three labels. In 2020 and 2021, both WMG and UMG had their IPO with WMG starting trading at Nasdaq and UMG starting trading at Euronext Amsterdam and leaving only Sony Music as wholly-owned subsidiary of an international conglomerate ( Sony Entertainment which in turn
1700-433: The major labels (two examples are American singer Frank Sinatra 's Reprise Records , which has been owned by Warner Music Group for some time now, and musician Herb Alpert 's A&M Records , now owned by Universal Music Group). Similarly, Madonna 's Maverick Records (started by Madonna with her manager and another partner) was to come under control of Warner Music when Madonna divested herself of controlling shares in
1750-537: The majors had a collective global market share of some 65–70%. Record labels are often under the control of a corporate umbrella organization called a "music group ". A music group is usually affiliated to an international conglomerate " holding company ", which often has non-music divisions as well. A music group controls and consists of music-publishing companies, record (sound recording) manufacturers, record distributors, and record labels. Record companies (manufacturers, distributors, and labels) may also constitute
1800-570: The manufacturer's name, along with other information. Within the mainstream music industry , recording artists have traditionally been reliant upon record labels to broaden their consumer base, market their albums, and promote their singles on streaming services, radio, and television. Record labels also provide publicists , who assist performers in gaining positive media coverage, and arrange for their merchandise to be available via stores and other media outlets. Record labels may be small, localized and " independent " ("indie"), or they may be part of
1850-507: The output of recording sessions. For established artists, a label is usually less involved in the recording process. The relationship between record labels and artists can be a difficult one. Many artists have had conflicts with their labels over the type of sound or songs they want to make, which can result in the artist's artwork or titles being changed before release. Other artists have had their music prevented from release, or shelved. Record labels generally do this because they believe that
1900-415: The production, manufacture , distribution , marketing, promotion, and enforcement of copyright for sound recordings and music videos, while also conducting talent scouting and development of new artists , artist financing and maintaining contracts with recording artists and their managers. The term "record label" derives from the circular label in the center of a vinyl record which prominently displays
1950-543: The record label in perpetuity. Entertainment lawyers are usually employed by artists to discuss contract terms. Due to advancing technology such as the Internet , the role of labels is rapidly changing, as artists are able to freely distribute their own material through online radio , peer-to-peer file sharing such as BitTorrent , and other services, at little to no cost, but with correspondingly low financial returns. Established artists, such as Nine Inch Nails , whose career
2000-506: The reggaeton-inflected "African Bad Gyal" and hooking back up with Drake for the sensual "Come Closer'", giving it three out of five stars. Claire Lobenfeld of Pitchfork wrote: "Wizkid is primed to carry Afrobeats to great heights" and scored the album 7.4/10. Exclaim! ' s Erin Lowers writes that Sounds from the Other Side hits the mark for catchy summer anthems, and pays tribute to the sounds that have subsequently carried Afrobeats across
2050-418: The salaries of certain tour and merchandise sales employees hired by the artist. In addition, the label also offers the artist a 30 percent cut of the label's album profits—if any—which represents an improvement from the typical industry royalty of 15 percent. With the Internet now being the dominant source for obtaining music, netlabels have emerged. Depending on the ideals of the net label, music files from
Sounds from the Other Side - Misplaced Pages Continue
2100-419: The selling price of the recordings. Contracts may extend over short or long durations, and may or may not refer to specific recordings. Established, successful artists tend to be able to renegotiate their contracts to get terms more favorable to them, but Prince 's much-publicized 1994–1996 feud with Warner Bros. Records provides a strong counterexample, as does Roger McGuinn 's claim, made in July 2000 before
2150-400: The term sublabel to refer to either an imprint or a subordinate label company (such as those within a group). For example, in the 1980s and 1990s, 4th & B'way Records (pronounced as "Broadway") was a trademarked brand owned by Island Records Ltd. in the UK and by a subordinate branch, Island Records, Inc., in the United States. The center label on a 4th & Broadway record marketed in
2200-433: The way they work with artists. New types of deals called "multiple rights" or "360" deals are being made with artists, where labels are given rights and percentages to artist's touring, merchandising, and endorsements . In exchange for these rights, labels usually give higher advance payments to artists, have more patience with artist development, and pay higher percentages of CD sales. These 360 deals are most effective when
2250-484: The world for the past few years." In a review for The Star newspaper, Davies Ndolo called Wizkid a "globalist" and said SFTOS is the singer's "most grounded and focused work yet". On the album, Wizkid has been praised for "speak[ing] to a young generation of Africans living outside of the continent as he flies the flag for both Nigeria and all of West Africa with style". Reviewing for HotNewHipHop, Maxwell Cavaseno said Wizkid "never sounds entirely out of place" despite
2300-455: Was developed with major label backing, announced an end to their major label contracts, citing that the uncooperative nature of the recording industry with these new trends is hurting musicians, fans and the industry as a whole. However, Nine Inch Nails later returned to working with a major label, admitting that they needed the international marketing and promotional reach that a major label can provide. Radiohead also cited similar motives with
2350-597: Was handled by Sarz , Del B , Spellz , Dre Skull, DJ Mustard , Major Lazer , and the Picard Brothers. The album was made available for purchase and online streaming on several music platforms, including Apple Music , Amazon Music , Spotify , Deezer and Google Play . SFTOS debuted at number 107 on the US Billboard 200 . It also debuted at number 58 on the Canadian Albums Chart . The album's release
2400-508: Was preceded by three singles: "Daddy Yo" featuring Efya , "Sweet Love", and " Come Closer " featuring Drake . "African Bad Gyal" was released alongside the pre-order of the album on June 9, 2017, and "Naughty Ride" was released as a promotional track on June 23, 2017. Sounds from the Other Side was recorded between 2014 and 2017. Wizkid first announced plans for the album during a visit to Capital Xtra in October 2014. He told DJ Abrantee that
2450-600: Was ranked #5 top blog in the country, by CPAfrica. The Y! brand also includes a television show, a radio show and a print magazine. The magazine, Y! , is a 100–150-page monthly publication that initially began as a quarterly. It has organised events including the #Hashtag Party in July 2011, the YNaija Black Ball, and others. In addition to the Y! Frontpage columns by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu , Tolu Ogunlesi , Kathleen Ndongmo, Japheth J. Omojuwa , Ayo Sogunro and Akintunde Oyebode, there are several other contributors to
2500-488: Was recorded around the same time as " One Dance ", but was not released because the album was not ready. Sounds from the Other Side received generally positive reviews from critics. Writing for Rolling Stone , Brittany Spanos stated: "On his own, Wizkid turns his Afropop into a meeting point for a host of party-starting dance styles, getting a dancehall assist from Major Lazer on "Naughty Ride," bringing in Chris Brown for
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