Mainstream vs Independent

One Direction is an example of a mainstream artist.
They are signed to Syco Music which is owned by Simon Cowell. Artists such as Labrinth, Olly Murs and Leona Lewis are also signed to this record.
The target audience for One direction  is young females ranging from tweens to females in their late teens.
The band produce a lot of merchandise including clothing, perfumes and posters. Music is available on iTunes and also available for streaming on YouTube.
Each member of the band individually auditioned for talent show (X factor) but did not make it through as solo artists.Simon Cowell then put them together as a band and they went on to be a worldwide sensation.


Lanterns on the Lake are an independently  signed indie rock band.
They are signed to Bella \Union founded by Simon Raymonde> Artists such as Beach House and Fleet Foxes.
Lanterns on the Lake has significantly less media representation and a much smaller fanbase and recognition than the mainstream artists, this is due to lack of money and smaller audience.





Independent label

• More leeway and freedom when producing music
• Artists get rights and larger percent of profits from their music 

Mainstream

• More funds
• More connections in terms of networking and marketing
• Previous reputation gives the artist a ready made platform which independent artists do not get.