Sony Music Entertainment
Major record label conglomerate including Columbia Records, RCA Records, Epic Records, and Sony Music Nashville.
Definition
Sony Music Entertainment is the second-largest music company globally, commanding approximately 22% of the recorded music market. Its flagship labels include Columbia Records (one of the oldest and most prestigious), RCA Records, Epic Records, and Sony Music Nashville.
The company represents artists including Beyoncé, Adele, Harry Styles, Doja Cat, Travis Scott, and many others across its global network of labels. Sony Music also operates a major publishing division, Sony Music Publishing, which manages one of the world's largest catalogs of song copyrights.
Why It Matters
Sony Music's roster diversity and global infrastructure make it a top destination for artists across genres. The label's marketing machinery and international reach can transform regional artists into worldwide stars.
Understanding Sony's label structure helps industry professionals identify partnership opportunities. Columbia's legacy in prestigious signings, RCA's pop expertise, and Epic's urban music strength each serve different artist profiles.
Examples in Practice
Adele's exclusive relationship with Columbia Records has produced three diamond-certified albums, with the label's campaign strategies maximizing impact through controlled release schedules and premium positioning.
Sony Music Nashville's dominance in country music gives it particular leverage in streaming negotiations for genre-specific playlists and marketing support.
The company's investment in catalog acquisitions, including Bob Dylan's recordings, demonstrates the long-term value of master recordings in the streaming era.