Warner Music Group
Major record label including Atlantic Records, Warner Records, Elektra Records, and Rhino Entertainment.
Definition
Warner Music Group (WMG) is the third-largest music company globally, with approximately 16% market share. The conglomerate includes Atlantic Records (known for R&B, hip-hop, and rock), Warner Records, Elektra Records, and catalog specialist Rhino Entertainment.
WMG's artist roster includes Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Dua Lipa, and Lizzo. The company also operates Warner Chappell Music, one of the world's largest music publishers with rights to songs by legendary writers and contemporary hitmakers.
Why It Matters
Warner's relatively smaller size among the majors can offer artists more personalized attention while still providing major label resources. The company's strong presence in hip-hop through Atlantic has made it a destination for emerging rap artists.
WMG's public company status (NYSE: WMG) provides transparency into music industry economics through quarterly earnings reports, offering insights unavailable from private competitors.
Examples in Practice
Atlantic Records' artist development track record includes breaking Ed Sheeran globally, demonstrating how strategic touring and radio promotion can build sustainable superstar careers.
Warner's Rhino Entertainment division generates consistent revenue by repackaging catalog recordings as box sets, anniversary editions, and compilation albums.
The company's acquisition strategy, including the purchase of Spinnin' Records, shows how majors expand genre expertise through targeted acquisitions.