The Big 5?

This term refers to the 5 major firms within the music industry which have a significan power in the market over smaller firms. They benefit from strong brand recognition in the market, their ability to diversify in production and also economies of scale.

Universal Music Group (American label found in 1934)

Warner Music (American label founded in 1958)

Sony Music Entertainment (American label founded in 1929)

EMI (British label founded in 1951)

BMG (American label founded in 1987)

The big 5 was reduced to the Big 4 when BMG sold the majority sold the majority of it's assets to Sony Music Entertainment in 2004.

As an individual artist in the music industry or hoing to enter the music industry it is helpful to understand the structure of the industry and potential competitors.