record company
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record company
A company that produces, markets, and distributes music recordings. The term comes from the vinyl record, but today it is used for all audio media and digital formats.
Die junge Band hat endlich einen Vertrag bei einer großen Plattenfirma unterschrieben.
The young band finally signed a contract with a major record company.
The word is made up of 'Platte' (record) and 'Firma' (company). Here, 'Platte' is short for 'Schallplatte' (vinyl record), the historical sound carrier. Although music today is mostly produced digitally, the name has remained.
Die erste Schallplatte der Band wurde von einer kleinen, unabhängigen Plattenfirma produziert.
The band's first vinyl record was produced by a small, independent record company.
When you want to express that an artist works with a label, you use the preposition 'bei' (with/at). You are 'bei einer Plattenfirma unter Vertrag' (under contract with a record company).
Nach langem Warten ist sie jetzt bei einer bekannten Plattenfirma unter Vertrag.
After a long wait, she is now under contract with a well-known record company.
Common verbs in connection with 'Plattenfirma' (record company) are 'einen Vertrag unterschreiben' (to sign a contract), 'unter Vertrag stehen' (to be under contract), or 'ein Album veröffentlichen' (to release an album).
Die Plattenfirma hat das neue Album des Sängers weltweit veröffentlicht.
The record company released the singer's new album worldwide.
label
Both words can refer to the provider of a music release. „Plattenfirma“ clearly means the company that produces and markets recordings; „Label“ can also refer only to that company’s musical brand or imprint. Use „Plattenfirma“ for the company and „Label“ for the musical designation.
Die Plattenfirma produziert und vermarktet die Aufnahmen der jungen Band.
The record company produces and markets the young band’s recordings.
Das neue Album erscheint beim Label Nordton.
The new album is being released by the Nordton label.
