Research for Music Video: Mainstream Vs. Independent

I carried out some research into the differences between mainstream and independently signed artists. The manufactured group, One Direction, sing pop and have a large 'machine' behind them which can bring both advantages and disadvantages. On the other hand, Lanterns on the Lake, who are signed to an independent label, don't have this machine.

One Direction - Mainstream

Signed to: Psycho (owned by Simon Cowell)

• Sony music entertainment - American music corporation which is operated/owned by Sony Corporation of America
• Chairman and CEO: Doug Morris
• Chief Creative officer: Clive Davis
• Other genres: country, Latin, classical, dance/electronic, Christian/gospel
• Target audience: pre-teens (up to 17)
• Advantages to being signed to mainstream label:
• Money
• Popularity/Exposure
• Being successful
• Disadvantages to being signed to mainstream label:
• less control of money
• less shares
• can easily be tarnished by media etc.
• Important to merchandise because it promotes you and you get money for it
• Helps to gain recognition with target audience
• It is easy to find out information about the bands because of the internet, and the media. If you simply search "One Direction" into Google, and press on Shopping - you find their merchandising products. Likewise, if you click on News - you find out the latest news and where the celebrities have been recently

Lanterns on the Lake - Independent

Signed to: Bella Union (run by Simon Raymonde)

• Signed to the record label in December 2010 
• Their song I Love You Sleepyhead was used in the film Where Soldiers Come From 
• Their genre is indie-rock
• Bella Union was founded in 1997
• Other genres: indie-rock, folk, hip-hop, alt country, space rock, dream pop
• Bella Union is located in London
• Merchandise: http://lanternsonthelake.bigcartel.com/
• Official site: http://lanternsonthelake.com/DOWNLOAD
• You can buy their music by downloading it off iTunes
• They use Bigcartel.com to sell their merchandise
• They have two ex members of the group (Brendan and Adam Sykes)
• Advantages of being signed to an independent label:
• It's all your money
• No one controls you
• You get all the shares
• Disadvantages of being signed to an independent label:
• Not as big and recognized as others
• Takes time to work your way up
• Lack strong, international distribution networks
• Lack the capital (money)

What would I be signed to?

I would prefer to be signed to a mainstream record label because it's easier to get money and recognition, even though the shares are very small due to costs and capital going towards the directors, costs of merchandising, organizing etc. However, being signed to an independent label would mean I had more money and control over my music.