What are the big 3 record labels? Accordingly, what are the 4 major record labels? Nielsen SoundScan in their 2011 report noted that the "big four" controlled about 88% of the market: Universal Music Group (USA based) — 29.85% Sony Music Entertainment (USA based) — 29.29% Warner Music Group (USA based) — 19.13% Independent labels — 12.11% EMI Group — 9.62%