According to Billboard, the Sony Music Label Group has cut staff at their labels, consolidating staff at Columbia, Epic and their shared services department. Apparently, about 20 label staffers were let go yesterday. In the past few months, there were also cuts at RCA/Jive, and several other facets of the label. The cuts and consolidation had been long-rumored. Columbia and Epic are home to metal bands including Ozzy Osbourne, Coheed and Cambria, Lamb of God, HELLYEAH, AC/DC, and Mudvayne.
It’s a given with the way major labels work that consolidation is a necessity in the face of steadily declining sales, but it’s always a bummer to hear about talented people that have worked at companies for years being given the ax. And in the first quarter of 2010, Sony has actually gained market share to become the second largest of the big four label groups, behind Universal.
