Record labels are companies that market and distribute music. They invest in artists by funding the recording, writing, and production of music videos. Artists typically sign contracts to make a set number of albums with a label. Independent labels operate autonomously and sign smaller artists, while major labels are funded by larger parent companies.
The artist in this case would be best suited to XL Recordings, an independent label founded in 1989 that initially focused on dance music but has since expanded genres. It has signed several popular artists.
Record labels hold copyright over the music they release in order to exclusively profit from distributing it and prevent others from commercializing the work without permission. The student envisions starting their own small independent label called Drum Kit