One Direction

Mainstream

Who are they signed to?

This Pop, mainstream boy band are signed to a record label called Syco. This record label is owned by Simon Cowell.
Other artists who are also signed to Syco records are predominantly from the Pop genre. E.g. Leona Lewis (Pop, R'n'B), Ella Henderson (Pop, Soul, R'n'B), Little Mix (Pop).

The primary target audience for One Direction are the younger audience of females aged predominantly between 12-18 years old.
They attract this target market through releasing merchandise and ancillary products that are likely to attract young females, such as birthday cards (for girls), stationary set, pyjamas, bracelets, t-shirts, duvets, lipsticks, etc.

On the band's official website, they allow fans to purchase music by giving a link to a temporary free download offer for their new single as a way to build the recognition of their new single.
They also have a link to their iTunes as a way of promoting another method of which their fans can buy their music.

The band members entered a famous UK vocal competition, X Factor, as individuals with dreams to become solo artists.
Unfortunately, they weren't good enough, vocally as individuals so they were put together as a band by Simon Cowell.
Whilst on the show, their fan base grew significantly.
They got into the finals of the show, finishing in third place, shocking the whole of the UK due to their massive fan base.
After the show, their careers blew up and One Direction blossomed into true stars...