The political economy of the music industry

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Major firms currently dominate over 80% of global sound carrier and publishing revenue in the popular music industry, leading to disorganising effects. This investigation explores the impact of new technologies on the future organisation of the music industry, focusing on universally accessible digital technologies that challenge existing structures and processes related to music creation and consumption. The industry's complexity arises from sophisticated management and aggressive appropriation of intellectual property, particularly copyright, allowing for prolonged exploitation of music products. The book examines both the tangible and intangible aspects of how the industry organizes its offerings and identifies significant recent changes. Existing literature lacks clarity on these developments, and this work addresses that gap by proposing four interconnected factors influencing the concentrated status quo. Empirically grounded, it enhances understanding of industry methods and is framed within the political economy of music and popular culture. Targeted at students and individuals interested in the music industry, political economies in late capitalism, and related fields, the book adopts a multidisciplinary approach, engaging with political science, communications, sociology, law, and economics. It appeals to anyone intrigued by the music business.