The Development and Evolution of the Music Industry - Term Paper Example

The Development and Evolution of the Music Industry Introduction The changes that are currently a part of the music industry have provided new opportunities for musicians and recording artists to create new expressions within music. At the same time, there are new demands that are being placed within the global market, specifically because of the larger corporations that are a part of the music industry and independent musicians that are trying to find a way to move into a larger arena of music. Understanding the different effects that are currently taking place, as well as the progression that has occurred since the movement into technology and different components of music can provide a thorough understanding of the expectations, changes and advancements that are currently being made available for musicians. The challenges as well as opportunities that this is leading to is creating a different perspective toward the music industry and the values that are found within different genres of music. Changes in the Music Business The movement into music as a business is one that began to emerge in the early 1950s with the new technologies that were available for recording. Before this time, music was known as a regionalized effort that musicians would take part in, all which was divided by genres and expectations that were within a different arena. However, the emergence of recording equipment, radio and the ability to play live on TV and through different performance arenas also offered new possibilities for musicians and for an emerging music business. It was from these beginnings that many musicians began to find their way into national and international fame. More importantly, this first development and emergence of technology led to different roles within the music business, including engineers, recorders and others that were responsible for different aspects of the music. The emergence of different job titles was one that was not only dependent on the creativity of the music, but was also associated with the concept of recording for business and to make music that could be heard and responded to by the mass culture that was in a specific region as well as from those that were associated with the music at an international level (Fink, 1996). The concept of popular music from this era began to emerge into the media products that were a part of the crowds and which were available on an international basis. As the concept of popular music and recording continued to emerge, there was also recognition of different types of recording companies and the roles that they held within society. Specifically, this developed into what is now known as the “Big Five.” The Big Five includes the recording industry and establishments that is responsible for popular culture music and which signs the recording contracts that are expected in society. Sony and Warner Brothers are two of the examples of the large recording companies that are known to dominate the market. The musicians that sign in with these specific companies are under a contract to continue working with the recording company over a certain period of time while the recording company focuses on the emergence of sounds that will attract a mass culture and which will provide specific results for sales in society. The Big Five is known to produce specific types of records that can be used at an international level, while focusing on different artists that will continue with the emergence of specific types of songs that will attract more individuals to the music (Burnett, 1996). By the 1980s, the music industry had altered into a set of different concepts and expectations that were not only based on the concept of creativity, but also which was based on creating a stronger fan base and market that would respond to the music. The Big Five began to merge with different radio stations and public arenas to ensure that different types of music and artists would be advertised, specifically which were working with their company. Payola, for instance, became a main staple of radio stations. This provided radio stations with extra money to play a specific song in the rotation over a period of time. The more that a radio company agreed to do this, the more likely that they would be paid more money for the songs that they played. The emergence of payola, as well as other interests within the industry, all led to the result of creating a division between specific types of music while trying to filter out the diversity and creativity that was included in the music of the past (McFarland, 1994). The specific push f the recording companies as well as their desire to dominate over an international market have led into two main branches of the music industry. The first is the genre that is dominated by the Big Five, typically which consists of popular and hip hop music as well as artists that are designed for commercialization of music. While there are some artists that base their career on creativity, most also are required to work with recording artists that take a specific approach to the industry. The second branch that is in the music industry is from independent artists who are outside of what is now known as the industrialization of music. The main focus of the independent artists is to find alternative ways to play, record and perform music, typically with smaller recording companies or by building individual recording components and an identity outside of the company. The emergence of technology has created a stronger demand for both types of artists and is changing the approach to how music is listened to as well as what is available through the different industries (Tschmuck, 2006). Expectations of the Music Industry The evolution of the music industry, as well as the several expectations that are associated with this have led to a different set of expectations and standards that are currently a part of the industry. Whether individuals are working with the Big Five or as independent musicians, are specific standards that have been arranged and which are creating a different focus on what is needed within the industry. The concepts that are applied to this are showing that there is a different sense of demand as well as the need to find a profession that has a different understanding of the inclusion of music. Since the emergence of recording from the 1960s, the fields of music and the career standards that are available have begun to range from not only musicians, but also recording artists, producers, technicians and individuals that are responsible for creating a specific sound for musicians. More importantly, there are divisions in types of recording companies, mostly dependent on genre and size. Individuals can also expect to find newer alterations in music that is dependent on music publishing legalities of music and looking at the industry not only as a part of creative work, but also related to the concept of music as a business. Sales, building a fan base and continuing to increase one’s revenue are all a part of the music industry and what is expected with being a musician or working in a different field of the industry (Britten, 2004). No matter what the expectations are within the music industry, there is also the need to look at both the business and the musical side of the industry. From production to management of artists are several angles that are now required for those that want to succeed within the music industry. The expectations that are currently associated with this involve musicians and composers, as well as those that are in other fields of the industry, and which are making a substantial living with either smaller recording companies or as independent artists. The business aspect of this is one that is based on finding different areas for a fan base and for the responses from the community. Music that is provided in different arenas of life can be used to create a stronger response and are allowing individuals to have a different strategy toward the industry. The expectations that are associated with this involve the ability to reach specific target audiences in terms of music. More importantly, musicians are finding ways to work in the industry by specializing in different types of music and by creating a specific association toward the expectations of various target markets and what is associated with this. The expectations that are included in this are providing a branch outside of the Big Five and into other markets that allow musicians to build a substantial amount of profits with their music (Krasilovsky et al, 2007). The expectations of musicians and different professionals to work not only with specific genres, but also to associate and incorporate into specific genres and target markets is leading to one of the main changes within the industry. There are substantial differences that are being noted with those that are a part of the music business, specifically because of the changes from the Big Five and the emergence into alternative genres and different target markets that are being used for other types of musicians. Doing this is creating an incorporation of other genres and an emergence into different types of professions that are a part of the industry. More important, the expectations of business are allowing for a growth and emergence of more musicians and artists that are interested in the industry and the available components that are included with working in relation to a target market and with specific and expressive measures. Advancement of Technology and Music The expectations as well as the available options for making a living as a musician have not only led to changes with the approach of music. More importantly, those that are associated with the business of music have been able to incorporate newer methods that allow them to be independent of other contracts and the subjection of the Big Five industry that has commercialized popular music. There are several different components that are allowing independent musicians and smaller recording industries to have the same ground as the Big Five, all which is leading to a different angle to recording and available resources that are a part of the needs of musicians. The first change that is being associated with musicians and available options is from the digital revolution that is allowing different individuals that are in the music industry to have equal opportunity to the recording information and equipment that is needed. Many independent musicians and smaller businesses are beginning to be seen at a global level, all which have access to the same types of technology as larger studios. More importantly, the increase and demand of the equipment that is available is leading those that are a part of the music industry to have access to less costly associations while building the same results from the music that is being produced. This is providing a different alternative to those that are interested in the technology and which want to produce music at a global level. More importantly, it is giving access to the same opportunities for all musicians and those that are interested in the industry. The second component that is providing new facets to musicians and those that are working within the industry is from the digital revolution that is providing listeners and musicians with access to music from different means. Instead of the subjection of radio stations that have payola, or programs that promote one specific type of musician based on monetary means, there is an association with newer ways of finding music. The Internet, global resources and various developments that are used specifically for the promotion of independent artists are now being used by several as a means of working into the industry without going through the Big Five. This emergence is creating a new discovery of music for independent musicians and is changing the way that the industry is being looked into. Providing new outlets and continuing to provide support in this manner is allowing individuals to have a different association within the industry (Knopper, 2009). The last aspect that is associated with the changes in the industry is from the legal support that is currently available. Associations with different union areas that are based on creating equal opportunities for musicians and those that are independent of companies are continuing to emerge through different regions. There are several associations with this all which provide a different understanding to what is available for independent musicians. The incorporation of ASCAP, BMI and other legal protection rights areas are continuing to be a part of the industry. Musicians are also able to take different precautions in terms of publishing, performing and royalties that are required through specific recordings. From this, there is the ability for more independent musicians to emerge onto the scene, combined with the support of these different structures. This is allowing for a continuous growth that is needed within the industry and which is providing a set of different outlets for individuals that are interested in working within the music industry. While the Big Five continues to be a main, corporate structure and entity with music, other outlets are continuing to provide emerging artists with new opportunities (Knopper, 2009). Conclusion The emergence of new opportunities for the music industry is one that began to take place in the 1950s with the development of new technologies. As musicians began to incorporate into the recording industry was also a development of various career fields and expectations that were a part of this. The result was the growth into the Big Five, which has facilitated the use of music not only through creativity, but also through mass culture and the demands that are associated with this. While this limited music to specific genres and sounds, there is now a division and emergence of new and independent labels that are a part of the industry. There are specific components that are associated with this, all which are based on the new technologies and the digital revolution that is providing musicians and artists with sustainable ways of creating music and of working within the music industry at a different level than the recording companies available. References Burnett, Robert. (1996). The Global Jukebox: The International Music Industry. New York: Routledge. Britten, Anna. (2004). Working in the Music Industry: How to Find an Exciting and Varied Career in the World of Music. UK: How to Books. Fink, Michael. (1996). Inside the Music Industry: Creativity, Process, and Business. New York: Schirmer. Knopper, Steve. (2009). Appetite for Self Destruction: the Spectacular Crash of the Recording Industry. New York: Free Press. Kravilovsky, William, Sidney Shemel, John Gross, Jonathan Feinstein. (2007). The Business of Music: The Definitive Guide to the Music Industry. New York: Watson Guptill Publication. McFarland, Bruce. (1994). Payola in the Music Industry: A History. North Carolina: NCJRS. Tschmuck, P. (2006). Creativity and Innovation in the Music Industry. New York: Lavoisier. Read More