Independent music production: how individuality, technology and creative entrepreneurship influence contemporary music industry practices

Abstract

ABSTRACTIndependent music production, often viewed as a niche-driven and genre-specific practice restricted to isolated and fragmented communities lacking financial and technological resources, generates a wealth of creative work and opportunities for entrepreneurship. Independent producers, artists and musicians refine their recording and promotion skills through intense dedication, creative marketing and a deep want to connect their personal ideologies with a global audience. The modest project studio, a source of creative inspiration, and cultural study, exert a powerful influence through its accessibility, simple functionality and connectivity to the Internet. The author examines some of the multifaceted cultural, ideological, technical and entrepreneurial factors contributing to a significant evolution in do it yourself (DIY) music production and distribution. The rise of this independent ‘recording class’ anticipates the many changes in the contemporary music industry and offers new production and cooperative business models.