Musikkforlagets rolle i den digitale musikkbransjen

Abstract

Music publishing has always been key in the music industries. The profession has changed over time, but the concept remains the same: to generate added value based on creative and administrative management of musical copyright. When music circulates in streaming services and online platforms, rightsholders are faced with complex copyright issues of a global character. At the same time, the value of copyrighted material and existing catalogues is expected to grow. The digital shift in music production and distribution, has therefore created new opportunities for the publishing sector, aligning the label of the music industry as a “copyright industry”. However, music publishing in Norway is poorly developed and little documented, which creates a good starting point for research. Based on 16 qualitative interviews with Norwegian music publishers and industry actors, this chapter offers insight into current publishing practices. In facilitating co-writing sessions and camps, a professional approach to songwriting as a craft is revealed. The key is to get songwriters together, as topliners, artists and producers, to write music in commercial and creative collaborations. These practices involve a specific understanding of “how to build songwriters” involving long-term perspectives, global networks and “accessing the right rooms”. Despite the fact that new actors are challenging the field, high levels of skill and autonomy are documented. The chapter addresses a continued need to strengthen the publishing sector in Norway so that, over time, it may have an impact on the development of already acknowledged songwriter and production environments, and the music industry understood as a “songwriting industry”.