Music Production Research Articles

A Study on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pop Music Production and Dissemination in Kenya

A Study on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pop Music Production and Dissemination in Kenya

Strategi Mempertahankan Popularitas Melalui Kegiatan Promosi Media Digital (Studi Kasus Pada Produksi Musik Hendra Kumbara)

Every year the music industry displays new musicians, and each has their characteristics in their work. Of course, there will be many contemporary artists with different characters. One of the music industry’s strategies is to increase marketing in music production. This is not only a matter of promotion, but the music industry is also thinking about stealing attention, building loyalty, encouraging action, and how to educate and entertain through the content that is presented. Hendra Kumbara is a Javanese musician who has popularity among young people in the digitalization era; Dalan Liyane’s song is one of the works that support his popularity in digital media. In addition, he also developed the music industry for creative space in the city of Semarang. This study aims to determine Hendra Kumbara’s music production strategy for maintaining its popularity through digital media promotion activities. The research used is a qualitative method with a case study approach, with data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and literature studies selected according to the topic of discussion regarding musical creativity in maintaining popularity through digital media. The survey results prove that: (1) Hendra Kumbara’s music production supports popularity through digital media promotion activities by knowing the concept of music production and marketing strategies through digital media platforms. (2) strategies carried out by knowing musical abilities and marketing musical works through digital media platforms Youtube, Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, Joox, Tunes, Apple Music, and Deezer.Keywords: strategy, popularity, musicians, digital media.

Supporting regional music production clusters in the post-pandemic era: placing business support at the heart of local cultural policy

ABSTRACT While the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the live music industry have received much attention, little consideration has been given to regional music production clusters more broadly. Evaluating the impacts of the pandemic on the music economy of North West England, this paper identifies key areas of support required as music businesses transition into a digitally-orientated post-COVID period. Findings demonstrate the ways in which the pandemic encouraged or forced music businesses to innovate with new digital ways of showcasing, promoting and distributing music. Yet, while digitalisation offers many opportunities, these are often difficult for businesses to capitalise upon. The paper argues the need to place business support at the heart of local cultural policy. More specifically, the paper makes the case for a soft institutionalist approach whereby local policymakers, the market and civil society work together to generate and distribute crucial resources of human, financial and social capital.

Advocating for Intrapreneurship in Arts Entrepreneurship Education: Developing a New Generation of Innovative Professionals

This research aims to propose a set of eight arts-based intrapreneurial projects for higher education, tailored to arts entrepreneurship students. The projects, designed for a 16-week timeframe (except one project requiring 21 weeks), provide project descriptions, learning objectives, assessment criteria, and resource requirements. To ensure feasibility and relevance, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with three experts in the field, including a project manager and creative director from a leading video production agency, an audio engineer and music producer in a multinational media conglomerate, and a creative director who transformed a Brazilian company into a multibillion-dollar empire through graphic design, music, video, and marketing services. The insights gathered from the interviews, along with an analysis and synthesis process, inform the proposed intrapreneurial projects, offering a framework for arts entrepreneurship educators to implement in their curricula.

Retracted: Network Traffic Monitoring and Marketing Strategy of Online Music Products in Multimedia Environment

Retracted: Network Traffic Monitoring and Marketing Strategy of Online Music Products in Multimedia Environment

The Sexual Objectification of Women in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry

The growing prevalence of pornography coupled with the influence of patriarchy on the Nigerian entertainment industry has made the objectification of womanhood a perceptible feature of films and musical videos produced by Nigerians. Using secondary sources and critical observations, this paper, attempts to illustrate the phenomenon of women’s sexual objectification in the Nollywood and Nigerian music industry. The paper defines the concept of women sexual objectification in the context of media production arguing that objectification is revealed by the types of camera angles and positions used in depicting women in filmic and pop video productions. The use of close-ups or medium range shots emphasizing the sexuality and sumptuousness of female characters in films or pop-videos are some of the techniques used by apologists of women’s sexual objectification. Sexual objectification thus entails making women characters in a filmic or musical production the object to be looked at or the spectacle to enjoy. The paper also shows how the sexual objectification of womanhood is manifested in selected Nollywood films and musical videos by Nigerian popular artistes. In the light of the selected pop videos and films, the paper argues that the types of camera movements and angles deployed in most Nigerian pop videos and Nollywood films are in line with the male gaze theory. These camera movements and angles systemically help depict the woman as a spectacle in itself as well as a sexual object. They also project the man as the reader of the meaning while “relegating” the woman to the status of the bearer of the meaning.

Live Coding and Music Production as Hybrid Practice

This article discusses incorporating live coding as part of a new Foundation pathway for music production at a UK university that started in September 2022. The inclusion of live coding, using the application Sonic Pi, is situated alongside music production using a DAW, initially through the process of drum programming. The role of Sonic Pi is also to provide a means for producers to take their productions into the live performance space. This article’s contribution is in three areas. The first is to provide a short history of live coding at the current institution coupled with a longer account of my fragmented journey into live coding to provide some context. For the second discussion area, information about the foundation, its structure and how it fits into the overall degree programme is discussed. This section also includes some short code examples to illustrate the approach and links to video materials. For the last discussion area I outline an area of crossover between production and live coding which opens up a number of critical discussion points. This concerns the use of a breakbeat, what this means when used in productions, in live coding and when shipped with paid for or free software.

Exploring level- and spectrum-based music mixing transforms for hearing-impaired listeners.

Multitrack mixing is an essential practice in modern music production. Research on automatic-mixing paradigms, however, has mostly tested samples of trained, normal hearing (NH) participants. The goal of the present study was to explore mixing paradigms for hearing-impaired (HI) listeners. In two experiments, the mixing preferences of NH and HI listeners with respect to the parameters of lead-to-accompaniment level ratio (LAR) and the low to high frequency spectral energy balance were investigated. Furthermore, preferences of transformed equalization (EQ-transform) were assessed, achieved by linearly extrapolating between the power spectrum of individual tracks and a reference spectrum. Multitrack excerpts of popular music were used as stimuli. Results from experiment 1 indicate that HI participants preferred an elevated LAR compared to NH participants but did not suggest distinct preferences regarding spectral balancing or EQ-transform. Results from experiment 2 showed that bilateral hearing aid (HA) disuse among the HI participants yielded higher LAR values, stronger weighting of higher frequencies, as well as sparser EQ-transform settings compared to a condition with HA use. Overall, these results suggest that adjusting multitrack mixes may be a valuable way for making music more accessible for HI listeners.

Enhancing Audio Signal Quality and Learning Experience with Integrated Covariance Weiner Filtering in College Music Education

In recent years, computer music technology has become increasingly prevalent in college music education, offering new possibilities for creative expression and pedagogical approaches. This paper concentrated on the music education in the colleges with the application of integrated time and frequency filtering (ITFF) with Kalman integrated covariance Weiner filtering in college music education. The ITFF technique combines time and frequency domain analysis to enhance the quality and clarity of audio signals. By integrating the Kalman integrated covariance Weiner filtering, the ITFF method provides robust noise reduction and improved signal representation. This integrated approach enables music educators to effectively analyze and manipulate audio signals in real-time, fostering a more immersive and engaging learning environment for students. The findings of this study highlight the benefits and potential applications of ITFF with Kalman-integrated covariance Weiner filtering in college music education, including audio signal enhancement, sound synthesis, and interactive performance systems. The integration of computer music technology with advanced filtering techniques presents new opportunities for exploring sound, composition, and music production within an educational context.

“Be the Signal”

Popular music pedagogy has for decades educated students in the foundational skills of music production. Yet the agency of professional practitioners illuminates that music producers also utilise tacit skills in communication and psychology to garnish musical works that target aesthetic intentions. These soft skills take time to develop in young people and so pedagogy in this field must target this at the beginning of a student’s higher education journey. Pedagogy in this field is complex and previous research efforts have highlighted the usefulness of integrated formal and practice-led collaborative educational approaches. This study develops this discourse further by investigating the utility of pedagogical video resources used in a flipped educational framework. The subsequent case study of the course MPP 1 found that students valued this approach and highlighted video length, accessibility and the educator’s embodiment of practitioner traits as integral to their learning more holistic approaches to popular music production.

Creativity and Education

Formal popular music education (PME) faces a number of challenges; not least how to sufficiently engage learners in creative tasks that help to develop their skills and knowledge, whilst at the same time preparing them for employment in the: ‘ever-changing dynamic of the industries they hope to work in’ (McIntyre et al, 2016, p. 2). 
 The following study draws upon data gathered during a Practice Based Enquiry (PBE) and the specific context of teaching pop music songwriting and production is explored through the application of the ‘Service Model’ for Pop Music, Creativity and Commerce by an experienced pop music producer undertaking the role of researcher and ‘ETL’ (ETL). Importantly, it it illustrates how to engage learners within an industry-style creative task and shows how the team leader’s role can help to give students important access to the social interactions of the field throughout the process.

Collaborative Composition and Urban Popular Music in Digital Music Didactics

Composition is one of the facets of musical activity that allows a more effective way to interrelate theoretical and practical contents in a real context to enhance the development of creativity and collaborative work in the music classroom. Through a qualitative methodology based on participant observation, the results of several projects aimed at implementing collaborative composition in the training of music teachers at the University of Salamanca through audio production tools (DAW) as a pedagogical strategy to address basic knowledge and specific skills of the curriculum of the music subject in secondary education, are synthesized. From this perspective, this work proposes a structured and sequential model for the collaborative composition of musical productions in the field of popular urban music (with special attention to the rock style), addressing and exemplifying in a practical way issues such as the layered structure in the prototypical song of rock bands, the fundamental rhythmic bases, the harmonic function and the development of chord progressions or the creation and development of melodic lines for the voice.

Early social communication through music: State of the art and future perspectives

A growing body of research shows that the universal capacity for music perception and production emerges early in development. Possibly building on this predisposition, caregivers around the world often communicate with infants using songs or speech entailing song-like characteristics. This suggests that music might be one of the earliest developing and most accessible forms of interpersonal communication, providing a platform for studying early communicative behavior. However, little research has examined music in truly communicative contexts. The current work aims to facilitate the development of experimental approaches that rely on dynamic and naturalistic social interactions. We first review two longstanding lines of research that examine musical interactions by focusing either on the caregiver or the infant. These include defining the acoustic and non-acoustic features that characterize infant-directed (ID) music, as well as behavioral and neurophysiological research examining infants’ processing of musical timing and pitch. Next, we review recent studies looking at early musical interactions holistically. This research focuses on how caregivers and infants interact using music to achieve co-regulation, mutual engagement, and increase affiliation and prosocial behavior. We conclude by discussing methodological, technological, and analytical advances that might empower a comprehensive study of musical communication in early childhood.

A survey on the uptake of software and hardware resources for music production in Zimbabwean contemporary music

The study surveyed the uptake of software and hardware for music production. The research examined the challenges that Zimbabwean music producers face in accessing software and hardware associated with production. Through qualitative research, 26 participants including musicians and music producers, were purposively sampled from Harare the capital city of Zimbabwe and Midlands State University in Gweru. The researchers secured participants’ informed consent and assurance of their freedom to withdraw from the study any time. Data were gathered through interviews online video and voice calls coupled with detailed questionnaires with open ended questions. Data were captured using voice recorders and note taking. The researchers analysed the data through a thematic approach basing on the Actor-Network Theory. The researchers focused on instruments and music productiontools associated with its production. Different software such as Cubase, Fruity Loops, Logic Pro X and Pro Tools 12 and hardware such as small audio interfares, keyrigs, and live musical instruments Mbira, Marimba, guitars, keyboards, live drums,ngoma, congas were in use in music production. However, some of the software were cracked versions allegedly due to high procurement cost. Accessing free resources on the internet was a challenge due to poor internet connectivity and high costs of data. There were limited opportunities for formal training in music production. Notwithstanding the challenges, music productions were undertaken with both analogue and digital resources. Aspirant music producers need to be proactive and explore the internet’s free resources to gain knowledge about music production. Future research should cover a wider geographic to gather comprehensive data on the state of music production in Zimbabwe.

Camilo Arias - Master Research Last Sand

While the commercial musical stream of "Latin American Baroque" has been associated with musical cross-breeding, the study of the colonial repertoire that composes it documents quite the opposite: the absence of non-European musical features. By accepting the impossibility to find the written "Mestizo Baroque", this research chooses to "re-imagine it" from orality. Taking the Fandango musical family as a framework, this research enters into playful dialogues between the XVIII century European fandango and its surviving folklore counterparts: the Mexican Son Huasteco and the Colombo-Venezuelan Joropo. Through analysis and transcription of oral sources, style comparison, arrangement, and improvisation this research aims to create a musical product that reclaims the mixed-raced identities, erased from colonial archives, in today´s Early Music industry.

Nexus of Cultural Entrepreneurship and Digital Musicality: Exploring Afro-Diasporic Music Entrepreneurship in the Digital Music Industry

This article presents a theoretical framework called the Nexus of Cultural Entrepreneurship and Digital Musicality (CEDM) to explore the intersection of migratory entrepreneurship, Afro-Diasporic music entrepreneurship, and emerging digital music platforms. The framework integrates concepts from cultural studies, entrepreneurship, musicology, and intercultural communication to analyze the entrepreneurial processes and cultural dynamics within the evolving landscape of digital music. The framework sheds light on the factors influencing migratory entrepreneurship and Afro-Diasporic music entrepreneurship within the digital music industry through its examination of these entrepreneurial endeavors. Key concepts such as migratory entrepreneurship, Afro-Diasporic music entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial opportunity recognition, cultural dynamics, and the role of technology and digital platforms are discussed, providing operationalized definitions for terms relevant to the study, such as music multimedia production, intercultural empathy, translatability, and Afro-Diasporic music entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the article explores the challenges faced by Afro-Diasporic musicians in the music multimedia production industry and proposes innovative approaches to overcome these challenges. Opportunities discussed include embracing cultural authenticity, collaborating across borders, harnessing technological advancements, engaging with online communities, leveraging social media platforms, and building sustainable business models. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of migratory entrepreneurship, Afro-Diasporic music entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange within the digital music industry by analyzing theoretical perspectives and practical approaches. It seeks to guide researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in fostering inclusive and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystems. In addition, the article presents an overview of nine compelling suggestions for future research in the field of empowering Afro-Diasporic musicians within the music multimedia production industry. These research directions aim to shed light on various aspects of the industry, addressing gaps in knowledge and providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by Afro-Diasporic musicians. The study aims to develop effective strategies, policies, and interventions that foster inclusivity, equality, and opportunities for Afro-Diasporic musicians in the rapidly evolving music multimedia landscape by exploring various areas such as socio-economic factors, representation and diversity, cultural preservation and innovation, digital platforms and technology, collaborative practices, the impact of social media, and more. The proposed research methodologies ensure robustness and validity in investigating these important topics, enabling researchers to contribute to the development of an empowering and supportive ecosystem for Afro-Diasporic musicians in the music multimedia production industry.

AIGC Technology: Reshaping the Future of the Animation Industry

This paper explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence-assisted Generative Content (AIGC) technology in the animation industry. AIGC's key components, including Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Reinforcement Learning, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) are elucidated. The technology is seen to catalyze innovations in character and scene design, storyline construction, and scriptwriting, enhancing creativity and efficiency. AIGC's application in music and sound effects production, special effects and editing workflows, as well as in rendering and collaboration stages is also discussed, showcasing the improved work efficiency and quality of final products achieved through AI-assisted tools. Through a case study of the pioneering AIGC-assisted animation, "The Dog and the Boy," we demonstrate the potential of AIGC in driving commercial animation. Despite its current limitations, the study concludes that AIGC technology is poised to reshape the animation industry, promising a future marked by enhanced creative expression, increased efficiency, and the successful integration of AI in traditional workflows.

From expert Adorno listener to improvisational participant : questions about cultures of hearing

Would it be possible to familiarize the public with the procedures and techniques of contemporary music, including the genres related to jazz and other improvised music? Secondly, how to ensure that the knowledge of these forms of music would generate an appropriate reception? Based on these questions, the article aims to analyze some aspects of the “listening cultures” from the perspective of, among others, Adorno’s sociology of music, Peter Szendy’s history of our ears and the general participation of the public on the improvisation workshops. The moment of a listener’s improvisation would, therefore, be similar to a dialogue between “listening cultures” which, as such, would be conducted through a “trial and error” procedure. Therefore, improvisation workshops can be thought of as a special way to relate to music cultures, and the listener’s participation would connect music production to reception in an inclusive and unique manner. Keywords. Musical improvisation, Free improvisation, Improvisation workshop, Jazz, Contemporary music, Reception theory, Listening culture.

‘This felt more like a conversation’: challenging gender norms in electronic music production through alternative education programs

ABSTRACT This article argues that problematic gender norms in electronic music contexts – namely, their association with masculinity and overrepresentation by cis men – can be subverted through alternative education methods. We use the case study of the Electronic Music Accelerator (EMA) program, run by youth organization The Push in Melbourne, Australia, to illustrate this. Specifically, we evaluate strategies used in the EMA program to teach Ableton and related skills on building electronic music production careers. The EMA s program was designed to increase the numbers of women and gender non-conforming or gender diverse people involved in electronic music production, in response to evidence that these groups continue to be underrepresented in this area. We focus on how so-called soft skills, as opposed to the strictly technical skills normally the main focus in an Ableton course, were taught in this program. In the EMA, rather than insisting that the participants take up a ‘masculine’ attitude to adapt to the existing electronic music scene that is dominated by men, the course presented ways of working with, and even reclaiming, traits perceived as feminine, such as humility and community-mindedness. This approach offers possibilities for reconfiguring expectations in electronic music spaces.

Plasticine Music – or the intimate social life of cultural objects

ABSTRACTWhy do you value recorded popular music? How does popular music sticks to our lives through time? This article presents the concept of Plasticine Music to explore the way music becomes an assemblage through our individual embodied history with it. The concept intends to expand on recent developments on the value of recorded popular music outside capital and production systems. By following scholarship from Music Sociology and Feminist Materialism it invites to consider how pieces of music become part of our biographies through emotional forces, embodied actions and affects that transform the way we relate to music; the music change and we change with it. It focuses on the materiality of music with modifiable qualities, flexibility, resistance and non fixity, which lead to multiple new shapes. Plasticine music is a form of changeling traditional conceptions of meaning and cultural consumption, as well as considering the affective force of cultural objects.