Music Industry Research Articles

A global approach to studying platforms and cultural production

There is a major blindspot regarding our understanding of different structural models of platformization beyond the dominant Anglo-American markets. This article develops a typology of political economic models of platformization by using the case of music platformization. In order to generate such a typology, the article proposes that we start by identifying variables present in any music market around the world. Three different variables are proposed: (1) platform dependence; (2) dominance of ‘global’ platforms; and (3) the degree of platform and recording industry integration. To illustrate how these variables result in structurally distinct models of platformization, the article briefly discusses the cases of South Korea, the Netherlands and Nigeria. In doing so, a framework is provided through which to interpret the experiences and conditions of musicians, and other cultural producers, in diverse platform ecosystems.

An Analysis of The Economic Impact Potential of The Art Music Scene in Kosovo: Is It a Burden or An Additional Value for Society?

The art and music sector in Kosovo possesses considerable potential for growth and development. These institutions are essential in shaping Kosovo's cultural and economic environment by providing employment possibilities for composers, performers, and industry specialists, contributing to the expansion of the music industry, and aiding in post-conflict recovery. In recent years, Kosovo's music sector has undergone substantial growth and development, driven by technological advancements, globalization, and changing consumer preferences. This progress contrasts with the underdeveloped state of the sector in the past, a result of economic, social, and political factors that this paper will further discuss. Kosovo's music scene is characterized by a wide variety of genres, ranging from traditional folk music to modern styles including pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic dance music (EDM). This diversified range of styles and influences caters to a broad spectrum of preferences and attracts listeners both within Kosovo and globally. The art music genre of the scene garners significant attention due to its growing popularity, diverse activities, extensive outreach, cultural enrichment, cultural diplomacy efforts, and possible economic influence. This study seeks to analyze the economic influence of the art music sector in Kosovo within the wider music business. It will conduct a thorough and systematic assessment of the sector's contributions to the country's economy, society, and cultural identity. 

Mahalia Jacksonin musiikin ja hänen gospellaulutyylinsä saapuminen Suomeen 1950–1960 luvuilla

Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972), “The World’s Greatest Gospel Singer”, broke path for the worldwide popularity of African American gospel music. Her European concert tours never reached Finland, but since the 1950s, Finnish audiences have been able to listen to her music via recordings, radio, film and other media. This article explores the ways in which Jackson’s music came to Finland in the 1950s and 1960s. Furthermore, the article shows how the early marketing of her records and music critics’ excited reception of her gospel vocal expression sought to shape local audiences’ listening experiences and appreciation for the artistic merit of her music. This article is based on a study of various sources including advertisements, music reviews, correspondence and other archival materials, recordings, Jackson’s performance at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival and the film Jazz on a Summer’s Day (1959). This article shows that when Mahalia Jackson’s music came to Finland, her gospel vocal expression was recognized for its powerful spirituality and emotional impact on listeners. Yet the ways in which her music was presented to Finnish audiences was often mystifying, decontextualized and guided by the interests of music industry actors. This limited the ability of local listeners to understand the cultural and historical meanings of her gospel vocal expression. At the same time, however, the enthusiasm and admiration demonstrated by music critics paved the way for the enduring influence of Mahalia Jackson’s music in Finland.

“I Felt Like a Normal Human Being”: Professional DJs’ Experiences of the COVID-19 Lockdowns

ABSTRACT The social restrictions prompted by COVID-19 disproportionately impacted creative industries that rely upon live performance as a main source of revenue, including the (electronic) music industry, resulting in widely reported financial hardship experienced by musicians. Based on original interview data, this article offers more nuanced insight into the experiences of professionally well-established EDM DJs. Our data show that while the DJs experienced anxiety and hardships matching those reported elsewhere, many also noted a less reported, more positive, dimension: In forcing a break from work, lockdowns created space to reflect upon the harmful effects of creative working practices and to envisage more fulfilling work-life balances.

Political economy of music in the digital age

This paper seeks to unravel and understand the conditions and ways in which cultural capitalism operates that drive its production, exchange, distribution and consumption in the digital age; as well as understanding the powers that hold it and those it serves, the circuits in which it is heard, the spaces in which it is prohibited, its context and historical transformations. Music as an artistic production and symbolic object has always been linked to its characteristic instruments and technologies of its time. But when the economy catches up with it and it becomes merchandise, other means and channels are put into play for its dissemination, storage and control. It seeks to demonstrate those stealthy operations with which intermediaries operate. An analysis is made regarding the logic of consumption and production of users, on power relations and asymmetries between some actors in the music industry.

Decentralized E-Commerce for Digital Assets

Abstract: In the digital age, the creation and exchange of digital assets have become integral to various domains, including art, music, education, and more. However, the existing centralized marketplaces for these digital assets pose significant challenges, such as high fees, cross-border transaction delays, and limited control for creators and artists. This project introduces a gamechanging solution – a Decentralized E-Commerce platform powered by ERC1155 tokens. The project scope encompasses a comprehensive range of functionalities, including digital asset listing, buying, selling, and secure transaction processing. It aims to create a user-friendly interface that reduces the complexities and costs associated with traditional centralized marketplaces. Moreover, the platform extends its impact across various domains, from music distribution and licensing to educational material sales and NFT marketplaces. It simplifies cross-border e-commerce for digital goods, ensuring secure transactions without the need for currency conversion. The platform's adaptability opens new horizons for creators and entrepreneurs in the digital asset space.

Optimization of Piano Performance Teaching Mode Using Network Big Data Analysis Technology

To effectively avoid subjective bias in manual evaluation. This article proposes a MIDI piano teaching performance evaluation method based on bidirectional LSTM. This method utilizes a three-layer bidirectional LSTM neural network mechanism to make it easier for the model to capture useful information. In addition, the Spark clustering training model is constructed using the deeplearning4j deep learning framework, and the model parameters are adjusted through the UI dependency relationships provided by deeplearning4j to improve work efficiency. The experimental results verified the superiority of the bidirectional LSTM model. The methods provided in this article can improve students' independent practical abilities and reduce the pressure on teachers during the teaching process. These measures can promote the development of music education, improve students' music literacy and learning skills, and make positive contributions to the music education industry.

Responding to misrepresentation: sample pack creation, branding and distribution

ABSTRACT This article documents the creation and distribution of a new sample pack, Instruments INDIA, as an intervention against systemic orientalist practices observable within the marketing, branding and production of non-Western instrument sample packs. This intervention draws upon Edward Said’s model of Orientalism and Stuart Hall’s theories of representation, fortifying an interrogation of practices that misrepresent diverse sonic content, musicians and cultures in negative ways. The research brings into focus the influence digital samplers and early sample library CDs had in determining technical configurations and misrepresentation tendencies found within paratextual elements of contemporary sample packs. The article joins forces with a leading sample pack distributor, Loopmasters, to cultivate change via new policy documents and good practice principles. Attending to problematic representation issues at the start of the music production chain offers a strategy to scaffold and promote positive change throughout the production process and into other connected music industry areas, where influential language and imagery align sample content with music production goals and aspirations. The article offers a first-hand account of sample pack development in collaboration with musicians of Indian musical instruments, which provide a case study to better understand and inform more ethical commercial practices in the future.

Still Here? Aging Female Vocalities in Musical Theatre.

Musical theatre has a complex relationship with ageing (and especially female ageing). As youth has always been at the forefront of musicals, essentialist approaches to ageing in articulation and enactment of ageing musical characters often lead to aesthetic peripheries and creative stagnation. Aiming for a deeper understanding of how female ageing vocalities are perceived, dramaturged and performed in musical theatre, the article takes under consideration viewpoints from ‘outsiders’/ageing performers who work ‘at the centre’ of the musical theatre industry (West End and Broadway).Through a close analysis of two ageing female characters (Madame Armfeldt and Grandma) in the musicals A Little Night Music and Billy Elliot, this article discusses and critiques preconceptions of ageing in the dramaturgy and performance of these roles, and it argues that musicals frequently fail to give agency to the voice of their ageing women.

Understanding tensions in strategic communication practices: a strategy-as-practice study of the music industry

PurposeIn this study, we applied the strategy-as-practice (SAP) framework to analyse strategic communication practices. SAP implies approaching strategy as something that organisational members do and is useful for understanding the tensions between emergence and formalisation and between planning and improvisation that characterise the everyday communication work of communication practitioners.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on an ethnographic study of a record company and on qualitative interviews with various actors from the music industry.FindingsTensions exist between the emergence of inputs from active consumers that require flexibility and attempts to strategically formalise and continuously adapt plans and encourage consumers to act in anticipated ways. The findings revealed five strategic communication practices—meetings, working in the office, gathering and analysing consumer engagement and related data, collaboration and storytelling—that practitioners used to conduct strategic communication and navigate the tensions.Originality/valueThe study contributes to understanding the role of strategic communication practices in contemporary organisations and how practitioners manage the tensions within them. The study shows that an SAP approach can account for improvisation and emergence, as well as planning and formalisation. It also shows how SAP resonates with emergent and agile strategic communication frameworks.

Research on the Reform of Music Literacy Teaching in Musicology and Art Management Major

The music literacy teaching of music art management is of great significance in the development of the modern music industry. However, the traditional teaching model can no longer meet the needs of students and the requirements of the industry. Therefore, this article has carried out a reform and research on the teaching of music literacy in music and art management. Through the introduction of practical projects, off-campus internships and modern technical means, students can apply the theoretical knowledge they have learned to practical situations and cultivate the ability to solve problems and innovate. This kind of practical teaching can not only improve students' practical operation and management ability, but also cultivate teamwork awareness and technical application ability. Through the implementation of these reform strategies, we can expect to cultivate music art management professionals with more comprehensive literacy and practical ability to contribute to the development of the music field.

현대음악으로서의 실용 및 대중음악 분석

Objectives The need for an accurate understanding of the concepts of contemporary music, practical music, and popular music, and the recognition of the necessity for changes in music education based on individual music tastes and preferences, are affirmed. This aims to advocate for a reassessment of music textbooks, particularly in elementary music education, through a quantitative evaluation of practical and popular music content. Furthermore, the proposal emphasizes the necessity for changes in music textbooks through individual assessments of multi-frequent songs.
 Methods Analyze the popular music area included in elementary school music textbooks. We analyzed the songs included in 32 textbooks from 8 different publishers, established the multi-frequent songs, and looked into the characteristics and contents of each song. The need for changes to the songs included in textbooks is confirmed through individual evaluation of the distribution of songs included in music textbooks and the multi-frequent songs.
 Results First, animation music accounts for 26.4% and movie music 25.8%, which accounts for more than 50%. Second, there are 121 foreign songs and 61 domestic songs, with POP (13.2%) followed by K-POP (9.9%), and there are many POP in the singing field. Third, there are differences between textbooks, Fourth, the content related to the music industry is insufficient, and it is included in 5 textbooks (out of 32), and Fifth, there are problems with the content and release period of multi-frequent songs. Lastly, since multi-frequent songs are repeatedly included in middle and high school textbooks, a feasibility study on this aspect is also necessary.
 Conclusions There is a need to realistically reflect the songs included in textbooks, and for this, it is necessary to reexamine the songs included in textbooks. There is a need for a change in perception of popular music education due to scientific development, and a practical approach to the methods and content needed for future popular music education is needed.

Licensed to Rock (or so they say). How Popular Music Programmes at Higher Music Education Institutions Create Professional Musicians

Due to technological innovations, the music industries have become more accessible for outsiders over the past two decades. Yet, over the same period we have seen an increasing number of popular music programmes at higher music education institutions (HPME programmes). Drawing from interviews with teachers, focus groups with students and a content analysis of policy documents at three Dutch HPME programmes, we investigate whether and in which ways students and teachers perceive such programmes to contribute to the career development of their students. Results indicate that the main benefits that these programmes are perceived to offer concern the development of a set of necessary competences, the establishment of industry relationships and the acquisition of symbolic resources. Second, we consider whether these benefits are understood to contribute to a form of professionalism. In line with the ‘normative value’ perspective on professionalism we find that a norm of expertise is promoted, and in line with the ‘power struggle’ perspective we find that these symbolic resources help to foster a professional identity, both of which are believed to help students to stand out from musicians without forms of formal education entering the market.

Evolution and Emerging Trends in Musical Information Retrieval: A Comprehensive Review and Future Prospects

The rapid development of the digital music industry has brought challenges for music lovers and researchers. In response to these challenges, the field of Music Information Retrieval (MIR) emerged in the mid-1960s to capture the complicated and multi-layered nature of music. Among the various approaches explored, machine learning methods have shown promise in overcoming the complexity of this interdisciplinary field. This paper is primarily centered on conducting an in-depth review of the current state of research regarding the utilization of machine learning within the field of Music Information Retrieval (MIR). Additionally, it aims to forecast the potential future directions within the MIR industry. Upon extensive literature review, it becomes evident that various machine learning techniques, including Neural Networks (NN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), and K-nearest neighbors (KNN), have found common applicability in this field. Furthermore, this review highlights Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Support Vector Machines (SVM) as potential algorithms poised to shape the future landscape of MIR. The findings of this paper serve to elucidate the direction in which MIR is progressing, offering valuable guidance for forthcoming research and development endeavors. In doing so, it contributes to the continued progress and maturation of the field MIR.

Music consumption and uses in Japan

This research investigates the relationship between music consumption and cultural dimensions within a Japanese context. Since Japan is the second largest music market globally, it is surprising that there is little focus on those factors often examined in cross-cultural research that might mean Western findings do not extrapolate well. A questionnaire using established measures of tightness–looseness, relational mobility, and ideal affect was used to test three main research questions. RQ1 was that there should be a relationship between cultural dimensions and musical taste, and this was fully supported. RQ2 was that cultural dimensions should relate to participants’ goals of music consumption, and this was largely supported. RQ3 was that there should be a relationship between socioeconomic status and musical taste, but this was not supported. The findings also supported several more specific research questions concerning how specific uses of music ought to relate to specific cultural dimensions. The findings of the study help us better understand the way music is consumed in relation to specific cultural dimensions in the context of Japan and beyond. It also extends the literature concerning music and cross-cultural psychology where prior research has not considered these dimensions within the context of music consumption.

A SCALE UP FOR LOCAL PRODUCT THROUGH SACRIFICING THE HIGH-QUALITY BY TECHNO-PRENEURSHIP: CASE STUDY SADE VILLAGE, LOMBOK ISLAND

Purpose: This research paper aims to develop a vision statement for breakthrough innovations in the notation and recording industry, enhancing revenue generation and profitability, addressing customer needs, aligning local business teams, and stimulating economic growth.
  
 Methods: This research paper uses a combination of qualitative research and stra-tegic business development methods to develop a vision statement and strategies for the notation and recording industry. It focuses on understanding stakeholders' needs, identifying innovation opportunities, and implementing strategies in real-world settings to drive sustainable growth.
  
 Results and Conclusion: The research reveals that a vision statement and stra-tegic business development initiatives have significantly increased revenue and profitability in the notation and recording industry. These strategies have fos-tered confidence in regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, and business team alignment. They have also facilitated economic growth and community empowerment, particularly in regions like Lombok Island.
  
 Research implications: The research emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation, regulatory compliance, customer-centricity, community engagement, strategic alignment, and continuous adaptation in the notation and recording in-dustry. These factors help businesses stay competitive, maintain trust, and contrib-ute to sustainable growth. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous monitoring, businesses can enhance their performance and drive sustainable devel-opment.
  
 Originality/value: This research presents a comprehensive approach to developing a vision statement and implementing strategic initiatives in the notation and re-cording industry. It emphasizes innovation, simplicity, and speed, integrates quali-tative research with business strategy, emphasizes responsible practices, strategic alignment, and relevance to emerging markets. The research provides insights to help practitioners navigate complex challenges and unlock new opportunities.

Creativity and Innovation in the K‐pop System and a Possible Link with Pansori

ABSTRACTThis study aims to distinguish between creativity and innovation in K‐pop using a conceptual framework of the K‐pop system and to examine if any traces of Korean traditional Pansori are found in K‐pop. Innovation refers to successful implementation of creative ideas, and creative ideas without successful implementation are of no use in the business sector. A conceptual framework of the K‐pop system, developed by the author, consists of enabling people, contents, system processes, and environments. This study identified eight innovative aspects of K‐pop, which include manufacturing K‐pop stars using a specific formula; providing government leadership for K‐pop export; using well‐balanced copyrights to encourage K‐pop fans' social media sharing of their copycat versions; and embracing culturally hybrid K‐pop music styles for global markets. K‐pop's possible links with Pansori are found in K‐pop singers' Grit, similar to Pansori singers' Gongryeok; and female K‐pop idols willing to take personal sacrifices of “no dating” and “curfews,” resembling Pansori singers' “punishing effort.” Confucian influence on K‐pop is traced in South Korea's top‐down approaches by the government and music industries, and gender inequality imposed on female idols as the male gaze.

Brand on the run: place brands as judgement devices and sources of local advantage in the music industry

ABSTRACT Products from certain areas are assumed to share qualities by virtue of where they are made. This article considers the economic significance of such place brands in the wider market for symbolic goods. It forwards a theory of these as judgement devices, whereby place reputation serves to lower search costs in symbolic goods markets with excess supply. This theory is investigated through a study of an online music platform where a weak form of place branding is available to producers. Results suggest that branding is associated with musical success at the individual level and that place brands may act as strategic resources for producers from creative clusters. Branding effects do not necessarily depend on the content of the place brand signal (i.e., country acts branded from Nashville are not especially privileged) and may be based in simpler heuristic mechanisms where a listed origin is a stamp of quality or an aid in recognition.

EMERGENCE OF TALENT ANALYTICS IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT WITH REFERENCE TO MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS INDUSTRY IN INDIA

The integration of talent analytics into human resource management practices within the music and performing arts industry in India has been a topic of increasing significance. Present research aimed to examine the emergence of talent analytics, its impact on HR management, and the challenges faced by HR managers during its implementation. Employing quantitative methodology, data was collected through a structured survey distributed among 311 HR professionals from various organizations in this sector. The findings highlighted the positive impact of talent analytics on HR practices, showcasing enhancements in decision-making, recruitment efficiency, workforce planning, and talent identification. However, substantial challenges such as financial investments, skill shortages, technical integration hurdles, cultural resistance, and data reliability issues emerged as impediments to seamless implementation. These results underscore the potential benefits of talent analytics while emphasizing the critical barriers that HR managers encounter in leveraging its full potential within this industry.

Defying Predatory Capital: Embracing Beauty, Resisting Ugliness, and Striving for Freedom

Research has explored the role of capitalist markets in the configuration of society and as social determinants. However, some niche markets have been taken by a form of capital, conceptualized as “predatory”, that has sought maximum benefit without caring for the social consequences of their activity on beauty, ugliness, freedom, and the overcoming of gender violence. This study addresses this gap by examining how “predatory capital” exploits various aspects of human life, including relationships, art, and music, by promoting ugliness over beauty. Through historical examples such as the tobacco industry's manipulation of women's liberation to promote smoking, this article reveals the detrimental tactics employed by predatory capital. It explores how the nightlife industry coerces youth into harmful behaviors through coercive dominant discourse, perpetuating toxic relationship dynamics and limiting individual freedom. Additionally, the study presents how the music industry reinforces harmful stereotypes and behaviors. Finally, it exposes how pseudo-theories, like those promoted by Foucault, are utilized to justify and perpetuate sexual violence, hindering progress towards freedom, gender equality, and social justice. This interdisciplinary analysis sheds light on the negative impact of predatory capital on human relationships, culture, and society, emphasizing the importance of critical awareness and resistance against its exploitative practices.