New Books in Music
Toby Bennett, "Corporate Life in the Digital Music Industry: Remaking the Major Record Label from the Inside Out" (Bloomsbury, 2024)
Dec 5, 2024
Toby Bennett, a Senior Lecturer in Media, Culture & Organisation at the University of Westminster, dives into the inner workings of the digital music industry. He discusses the evolving challenges for major record labels in adapting to digital change. Insights include the impact of contemporary capitalism and the complexities of rights management. Bennett also sheds light on corporate culture, emphasizing the balance between professionalization and cultural integrity. Engaging anecdotes about the dynamics at fictional Soniverse Records reveal the industry's competitive nature and the significance of creativity.
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes how digitalization has reshaped the music industry's revenue streams, transitioning from physical to digital sales and streaming services.
- It also explores the complex hybrid identities of employees in record labels, balancing creativity and corporate responsibilities while facing ethical dilemmas and workplace challenges.
Deep dives
The Shift in the Music Industry Paradigm
The podcast discusses the significant transformation the music industry has undergone over the past 25 years, particularly in the aftermath of digitalization. This transformation includes a shift from traditional sales of physical products, like vinyl records and CDs, to a model reliant on digital presence and streaming services. Many industry professionals grapple with questions about the essence of the music industry and its economic bases as conventional revenue streams have dwindled. As a result, the concept of a unified music industry emerges, where various sectors, including recording and live performances, intertwine within a broader production system shaped by shared interests and communal culture.
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