iTake-Over

Last night marked the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, celebrating artists, producers, musicians, and creatives in music. How has the recording industry been shaped by today's streaming era?

Posted on March 15, 2021 in Review of the Week

iTake-over: the recording industry in the streaming era 2nd ed

Arditi, David. Lexington Books, 2020
214p bibl index, 9781793623003 $90.00, 9781793623010 $85.50

A decade ago, the music recording companies argued that illegal downloading was destroying their industry. Arditi (Univ. of Texas, Arlington) provides evidence that the major record labels are in a stronger position financially and politically now than prior to the digital revolution. Additionally, rather than being a passive victim of technology, the major firms have actively influenced the direction of change. The digital age brought about a renewed need for live performance as a way to replace losses from record sales experienced by musicians. Successful lobbying of Congress by the major firms has now resulted in an increase in online streaming of music, which has further reduced the income of performing musicians. Consumers no longer own their recordings, but rather rent them for a period of time. The author predicts that the price of streaming services will increase in the future, and that music playlists will be based on consumer mood and activities, and furthermore that the negative impact of these changes on culture will be profound. Though this new edition (1st ed., CH, Jun’15, 52-5241) was completed prior to the pandemic restrictions, which have dramatically impacted all segments of the economy, it remains relevant and is highly recommended reading for all those interested in the future of the music industry.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.
Reviewer: R. J. Phillips, emeritus, Colorado State University
Subject: Humanities – Performing Arts – Music
Choice Issue: Jun 2021

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