There is a fundamental disconnect between the way that we consume music and the way we compensate musicians. Despite recent industry growth, an overwhelming number of recording artists receive unsustainably low incomes as royalty payments from streaming services. This thesis explores the mechanisms at the root of this disconnect. From the highs of the CD era to the lows of the Napster recession and ultimately to the resurgence brought about by streaming, innovations in the recording industry have altered music consumption. Whereas one's physical catalog once reigned supreme, the modern music consumer values access and experiences. This shifting of consumer priorities has had financial ramifications felt most heavily by those creating the music. To provide context for the arrival of the music streaming era, this thesis begins with a recent history of both the recording industry and of the most impactful digital service provider in Spotify. This history is followed by an exploration of the modern music consumer in the context of retail while examining the use of traditional retail elements in the digital realm. Subsequently, a close analysis of remuneration mechanisms in today's streaming economy offers insight into the tribulations of contemporary recording artists. Finally, alongside an economic exploration of the live music industry, this essay offers both old and new nontraditional paths to digital distribution and revenue. In short, this thesis reveals the forces behind artist compensation and explains how these forces emerged out of a tumultuous period for the music industry.
"},{"label":"Degree","value":["Bachelor of Arts with Departmental Honors"]},{"label":"Author-supplied Keywords","value":["Recording industry","Streaming economy","Remuneration"]},{"label":"Administrative Note","value":"Drupal Node ID: 23855