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Major firms currently control over 80% of global sound carrier and publishing

T. Cvetkovski
revenue in the popular music industry. The aim is to explain the disorganising
effects currently being experienced. The central question guiding this
investigation asks: what will be the effect of new technologies on the future
organisation of the music industry? Focus is broadly on recent universally
accessible digital technologies which have raised questions about the future of
the industry’s current organisational structure and processes both in terms of
input (creation of music products in their commodified form) and output
(access and consumption of music products). The industry’s processes are
complex because they centre around sophisticated management, and
aggressive appropriation of intellectual property (namely copyright) for repea-
ted exploitation for decades after its initial acquisition. The purpose of this
book, therefore, is to examine not only the tangible aspects of the manner in
which the industry organises its products, but also the intangible dimension.

The Political Economy of the Music Industry


Significant recent changes experienced by the industry are identified. The
literature is not conclusive in terms of explaining these developments. This
book remedies this deficiency by proposing four separate but interconnected
factors are affecting the highly concentrated status quo. Empirically grounded,
the current work has implications for understanding the industry’s methods.
The book is written as a text about the political economy of the music industry
specifically and popular culture generally. It is intended to appeal to students
and other persons interested in the music industry, political economies in late
capitalism, popular culture and mass communication, organisational studies,
the politico-economic structure of corporations in advanced capitalist societies,
and legal issues concerning popular culture in the market place. At a more
general level, this book would appeal to any persons interested in a topic
concerning the music business. The book takes a multidisciplinary approach to
Trajce Cvetkovski
a widely debated topic in various fields including political science, communica-
tions, sociology, law and economics.
Trajce Cvetkovski
is a legal practitioner in Australia (Barrister-at-Law)
and England (Solicitor). He has practised in both
The Political Economy of
jurisdictions in the fields of commercial, industrial,
intellectual property and entertainment law. He is
also a lecturer in public policy at the University of
the Music Industry
Queensland. Trajce also produces electronic music
and has issued records both for a major label and
independent labels.
Technological Change, Consumer
Disorientation and Market Disorganisation
ISBN: 978-3-8364-2854-5 in Popular Music

VDM Verlag Dr. Müller


VDM

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