Opting for Buyout; An exploratory study of new modes of music production

Abstract

The impact technology has had on music the last decade is hard to disregard. Technological innovations have had a widespread effect on the production, distribution, consumption of music and the music industry has been forced to adapt to the changes spawned by technological developments. Alongside these changes new players have entered the market exploiting this transformation. By offering new services and products they are in extension reshaping the economic conditions of the music industry. Labels, publishers, collective management organisations and other industry stakeholder dealing with music licensing are now being challenged by tech companies. By acquiring the copyright from music creators, a practice recognized as buyout, companies offer new efficient ways of dealing with music licensing while also reducing cost. In this changing landscape, who comes out on top? This study takes an exploratory approach with a focuses on the music creator and examines what conditions that buyout bring for those whom sell their copyright.