Research

February 24, 2022 

As the recording music industry entered the digital era, significant turmoil emerged due to piracy and illegal downloading, and royalty payments to artists via streaming platforms. To date, the previous research examining the industry shift focused on consumer-based decisions such as whether to download music illegally, and, more recently, experiences with streaming services. Using sensemaking as our lens, we examine changes and challenges through in-depth interviews with music industry practitioners. The participants have been directly impacted by the digital shift in general and by specific issues such as piracy and poor compensation from streaming platforms. We develop a typology of industry members based on their development of sensemaking capabilities as they navigate the ever-changing industry and the resulting influence on market practices. 

June 28, 2016 

The positive role that music and musicians play in developing awareness and raising funds for a wide variety of social, environmental, and philanthropic causes has been well documented by the popular press and media coverage (Robinson 2012). Consequently, the actions of musicians are under greater levels of scrutiny and fans demand more from musicians than “just” music.  The aim of this study is to explore the role that socially responsible consumption plays in the consumption of music. Specifically we explore the role of social responsibility across a variety of consumption activities including individual decision-making (i.e., downloading music legally, recycling at concerts, avoiding socially irresponsible musicians, and supporting local musicians). In addition we examine the levels of awareness, interest and support for individual musicians, artists, record labels, and live music festivals that engage in socially responsible activities. 

August 11, 2015 

 This paper explores the impact that recent transformations in digital music technology (e.g. the increasing popularity of legal streaming platforms) have had on the consumer experience. Following 35 in-depth qualitative interviews, we have identified four key segments of contemporary music consumers (steadfast pirates, ex-downloaders, mixed tapes and the old schoolers [the disengaged]) based on a continuum of their preference for illegal music piracy. Examining key themes (e.g. morality, format, value and identity investment) to distinguish each segment, we contribute to a fragmented music piracy literature in particular through the identification of the “ex-downloaders” and “mixed tape” segments. Previous literature has tended to frame music piracy in very simplistic terms, failing to acknowledge a large number of consumers who are conflicted about their actions and rationalise their piracy in complicated and inconsistent ways related to the broader industry and their own sense of identity as a music consumer.  

March 11, 2015 

Visibility and elevated status of musicians has become prominent in contemporary society as a consequence of technological advances and the development of both mass and specialized targeted audiences. Consequently, the actions of musicians are under greater levels of scrutiny and fans demand more from musicians than ‘just’ music. The current research provides a foundation upon which to better understand the role that social responsibility plays for consumers of music. Consequently, the research has practical implications for promoting socially responsible consumption practices. The various public spaces (concerts, festivals, retail outlets, social events, and social media) that music consumption encompasses represent great opportunities in which ethical consumption practices can be promoted. We identify a number of factors (level of expectations, authenticity and escapism) that ultimately determine when socially responsible engagement in the music industry is supported, ignored, or even becomes the focus of consumer backlash.