Introduction: A Short Overview of Music Consumption and Production

Music entertains us, influences us, and shapes our lives. From the message to the medium to the physical experience of listening to a live performance, music has charms to soothe the savage breast. Rock and roll used to be a way for people to stick it to the Man. Is that still possible in today’s corporatized world? Technological development has played a key role in music production and consumption. From the Sony Walkman to its modern day equivalent, the smartphone, technology affects how musicians create their work and how listeners experience it. This book examines the popular music industry from an economics perspective. It will examine how music is produced and consumed and investigate the role of technology in the business of music.