In Revision: Theoretical Frameworks

Abstract

A central ambition in the first section is to establish an understanding of the music industries---the field of study---as well as change---the different dynamics within and around the music industries. I consider the latter understanding to be dependent on the former---that if we don't have a proper concept of the field of study, then it becomes difficult to define and assess the changes happening to it. The music industries have indeed been impacted by digital change and innovation. It has become a reference point for the difficulties some industries have faced, adapting to a new digital economy. However, many of the accounts on the music industries' difficult digital transitions tend to diminish complex issues to mere dichotomies. Furthermore, the debates around the digital changes we face, offer competing theoretical approaches, with competing theoretical disciplines providing opposing propositions on how to understand the music industries, and subsequently the changes and difficulties they're experiencing. Therefore, this first part of the book will be used to describe and critically discuss influential contributions to academic and public debates on the music industries' digital transition.