Kurt Dahl

The Future of Copyright and Artist Rights in the Music Industry: an Examination of the Artist / Record Label Relationship, and How Musicians Will Make a Living in the Digital Age Kurt Dahl

Since the turn of the century, the value of copyright in the music industry has become threatened, as identical and free copies can be made of any piece of music in literally a few seconds. The technologies that record companies blame for the downturn in retail music sales ? computers, CD burners and the Internet ? are now allowing musicians to do more of the things that record labels used to, without selling their souls in the process. The question begs to be asked: do artists need record labels at all in a digital world? As CD sales plummet and fans continue to obtain music for free online ? or tune in to their favorite bands via YouTube, MySpace and other Internet forums ? the question is a valid one to say the least. This book investigates whether artists still need the services offered by record labels, and if so, how the relationship between the two parties is changing. Further, it examines the value that copyright law will have for both parties in the years to come. This work is essential reading for musicians, music fans, and those connected to the music industry in any way.