The belief that signing a record contract will almost infallibly lead to some measure of success- the ideology of getting signed, as Arditi defines it-is alive and well. Though streaming, social media, and viral content have turned the recording industry upside down in one sense, the record contract and its mythos still persist.
Encouraging us to look beyond the seemingly limitless supply of multimedia content, David Arditi calls attention to the underlying dynamics of instant viewing - in which our access to our favourite binge-worthy show, blockbuster movie or hot new album release depends on any given service's willingness, and ability, to license it.
Focusing on the evolution of the music industry, this book argues that major record labels embraced digital music primarily to enhance their profits, countering claims made by the Recording Industry Association of America. The updated edition delves into the significant shifts from the download era to the streaming era, providing insights into how these changes have impacted the landscape of recorded music.