James Blake is right about the music industry, but wrong about critics
In defence of the music critic.
music industry
The music industry is the global network of artists, songwriters, producers, publishers, record labels, managers, promoters, venues, streaming platforms and rights organisations that create, record, distribute, market and monetise music.
Once centred on sheet music, physical records and radio, the industry has been reshaped by digital distribution and streaming, which now dominates recorded music revenue worldwide. It remains a restless ecosystem where creativity and commerce constantly collide, from major-label pop campaigns to independent artists building audiences online.
According to IFPI, global recorded music revenues grew for the tenth consecutive year in 2024, with streaming accounting for 69% of recorded music revenues. The industry continues to evolve around technology, copyright, live performance, fan communities and debates over fair payment for artists.
Tale of the Tape: The story behind The Smiths’ ‘The Queen Is Dead’
“I’ve got no right to take my place with the human race…”
What is the difference between mixing and mastering?
The difference between Bob Clearmountain and Ludwig.
A band’s marketing is none of our business: Geese, ‘psyops’ and fans’ misguided focus
Nothing new, and not the issue to focus on.
How Martha Wash changed music forever: “Her talent made her noteworthy, her lawsuits made her famous”
Unhappy and unprecedented.
More About music industry
The music industry is the business ecosystem that creates, records, publishes, distributes, promotes and monetises music through artists, labels, publishers, promoters, venues, streaming platforms and rights organisations.
Streaming has become the dominant format for recorded music revenue, shifting the industry away from physical sales and downloads towards subscription platforms and digital access.
The main parts of the music industry include recorded music, music publishing, live performance, artist management, distribution, marketing, licensing and rights collection.