The Work Realities of Professional Studio Musicians in the German Popular Music Recording Industry: Careers, Practices and Economic Situations

Herbst, Jan; Albrecht, Tim

doi:10.5429/2079-3871(2018)v8i2.3en

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Given the degree of technological evolution, understanding the future of independent musicians’ business models is complicated. A considerable number of musicians have experienced a decline after the digital revolution in terms of professional studio performance and recording (Herbst and Albrecht 2018 ). Nevertheless, in this framework, music is the principal service in a portfolio of services entirely managed by musicians (Eiriz and Leite 2017 ).…”

Section: Content Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Music in business and management studies: a systematic literature review and research agenda

Pizzolitto

2023

Manag Rev Q

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Music is the background of life, representing an international language that connects different cultures. It is also significant with respect to economies, markets, and businesses. The literature in the music field has identified several issues related to the role of digitalization in the revolution of music, the distribution of music products, the management and organization of music events, music marketing strategies, and the position of musicians as entrepreneurs. This paper comprises a systematic literature review of the most recent articles discussing the numerous connections between music, business, and management (2017–2022). Through a rigorous protocol, this research discusses the effects of the digital revolution on the music industry, with particular reference to the persisting oligopoly of major labels and the new business models that integrate music streaming and social networks. The findings show the renaissance and relevance of live music events, the fundamental role of segmentation strategies for managing festivals, and the limited presence of sustainability as a priority during festivals and events management. Furthermore, the literature highlights the relevance of discussions concerning musicians’ identity, especially in light of the complex relationship between the bohemian and the entrepreneurial nature of their profession. This is followed by numerous reflections on future research opportunities, recommending theoretical and empirical in-depth studies of music industry competition, futuristic management philosophies and business models, and the roles of technology, sustainability, and financial elements in fostering artists’ success in the digital era. Finally, the paper discusses business models and strategies for musicians, festivals management, stores, and sustainability.

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Section: Content Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Music in business and management studies: a systematic literature review and research agenda

Pizzolitto

2023

Manag Rev Q

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“…Expressive gestures such as laughing, emphasis or pauses were not considered. Each transcript was analysed individually, highlighting Another article using the same interview data as this study is published in IASPM@Journal (Herbst & Albrecht 2018). The IASPM@Journal article focuses on the work realities of German studio musicians, especially with regard to national copyright and royalties laws, sources of income and comparisons with other professional occupations in the German recording and live music industry.…”

Section: Jan-peter Herbst and Tim Albrechtmentioning

confidence: 99%

The The skillset of professional studio musicians in the German popular music recording industry

Herbst

Albrecht

2018

EVK

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Among the professional roles in the recording industry, studio musicians have received relatively little academic attention. Who has played on a record and who has developed the rhythms, melodies and fills are secrets that remain hidden behind closed studio doors. Since the little public media available mainly recollects memories of past stars or musical developments from more than twenty years ago, little is known about more recent biographies, individual skills and working practices of average studio musicians from different parts of the world. Against this backdrop, the present study explored the skillset of studio musicians in Germany’s popular music recording industry. The interviewees provided rare insights into their careers, expressed their views on technological developments and depicted their economic realities. With increasing power and affordability of music production resources, new business models for studio musicians were developing along with a change of skills. For a long time, the successful studio musician had incredible playing skills, stylistic flexibility and was an excellent sight-reader. These requirements seem to have shifted; today’s musicians must have a broader skillset and be experts beyond their instruments. A repertoire of ideas and sounds to be offered spontaneously in a recording session are highly valuable next to empathy, social skills and a likeable and humble personality. The musicians must be both unique and flexible to serve a project and compete with the many fellow musicians and programmers of computer instruments.

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The influence of piano playing on the performer’s mental state: the opportunity to express own emotions and experiences or perform a musical composition within the requirements of piano education

2024

Curr Psychol

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The Work Realities of Professional Studio Musicians in the German Popular Music Recording Industry: Careers, Practices and Economic Situations

Cited by 7 publications

References 5 publications

Music in business and management studies: a systematic literature review and research agenda

Music in business and management studies: a systematic literature review and research agenda

The The skillset of professional studio musicians in the German popular music recording industry

The influence of piano playing on the performer’s mental state: the opportunity to express own emotions and experiences or perform a musical composition within the requirements of piano education

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