Lesson 4: Industry Research

Create an illustrated, detailed, document that uses statistical evidence and addresses the following;

• What is the current percentage of downloads versus physical CD sales?
• How has this changed over the years?
• What factors could have influenced this?
• What does this suggest about the future of the music industry?
• What is the current state of piracy?
• How has this changed over the years?
• What impact is piracy currently having on the music industry? (source quotes from artists / producers, fans etc.) This should form a debate.
• What are the most popular sites for streaming music?
• How are these companies generating a profit?
• What are 360 degree record deals?
• Who is signed to one?
• Why were they brought out?
• What are the current strategies being employed by the big 3 to combat piracy and illegal downloads?
• What are the most popular music videos on Youtube?
• What does this suggest about the music that people consume?
• Does it support or challenge Chris Anderson’s theory of the Longtail? Do people consume more niche music?
• What information can you find out about the Longtail in relation to the Music Industry?
• Are there any recent examples of artists being signed by music labels following their emergence on social media?
• Are there any bands/artists who are increasingly popular but are not signed to a music label?
• Are there any bands/artists that have left a music label and set up on their own? Who? Why have they done this?

The presentations below will be a good starting point for your research (but remember you need to find more contemporary statistics).