The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living: The Plight of the “Middle-Class” Artist

The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living: The Plight of the “Middle-Class” Artist

Michael Gelberg

Abstract

This paper attempts to provide context for what it means to be a middle-class musician in 2019. While the term is often referenced by independent labels, digital service providers (DSPs) like Spotify, and media outlets, it lacks a universal definition. Additionally, the main sources of consumption have drastically changed the economics of the music industry, shifting from a physical sales approach to an increasing reliance on streaming and other digital outlets. This paper will attempt to highlight what effects, if any, these changes have had on middle-class artists.

Publication Date

7-1-2019

Campus

Valencia (Spain) Campus

Keywords

middle-class; independent music; music industry; Berklee; distribution; streaming; sustainability; alternative revenue models

Comments

Project Components: one reflection paper.

The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living: The Plight of the “Middle-Class” Artist

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