Canadian Journal of Communication · 1985 · 141 citations · 0 references
HumanitiesMusicologyMusic SociologyMusic AudiencesMusic Industry StudiesMusic SubculturesPopular MusicMusic Industry PolicyPopular Music Industry
Music cultures vary widely, yet global transnational corporations and electronic technology are spreading mass‑produced pop, treating small countries as marginal markets and sources of talent. The study asks whether revenue from global music flows benefits local artists, whether Western pop will homogenize all music, or whether technology can preserve and strengthen small‑country musical identities.
Every nation has its own very distinctive music culture. But what happens when the giant transnational companies move in, when electronic technology arrives, spreading with it mass produced popular music? The big transnationals see the small countries as providing marginal markets and being sources of exploitative talent. But does the money ever filter through to the original artists and performers? Will every country end up with universal westernized popular music that sounds like the Eurovision Song Contest? Or will modern music technology be used to keep smaller cultures alive and thriving?