Town-Hall: “ Technological Innovation in the Performing Arts”
18th of January 8:00 pm EST
Sixty years ago, a new technological invention was introduced to the music industry. Adventurous California musicians began experimenting and recording with the Moog synthesizer. Music, film, and television have been transformed by technology since then. Technological innovations, such as the personal computer and the portable video camera, have enabled artists to create and share their visions with (or without) financing from entertainment companies. And distribution channels, such as cable television and internet streaming, have provided audiences with access to lots of entertainment.
Does technology help artists produce better art?
Are they reaching their audiences through modern distribution channels?
Do artists get a fair deal? Do consumers get a fair deal?
These are just some of the questions we will address in this Town Hall.
In the upcoming Town-Hall meeting, we will ask, “ Who are the Big Winners?” Join this discussion with your thoughtful opinions on the 18th of January at 8:00 pm EST on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82282012335?pwd=LdztFwnbnm53lbfgEwoJpjn9KeC3vx.1)
Music, Film/Television Technological Innovation
Creation
| Music | Film/Television |
|---|---|
| 1970’s: synthesizer adoption | 1970’s: portable camera/recorder adoption |
| 1990’s: Apple desktop home audio production software | 1980’s: computer generated imagery (CGI) transporting audiences into a digital world |
| 2020’s AI-created content |
Distribution to Audiences
| Music | Film/Television |
|---|---|
| 1999: Napster file sharing | 1970’s: cable television channels |
| 2000’s: portable music (MP3’s) | 1980’s: VHS movie rentals |
| 2010’s: streaming services | 2000’s: streaming services |
| 2000’s onward: consolidation of commercial channels; mergers and acquisitions |
| 2010’s: social media |
Top Distribution Channels
| Music | Film/Television |
|---|---|
| Spotify | Netflix |
| Apple Music | Apple TV+ |
| YouTube | Hulu |
| Tencent Music | Disney+ |
| Amazon Music | Amazon Prime Viveo |
Musicians fight uphill battle as AI infiltrates streaming platforms, cutting into royalties
The comparison between music and film/television across decades is especially insightful. It shows that while distribution channels evolve rapidly, power often concentrates in the hands of a few major platforms. This makes the question “who are the big winners?” both complex and necessary to discuss openly.