It has always been a dream of mine to work in the music industry! However I feel like everyone should understand the issues that can affect this industry and what associations are set in place to help. The Internet has changed the way we buy and listen to music. The changes have had both positive and negative effects on the industry. Many would say that the industry is having trouble, while others think that the Internet has help enhance the industry and brought new technology. The Internet has greatly enhanced piracy and influenced the use of online radio. Two major issues that the industry is facing are, downloading and streaming. The Internet has increased piracy problems in the music industry by making it easier to get music. Piracy is defined as illegally making copies of copyright material without getting permission (Colons English Dictionary). A company that can help with this issue is called RIAA.
The Recording Industry Associations of America (RIAA) is an organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major companies. Their job is to help protect the music, artist and company’s rights, weather it is illegal downloading, sales or breaking certain laws. The RIAA members are a combination of record labels. Downloading has always been an issue in the entertainment industry. According to The Recording Industry Association of America, “The Internet offers music lovers virtually limitless possibilities” (riaa.com). Many consumers have taken on the mind frame of, why pay when you can get it for free! Downloading was convenient and you could do it at anytime or place. I am honest to say that I had that same mind frame until recently when I stated educating myself on these issues. I was very unaware of how it was affecting the artist and companies that I love and wanted to work for. I began to read more about companies like RIAA that are set in place to protect our music industry and artist.
The RIAA has other companies that are connecting with them to help artist and other entertainers protect their products and services. One that I am very aware of is Broadcast Music Inc or BMI. This company helps with collecting fees and paying out royalties to people who composed, distributed or published the music. Overall BMI is set in place to make sure that your song gets license and if it is used by anyone that you collect your royalties. The company also offers other programs and resources like career building and song writing support.
Although I am not personally an artist I feel that everyone should be connected to this association, because we should be aware of the issues that is affecting the music industry. I work with different artist everyday and for me to not be aware of these issues is saying I do not care about my artist. Please educate your self on your rights and get all your music licensed. Also please tell your friends, family and associates to stop downloading and purchase the music that these artist, composers and producers have worked so hard on. In the end the music industry is the way it is because of its fans so lets help it grow and become stronger. If you want to know more about RIAA and BMI click on the links below.
RIAA
BMI
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