Sonic Publics| Convening Technologies: Blockchain and the Music Industry

Authors

  • Nancy Baym Microsoft Research
  • Lana Swartz University of Virginia
  • Andrea Alarcon USC

Keywords:

music, technology, techno utopianism, publics, blockchain

Abstract

This article traces the debates occurring in the music industry where blockchain technology surged as an ideal solution for long-standing disagreements over distribution, publishing, licensing, sales, streaming, and listening. The projections (in conferences, media, opinion pieces, and academic reports) started as techno-utopian, but over time the discourse shifted from “radical” to “incorporative” goals. The technological dreams were scaled back as the scope of social challenges to technological solutions became clearer. Borrowing from Clive Barnett’s theory of convening publics, we argue that the role of the blockchain in this environment was not necessarily as a technological solution, but rather as a “convening” force that brought disparate actors together. Nonetheless, we still have to ask, who is invited to convene, and who is left out?

Author Biographies

Nancy Baym, Microsoft Research

Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research

Lana Swartz, University of Virginia

Asst Professor

Andrea Alarcon, USC

Doc student

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Published

2019-01-14

Issue

Vol. 13 (2019)

Section

Special Sections

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