Is the audience for popular music created by the music industry

Defining the music industry at times can be difficult as it consists of multiple things. Most would associate the music industry with major recording companies’ i.e. Def Jam records, Sony/BMG, Warner and Universal. Although accurate it is however not just limited to this you have to take into account the retail and marketing side of the industry. This is often in the form of artists merchandising, concerts and sales at record stores/online stores (HMV/Amazon) where consumers can buy their music. All of these factors contribute to the success of popular music within the music industry, as consumers are happy to get involved which inevitably generates a large audience. Horner and Swiss support this “ audiences depend on the music industry for access to music- access which is available predominantly through such economic transactions as purchasing records and ticket selling and advertising” (p228). Music is created to be listened to and the music industry is a business that is very much aware of this. Therefore in some respect I believe the music industry does create the audience for popular music, but is not solely down to them it is dependent on the individual.

review on magazine UNCUT

This charming magazine is definitely one for those gentlemen of a certain age, with recognition for those classic musicians like MORRISEY, Phil Collins and the magazines featured artist David Bowie all pioneering influences of their time. What more can a man in his late 30s mid 40s ask for? Boasting adverts for products ranging from technology, cars and male grooming products; it appears that men have something they can claim for themselves. Although the target audience for this magazine is very much to engage with the male spectators, women get a look in too. Giving you release dates for artists such as soul singer Otis Redding who’s huff ‘n’ puff gritty vocals sent females into romance mode with tracks like ‘my girl’ and ‘sitting on the dock of the bay’. UNCUT offers a wide range of places to get tickets to see their favourite Rock and Indie bands, both new and old artists are advertised. So there is something out there for anyone who enjoys these genres, however if I had to pick Allan Jones’s UNCUT priced at a hefty £4.30 against my regular choices it’s unfortunate to say it doesn’t cut the deal.