Faith Hahn

The most prominent recent victory for organized musicians was 2018’s Music Modernization Act, which, among other things, established mechanical royalties for streaming, based on a “grand bargain” offering streaming services indemnity from infringement lawsuits in exchange for royalties. The MMA was sponsored by conservative Republicans Bob... See more

This occurs across a competitive backdrop in the industry that has seen increased M&A activity, be that major labels acquiring indie labels and distributors, or catalogue acquisition. Heritage rights retain a premium, and market share is being bought, arguably, at the cost of investment in new, innovative music. Independent labels talk of it... See more

The Keatsian endeavor has never been popular, but is particularly unfashionable today. Religious fundamentalists reject it on the grounds that revelation and commitment are needed to orient oneself in the world. The amorality of a poet who is a “thoroughfare for all thoughts” risks heresy or destabilization. Tell me where you stand, where your... See more

In 1926, the year before The Jazz Singer popularized pre-recorded sound to cinema, theater pits employed 22,000 musicians in the United States; by 1934, there were only 4,100. Fewer musicians’ salaries meant lower ticket prices and more daily showings, and attendance almost doubled. New York City’s Local 802 organized picket lines outside theaters... See more

Music has emerged as private equity's recession-resistant darling, thanks to streaming's predictable revenue patterns and live entertainment's remarkable post-pandemic resilience.

The simulacrum is never what hides the truth-it is truth that hides the fact that there is none. The simulacrum is true.

First, it’s “consumer spending,” meaning that it’s considered something people choose to spend their income on. When commentators talk about the “strength of the consumer” or consumers “continuing to spend,” this category is included in their formulation. That’s crazy. But no one wants a banking app or checks, it’s non—discretionary, akin to taxes.... See more