Abstract
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 18-37 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | IASPM@Journal |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2018 |
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The work realities of professional studio musicians in the German popular music recording industry : Careers, practices and economic situations. / Herbst, Jan-Peter; Albrecht, Tim.
In: IASPM@Journal, Vol. 8, No. 2, 12.2018, p. 18-37.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - The work realities of professional studio musicians in the German popular music recording industry
T2 - Careers, practices and economic situations
AU - Herbst, Jan-Peter
AU - Albrecht, Tim
PY - 2018/12
Y1 - 2018/12
N2 - Among the professional roles in the recording industry, studio musicians have perhaps received least academic attention. The present study explored the work realities of professional studio musicians in Germany, one of the largest music industries worldwide, based on interviews with six pop musicians; guitarists, bassists, keyboarders and drummers aged between 27 and 66 years. The findings show how the changes in the recording industry, most notably the dwindling budgets, the rise of project studios and virtual collaboration, have affected working practices, skill requirements and business models. The findings indicate that in Germany it is hardly possible anymore to live from studio work as a professional musician, even for the leading session players. Sinking fees and the lack of access to royalties pose a problem, one not tackled due to the fierce competition and the risk of damaging one’s reputation.
AB - Among the professional roles in the recording industry, studio musicians have perhaps received least academic attention. The present study explored the work realities of professional studio musicians in Germany, one of the largest music industries worldwide, based on interviews with six pop musicians; guitarists, bassists, keyboarders and drummers aged between 27 and 66 years. The findings show how the changes in the recording industry, most notably the dwindling budgets, the rise of project studios and virtual collaboration, have affected working practices, skill requirements and business models. The findings indicate that in Germany it is hardly possible anymore to live from studio work as a professional musician, even for the leading session players. Sinking fees and the lack of access to royalties pose a problem, one not tackled due to the fierce competition and the risk of damaging one’s reputation.
KW - Germany
KW - music business
KW - recording industry
KW - session musicians
KW - studio musicians
M3 - Article
VL - 8
SP - 18
EP - 37
JO - IASPM@Journal
JF - IASPM@Journal
IS - 2
ER -