Record Label Wars

Did you know that the early days of recorded music were marked by both innovation and payola scandals?
Or that copyright law plays a pivotal role in the power dynamics between artists and labels? This book examines the lifecycle of an artist's career under a label, from contract negotiations to promotional campaigns, exposing the power dynamics at play.
It also uncovers the evolution of chart manipulation techniques and addresses current trends like streaming and the rise of independent labels.

By drawing upon court documents, interviews, and sales data, Record Label Wars offers an unbiased perspective on the inner workings of record labels. The book progresses by first introducing record label operations, then delving into the artist lifecycle, chart manipulation, and finally, current industry trends, proposing potential reforms for a more equitable music ecosystem.