essay on music piracy

How piracy is changing the music industry landscape

PhD Student (Music Psychology), Glasgow Caledonian University

Disclosure statement

Steven Caldwell Brown does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

View all partners

While legal sales of recorded music continue to suffer from widespread music piracy, the popularity of live music appears to be enjoying an unprecedented boom, particularly in the UK where new stadiums such as the £125m Hydro Arena in Glasgow have contributed.

In his recent book The Music Industry: Music in the Cloud , Patrik Wikström explains that licensing and live music are now the principal sources of revenue for musicians, not recorded music sales. This is why U2 were able to give their latest album away for free through their deal with Apple. Madonna, under her “360 Deal” agreement with her label, generates 95% of her income from touring.

It is hard to ignore that ticket prices have increased, particularly among superstar performers, though opinion is divided on why. There are many questions that arise from seeing how the relationship between live music and recorded music has changed, where undoubtedly it seems that recorded music now drives sales of live music and not the other way around. This is something worth examining in detail, especially in how it relates to music piracy.

Free music and live audiences

Several studies suggest the positive benefits of music piracy on live music attendance. One study argued that demand for live performances is in fact reduced when piracy is prevented . Another observed what the authors called a P2P-exposition effect, in which exposure to recorded music (whether acquired legally or illegally) motivates concert attendance . Other research has come to similar conclusions , revealing that although piracy negatively affects the recorded music industry, it has a positive impact on other areas such as live music.

In a case study on Nine Inch Nails a few years ago I referred to the stage-in-the-game hypothesis (because scholars love coining phrases), which holds that music piracy affects different artists differently, depending on what stage of their career they’re in. In other words, while it might make sense for one artist to give music away for free (perhaps with an eye on motivating concert ticket sales) it might not make sense for another. The important difference is having an established audience – as U2 does. Generally speaking, however, it would appear that music piracy and live music attendance go hand-in-hand.

In another recent book , Online File Sharing: Innovations in Media Consumption, Jonas Andersson Shwarz acknowledged that it is now uncontroversial to suggest that individuals engaging in music piracy are greater consumers of culture overall, noting that music piracy motivates live music attendance. A substantial volume of research (some of which is cited in Shwarz’s book) demonstrates that those who download music illegally also spend more money on music purchased legally, including concert tickets.

The rise of concert prices

Unlike the studies mentioned above, no empirical data exists – to my knowledge – which can answer the question of whether or not concert tickets are more expensive as a means to counterbalance losses from music piracy. However, a calculated guess would suggest that this is indeed the case.

Wikström argues that piracy is a key factor affecting the price of concert tickets, driven by lower revenues recouped from the recording sector. Certainly, on the surface, live concert ticket prices seem to be rising well beyond inflation and the associated costs of putting on progressively larger and more extravagant productions.

Drawing on sales data for the top 100 tours in North America over an eight-year period, a study found that the true cost of a ticket has risen due to the increased problem of ticket scalping , or touting, also known as the secondary ticket market. Largely facilitated by the internet, it exploits fans’ desire to see their favourite artists and the fact there are only limited tickets available for any given performance. It grown sufficiently large a problem as to be the subject of two parliamentary investigations in the UK .

Given the troubling extent of this secondary ticketing market and the prices fans are prepared to pay, it could even be said that that concert tickets are in fact under-priced. Forthcoming research of mine finds that the wow-factor of seeing your favourite artists in the flesh, while you can, is more important than the price of a ticket.

Executive chairman of Live Nation, Irving Azoff, famously wrote on Twitter in August 2010: “So if you want ticket prices to go down, stop stealing music”, asserting a direct link between the effects of piracy on recorded music and the knock-on effects on the live music industry. And the research suggests that this is accurate, to an extent. But the effects of ticket touting, and the fact that artists are performing more, and often more elaborate, shows must also be taken into account when charting the growth of the costs passed onto the consumer.

Intellectual property
Digital economy
Music sales
Music piracy

Data Manager

Research Support Officer

Director, Social Policy

Head, School of Psychology

Senior Research Fellow - Women's Health Services

Essays on Music Piracy

Faq about music piracy.

Entertainment
Environment
Information Science and Technology
Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Entertainment

Essay Samples on Music Piracy

The ethical dilemma around music and media piracy.

Throughout the years, the film and music industries have had to come up with ways to protect themselves against copyright piracy. Through the emergence of software’s like LimeWire and Piratebay that allow users to illegally download music and movies respectively, these industries lose a lot...

Ethical Dilemma
Music Piracy

Challenges Faced by the Music Industry Business

The music industry is facing challenges through business perspective, the copyright of music, popular music, live music and the challenges artist face. For instance, online music sharing has prompted legal challenges and industry alliances, while raising significant concerns regarding the industry future. A study in...

Music Industry

The Impact of Piracy on Business Profitability

What Does Piracy Mean? Piracy refers to the unauthorized or illegal reproduction of copyrighted content which is then sold at very low prices in the 'grey' market. Over the years, as the ease of access to technology increased, piracy has become more frequent. For instance,...

Internet Privacy

Factors that Affect Movie and Music Industry Markets

Introduction Art is considered as a part of creativity and the major constituents of the art include films and music. The technology and economics have created unique challenges across segments of the entertainment industry over the past quarter century. The significant change in how business...

Best topics on Music Piracy

1. The Ethical Dilemma Around Music and Media Piracy

2. Challenges Faced by the Music Industry Business

3. The Impact of Piracy on Business Profitability

4. Factors that Affect Movie and Music Industry Markets

Stressed out with your paper?

Consider using writing assistance:

100% unique papers
3 hrs deadline option
Movie Review
Bridge to Terabithia
Film Analysis
Hidden Figures
Movie Summary
A Separation
Freedom Writers

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

Essay Database >
Essay Examples >
Essays Topics >
Essay on Government

Free Music Piracy Essay Example

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Government , Law , Politics , Criminal Justice , Morality , Music , Piracy , Crime

Words: 1300

Published: 03/18/2020

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

Music piracy is a widespread problem in the music industry. There are many people who download music from the internet for free. Piracy is all over the world; everywhere there is internet access. There is a majority of people who carry the understanding that piracy is not equal to stealing because those who pirate are not taking what the record owners have (Hardy 1). The pirates blame high prices of the legal music files as the reason they have to pirate. The majority argue that they cannot afford to pay while some are just not willing to pay the cost of owning the music the legal way. There are pirates who argue that piracy is good because they avoid being conned by musicians who produce albums with only one good hit. On the other hand, piracy is negative because it denies musicians of their hard-earned money. In addition, it devalues the work of musicians and the whole industry. Piracy leads to loss of millions of dollars every year that could have found its way into the pockets of the players who earned it. The possible ways of responding to the problem include, increasing the fear of being caught with unauthorized music. The government can become more aggressive in stopping people from downloading and distributing pirated music. The government has made it clear that downloading music from unauthorized file download sites is illegal through passing laws that protect the same. The government can ensure enforcement of the laws that will deter many pirates. People found in possession of illegally acquired music can face stiffer fines all in an attempt of increasing the fear of being caught. The legal framework of the country can work at ensuring that copyrighted music is only accessible through authorized means only. Another possible way of responding to piracy is increasing the awareness to the public that it is unethical (Gareth 3). The music industry, as well as the government, should inform people and convince them that piracy is morally unappealing. When they succeed to convince the majority of people then, the crime of piracy will reduce. The other response that can be used is to make it harder for pirates to access the music files for download. In essence, this would involve increasing the difficulty of downloading music videos. The music industry can invest in technologies that enable encryptions that limit illegal music downloads. The industry can work in collaboration with the government in adopting technologies that increase the likelihood of being caught with pirated music. The instilling of fear in people will deter them in engaging in downloading music from unauthorized sites. The theory of hedonism is most applicable to music piracy. The theory purports that in life, pleasure is the chief good. According to this theory, people can undertake whatever actions they please as long as they promote pleasure (Burnor 100). The theory of hedonism is relevant to music piracy because pirates achieve happiness through their actions. The happiness of the pirate is given top priority without any consideration to what they deny the musicians who worked hard to provide the music. When pursuing things that bring value to life, the end justifies the means. The theory of deontology applies to music piracy in that it encourages pirates to consider their actions. The Actions undertaken by individuals are intrinsically wrong or right by themselves irrespective of the outcome. Piracy is wrong in itself although it has a pleasurable outcome to the pirates. Piracy does not conform to a social norm which makes it a bad choice The principle of utilitarianism refers to something as good when it brings the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people. In the spirit of utilitarianism then music piracy should be allowed. The argument for utilitarianism that relates to piracy is that a combination of selling authorized and illegal music will bring the greatest benefit to all. The decision will be ethical because it allows for the greatest good and happiness for the greatest number. Persons who lack the cash to pay for original music can still access music while the musicians still get their pay from those who can afford to pay for original music. However in the Christian view of what would Jesus do is in complete disagreement with the argument. Jesus would not steal or deny musicians the opportunity to gain returns from their hard work. While on earth He advocated for people to be given what is rightfully theirs, in the same spirit there should be no piracy. The response that I think is morally best is that of building on raising the awareness of the unethical nature of music piracy. The answer appeals to the human nature and tries to convince individuals that they should not pirate music. This response is morally best because when an individual is convinced not to pirate they do not need someone to watch constantly over them so that they do not pirate. The person becomes their own watchman who does not even need the government to instill fear in them through tough court fines. Creating an understanding that piracy is unlawful and that it constitutes denying a musician what is legally theirs is in itself self-sustaining. The response is also effective in that when an individual is convinced not to pirate they become an ambassador who convinces other people not to pirate by appealing to their moral conscience. Morally convinced people can live with the peace and joy of knowing that they did not rob musicians of what was rightfully theirs. The other responses do not appeal to the moral standards that are in play in the case of music piracy. The responses of having the government enforce piracy laws more seriously do not have any moral aspects. People may go slow or even stop music piracy not because they are convinced it is wrong but because they want to avoid being caught. The resulting scenario is that the government will have to be on a hunting mission for pirates all the time. Failure to do so, the pirates will be back at it because according to them there is nothing unethical with piracy. The response of making it harder to pirate copyrighted music is not as effective because better technologies are being invented day after day. Pirates are improving their skills daily and becoming better at pirating. The shortcoming in this endeavor is that even though illegal download sites are tracked and shut down new ones keep coming up. The pirates will keep looking on the internet until they find better sites to download free music that is of good quality. In conclusion, the menace that is music piracy has robbed well deserving musicians of their hard earned money. Although the industry has invested in fighting the crime, the issue persists. The government is fighting piracy by putting in place the laws that make it illegal to download music from unauthorized sites. However, the society in general has not been convinced that piracy is unethical explaining why majority of the people still engage in the vice. Future endeavors in curbing the crime of piracy should lay more focus on activities that emphasize how morally unappealing piracy is.

Works Cited

Burnor Richard. “Ethical Choices: An introduction to Moral philosophy with Cases.” Oxford University Press. Ed. 1 (2011). Print. Gareth Cronin. “A Taxonomy of Methods of Software Piracy Prevention. (2004). Web. 28 Nov. 2014. Hardy Wojciech, Joanna Tyrowicz, and Michal Krawcyk.” Why is online Piracy Ethically Different from Theft? A Vignette Experiment.” (2013). Web. 28 Nov. 2014.

Cite this page

Share with friends using:

Removal Request

Finished papers: 1728

This paper is created by writer with

ID 271621024

If you want your paper to be:

Well-researched, fact-checked, and accurate

Original, fresh, based on current data

Eloquently written and immaculately formatted

275 words = 1 page double-spaced

Get your papers done by pros!

Other Pages

Western civilization literature reviews, campus book reviews, clinic book reviews, acquisition book reviews, buyer book reviews, minimum book reviews, winner book reviews, massage book reviews, pool book reviews, comprehension book reviews, intent book reviews, excess book reviews, questionnaire book reviews, signal book reviews, managing change in organizations course work example, controlling or eliminating stress essay, essay on factors affecting functions of enzymes, free personal statement about what qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that would allow you to, example of essay on charlotte perkins gilman, good the beginning of a short story essay example, pros to animal experimentation research paper sample, good gender differences in attitudes towards homosexuality essay example, free review of literature article review sample, good essay about three art pieces, good essay about numerical information, free descartes renes wax experiment essay sample, example of research proposal on mba dissertation proposal, sample term paper on environmental policy and regulation air quality school bus idling, good example of research paper on qualitative critical analysis missed nursing care, free united states bill of rights essay sample, good essay on reaction paper, traditional irish music research paper samples, free hypnosis term paper example, law enforcement agencies essays example, diagnosing the change research paper examples, pain management essay sample, good example of work teams essay, free essay about afghanistan released prisoners, sample research paper on schizophrenia, esmarch essays, euthanizing essays, angiomas essays.

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

Home / Essay Samples / Music / Music Piracy

Music Piracy Essay Examples

Discussion whether should artists music be used in advertising.

This is should artists music be used in advertising essay in which the topic is discussed. Internet services such as Amazon and iTunes are common ways people today and in recent years purchase their music. Advertising artist can be complex, as every situation is different....

Types of Piracy: Software, Games, Music and Films

Piracy is the illegal duplication, appropriation, or utilization of programming. It is such a beneficial 'business' that it has grabbed the eye of composed crime groups in various nations. As indicated by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), about 36% of all product in current use...

The Issue of Movies and Music Piracy and Solutions to Prevent It

In everyday life we use the internet very often, and in most of those times we use the internet for entertainment purposes such as Watching online videos, listening to music or looking at funny pictures. But most of those times those movies or videos that...

Digital Piracy in the Music Industry

The prevalent practice of piracy over the Internet creates serious harm to creators and artists, both famous and struggling. With the continuous expansion of modern technology, access to the Internet has become much more advanced. Similarly, thousands of available websites enable people to easily download...

Trying to find an excellent essay sample but no results?

Don’t waste your time and get a professional writer to help!