Abstract

In the few years prior to 2009, there have been many shifts and turns in the recording industry, as newly rising technologies have become an integral part of our daily lives. Especially with the advent of social networking websites, tremendous changes have occurred in terms of political economy and in the convergence of major and independent music corporations, and of independent (indie), major and unsigned artists. This paper examines the origin of the tension and compatibility that occurs between the mainstream and independent music industries; in doing so, it will also explore how this interrelationship has transitioned into the social media age, which provides the context for the competitive and collaborative activities of the mainstream music industry and independent musicians.