Music Performance Commons^™

The Dilemma Of Empty Halls, Joanna Lauer

Musical Offerings

Today, live classical concert attendance is low, a fact which threatens the careers of professional musicians. This paper examines recent statistics of classical concert attendance, theories as to why attendance rates are low, marketing methods for target audiences, and finally, recommendations to solve the dilemma of empty concert halls. To encourage concert attendance, classical music must be tastefully marketed to present-day audiences through the experience of technically excellent, musical, and interesting live performances. Ultimately, the relationship between art and its audience (the consumer) reveals that the key to the dilemma is the audience.

Music Video Review: "O Superman" - Laurie Anderson, Jacob Thomas (Kiko) F. Yago

Backstage Pass

Laurie Anderson's "O Superman" music video is a commentary about the progression of technology. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkfpi2H8tOE

A Line In The Sand Album Review, Robert N. Moore

Backstage Pass

On July 3rd, 2020, American Arson released their first full-length album. A Line In The Sand has a tight and powerful sound while still feeling raw and untamed, thanks to the help of high production standards. The lyrics somehow find a balance between bold, catchy, and beautiful. Their message mainly revolves around the current American socio-political sphere, challenging their listeners to seek compassion and unity instead of giving into apathy and ignorance.

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Ishmael Album Review, Robert N. Moore

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This is an extensive review of the metal album Ishmael, written, performed, mixed, mastered, and released all by Jared Smith. The album combines religion, intricate guitar riffs, and metal to create an avant-garde piece of art.

Copyright And Copywrong, Noah Granard

Backstage Pass

This paper attempts to offer a critique of the music industry and modern copyright law via analysis/individual case study in order to provide suggestions for possible reform. Topics include: background information and commentary on the status of the public domain, why the current laws/statures hamper creativity, and what steps should be taken next to remedy these issues. In order to both promote new music, while also respecting the intellectual property of artists and groups with existing content, there must be genuine reform at the highest levels; copyright and music industry laws must stem from the basis of supporting artists and …

Producer Interview: Teak Underdue, Kris Jones

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This interview is with three-time Grammy-nominated music producer Teak Underdue of Hallway Productions. He discusses his background and the path he has taken to become a well respected music creator and producer. The interviewee offers advice for aspiring producers on how to build their reputation and credits in the music industry.

Industry Profile: Tour Manager, Lisa Policaro, Elizabeth Shearrow

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Lisa Policaro is a Tour Manager from Long Island, New York with over 20 years of experience in the music business. She has worked in all areas of the industry from Interning for Columbia Records to working her way up to being Tour Manager. In this interview, Lisa talks with Elizabeth Shearrow (‘23) about how she got her start in the industry, what qualities students need to have to become a Tour Manager, and how COVID-19 has impacted her career.

Interview With Bonnie Gallanter, Dylan Bliss

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Bonnie Gallanter, President of Muse Artist Management, is a talent manager, music consultant and event producer for high profile music, film, and television clients. Gallanter is currently the Director of the Women’s International Music Network and Co-Producer of the She Rocks Awards, Events and Showcases. She Co-Produced CMJ Music Marathon, New York’s largest and longest running music festival, for over 20 years as well as numerous festivals, events, panels and symposiums, trade shows, concerts, personal appearances and tours. As a manager, she has specialized in artist development, tour production and management, music development, film and commercial production, distribution, marketing and …

Letter From The Editor-In-Chief, Keith Hatschek

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Outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Keith Hatschek, relates what accomplishments the editors of the journal have achieved, as well as previewing the content from this issue.

Quincy: A Documentary Review, Analy Cruz

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This is a film review of the 2018 documentary film on the life and music of legendary producer, Quincy Jones.

Amy: A Film Review, Lucas Dehner

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A review of the 2015 documentary film, Amy.

Tearing Down The Wall: An Analysis Of Pink Floyd’S 1979 Rock Opera, Darla Testino

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No abstract provided.

Bohemian Rhapsody: A Film Review, Ailey Butler

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This is a review of the 2018 Queen bio-pic, Bohemian Rhapsody.

Metallica: Some Kind Of Monster Film Review, Ceara J. Costa

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This is a film review of the 2004 documentary, Some Kind of Monster, which provides an in-depth portrait of the heavy metal band, Metallica, during the making of their St. Anger album. It addresses issues of mental health, depression, group dynamics and the pressures that successful artists face in maintaining their internal and external relationships while still trying to create new music.

A 70'S Dream Queen: Carole King's Tapestry, Kortney Burton

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The essay critiques the 1971 best-selling album, Tapestry, written and performed by Carole King.

Rock Of Ages Film Review, Sarah Werth

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This is a critique of the 2012 musical film, Rock of Ages.

Re-Born On The Bayou: Creedence Clearwater Revival's Sophomore Album, Mike Camfield

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This is a critique of the 1969 sophomore album, Bayou Country, by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Me Too: The Effects Of Sexual Harassment And Assault In The Entertainment Industry, Cassandra M. Gaal

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This paper gives insight to the growing issue of sexual harassment and assault in the entertainment industry. The paper provides information on the impact technology and social media have on sexual harassment and how women in particular are viewed in the entertainment industry. The paper also discusses how different genres of music and other forms of entertainment had oversexualized women, and how movies and TV shows have created this idea that someone being romantic is someone who is aggressive and forceful towards their partner.

Passing The Baton From Detroit To Berlin: Techno’S Introduction To The Global Scene, Rebekah M. Thomas

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Podcast describing the history and cultural impact of the techno music trend in the 1980s and 1990s.

The Next Frontier: Blockchain In The Music Industry, Manuel J. Manriquez Jr

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This Research Paper takes a look at how Blockchain technology can potentially change the music industry as we know it!

Streaming Services Insist On Buying Out Composers’ Music Rights, Kendra Sananikone

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No abstract provided.

From Penny Lane To Stranger Things: Technology’S Influence On Music Production, Sami Fong

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No abstract provided.

Spotify Vs. Apple Music, Lexi Gerbino

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A quick look at the differences of the two biggest music streaming services, Spotify and Apple Music.

Female Representation In U.S. Music Festivals, Kortney Burton

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No abstract provided.

A Guide To 30 Northern California Venues: Excerpts, Nicole Wasnock

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This is a sample of six venues from my senior project, A Guide to 30 Northern California Venues.

Interview With Sarah Jones, Music Industry Media Specialist, Jennifer Morrow

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No abstract provided.

Letter From The Editor, Keith Hatschek

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No abstract provided.

Does Spotify Really Hurt Artists?, Daniel Witt

Marriott Student Review

For years, members of the music industry have debated whether music streaming services like Spotify help or hurt artists. This article explores the pros and cons of music streaming and argues that overall, Spotify and services like it are helping artists to achieve their career goals.

Industry Profile: Denny Stilwell, Mack Avenue Music Group President, Axel Tanner

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No abstract provided.

Insta-Promotion: Here’S Why (And How) You Should Be Using Instagram To Market Your Music, Jennifer Morrow

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No abstract provided.