Abstract

The music industry of the digital age has witnessed seemingly endless battles involving copyright. Though continuous efforts to strengthen copyright under romantic understating have benefited major actors in the industry, it has threatened creativity and net activism in the digital age. This study argues rhetoric used by the industry regarding how file sharing and digital environments hurt music sales is inadequate. It has enabled the industry and its major labels to embolden copyright and protective legislation with the government's support. This article will reveal that the issue surrounding copyright under the romantic notion is not an outdated one confined to the early era of digital music This article will argue that major players in the industry are repeating the old strategic approach of controlling the music market. This is achieved by limiting practices of music audiences and future creativity such as the creation of amateur content and emergence of new business models.