AM, FM and new formats

This essay compares terrestrial radio (AM and FM) with online music and podcasts. Discuss the pros and cons of each format, and who uses each format to access content.

To rip or not to rip

Chapter 7 of the text mentions piracy. Read this post by David Lowery, the founding member of bands Cracker and Camper van Beethoven. Lowery was responding to NPR intern Emily White, who said she hadn’t paid for any of the songs in her 11,000 song library. Do you agree or disagree with Emily White or David Lowery? Why?

Vinyl and cassette tapes make a comeback

Recording formats thought to be obsolete -- vinyl and cassette tapes -- are enjoying a renaissance among collectors. Read these links and discuss why collectors might find these formats attractive.

The long tail and musicians

After reading this link, discuss how “the long tail” (as discussed in Chapter 4) might make the music industry more accessible to artists who are just launching their careers or artists with a limited focus or appeal.