File sharing allows individuals to download music, which is unique to their listening tastes. This encourages individuals to form their own musical identities, which are less influenced from commercial interests such as radio stations and major record labels. These individual music tastes have meant music, which had previously received little attention, has gained much more attention with potential audiences. This music known, as niche music does not include any set genre, it instead is made up of non-mainstream music of from any possible genre.
As commercial interests have largely ignored these music sectors the introduction of file sharing has made downloading niche music easier than it would be to find at a record store. Cook (2003) believes that sales for� so- called 'marginal' music: jazz and blues may account for 2% or 3% of high street sales, but on the Internet it's more like 20%-30%�.
File sharing programs such as Warez also allow users to form groups based on their musical tastes. Many of these groups are formed from niche music listeners. This interaction within the servers also serves to strengthen individual groups as users can exchange ‘cultural capital’ and suggest other music the user may like.
Niche music includes many forms of ethnic music such as bhangra, tejana and zydeco. This music whilst being mainstream in their indigenous countries is ignored elsewhere in the world. The various Diasporas around the world therefore embrace niche music as it helps individuals to maintain and strengthen their ethnic [Music File Sharing-identity|identity]. Previously many Diasporas relied on friends or relatives in their home country to send them music often in tape form. The creation of file sharing has meant individuals can download this music directly onto their computer.
A globalised world means that individuals have more freedom to choose the media of which we consume. This has led to niche markets in many facets of the media. The growth in the niche market of music means more opportunities for niche artists to market, sell and perform their music. For a niche audience it means more access and media of the styles they like. For record companies it means growth in smaller record labels that represent niche music. For larger record companies it means a concerted effort to realize the potential of these previously ignored audiences.
Elliott franks 12:29, 29 Oct 2004 (EST)
References
Cook, R. (2003) “Niche Music lovers find online is sound,� New Media Age, Mar 6 2003, retrieved August 9 2004 from [1]
Kasaras, Kostas. “Music in the Age of Free Distribution: MP3 and Society,� First Monday, issue 7, Retrieved August 8 2004 from first monday
Music File Sharing
identity
Subcultures
Niche Music
Morals & Ethics
Disintermediation
