Shaping Music’s Digital Future, 2008-2015

From 2008 to 2015, Georgetown remained a home for shaping music policy by addressing the digital revolution’s challenges through impactful summits and forums. The discussions and information sessions tackled emerging issues like streaming, net neutrality, and global music rights, reinforcing its role as a leader in the discourse on the music industry’s evolving technoscape.

2015 Future of Music Policy Summit

The 2015 summit revisited themes such as digital rights management, music streaming economics, and global policy impacts on music distribution. It brought together international experts and industry leaders to discuss the rapidly changing digital music landscape and its implications for artists worldwide. The summit provided critical insights that informed ongoing legislative and industry discussions on how to adapt to and thrive in the digital age.

2014 Future of Music Policy Summit

This year’s summit addressed critical issues at the intersection of music, activism, and technology, including the potential monopolistic impacts on the music industry and the role of public sector engagement in protecting artist rights. Participants included leading activists and technologists who discussed the challenges and opportunities posed by innovations in music technology. The outcomes focused on developing more robust protections for artists and ensuring fair competition within the industry.

2013 Future of Music Summit

The 2013 summit tackled a wide array of topics, including the impact of metadata on music distribution, the role of streaming platforms, and strategies for fan engagement. Notable contributions came from experts like Tim Westergren, founder of Pandora, who discussed the economic realities facing modern musicians. The outcomes from the summit included enhanced tools and strategies for artists to effectively manage their digital presence and rights

2012 Future of Music Summit

Focused on the emerging role of Internet radio and platforms like Pandora, this summit explored the complex relationship between intellectual property and the Internet’s role in artist compensation. Discussions also covered the influence of artists in shaping cultural policy, with outcomes leading to better-informed strategies for artist activism and engagement in policy-making. The summit was instrumental in shaping legislative discussions around internet radio royalties and copyright reform.

2010 Future of Music Policy Summit

The 2010 summit provided in-depth discussions on online marketing strategies for musicians, the implications of healthcare reform on the artist community, and new digital music promotion and distribution tactics. Speakers included high-profile industry experts and policymakers who offered insights into copyright termination and transfer laws. The summit catalyzed policy recommendations and enhanced understanding among artists and industry stakeholders about the need for legal reforms to accommodate new media realities.

2009 Future of Music Coalition Policy Day

This policy day at Georgetown University brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, artists like Erin McKeown, and industry experts, to discuss critical issues such as terrestrial and internet radio policies, intellectual property, and copyright. The event focused on advocating for Fair Trade music principles, aiming to establish more equitable practices within the industry. The outcomes included enhanced advocacy strategies and increased awareness among artists about their rights and the dynamics of digital music distribution.

2008 “What’s the Future for Musicians” Seminar

In 2008, Georgetown hosted the “What’s the Future for Musicians” seminar, focusing on the dramatic transformations in the music industry brought about by digital technologies. Discussions revolved around establishing a sustainable middle class for musicians in the digital age, with emphasis on the impacts of internet neutrality and digital distribution platforms. The seminar served as a crucial platform for addressing the challenges and opportunities facing musicians, leading to actionable insights for artists looking to navigate the evolving landscape.