The Economist recently interviewed Roger Faxon, head of EMI Music Publishing, for their audio podcast (sure, I subscribe, what of it?); while listening I found myself bobbing my ear-budded head up and down in vigorous agreement on the subway, causing my personal space in the train car to generously expand.
Except for a brief but embarrassing editing goof around 3/4 of the way through, the interview is fascinating, and I ‘Amen Brother’d with almost every word Faxon says. He seems completely brilliant, and totally gets it. I want the guy to be my guru. His perception of how the value of recorded music is switching from object fetishism to links of organization without any loss of love or desire, is spot on.
One Comment
Interesting interview… thanks for posting the link!
I have to say that I disagree with one of Faxson's points. He claims that musical experiences are no less special/personal today despite the lack of physical ownership of the product (LP, CD, tape, etc). It does seem, to me, that the immediate availability of and nearly constant exposure to music has, in fact, made the listening experience less special or coveted. Who makes a point to just sit and listen to a piece of music rather than having it run in the background while they do the dishes, run on the treadmill, or drive their car? Yes, there is massive music consumption, but what is the quality of that experience?
Jason
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