WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Media Studies: Revision Guide

Why might some people prefer to own a physical copy of an album? What type of listener in particular is likely to buy a vinyl record? Quickfire Revision 5.41 Note any examples on your contemporary artists’ websites of encouragement to buy their music (whether a physical product or download). Top Revision Tip 5.31 • Links to other content, including audio-visual material and music videos • Interactive links, including to social and participatory media. You should have studied the artists’ Facebook and Twitter pages, and you might have explored other sites, such as Instagram. Changes in the Music Industry There have been many significant changes to the music industry in recent years. New digital technologies have had a major impact on the way in which music is now distributed and consumed. The music industry is very large and operates on a global scale. It contributes billions of pounds to the economy in Britain. Sales of ‘physical’ records have been falling for several years. Many people now legally download music or listen via online streaming services, such as Spotify, that generate money for the record labels. Much music is available on free platforms such as YouTube, so the industry faces a challenge in generating profits from music sales. Vinyl records are increasing in popularity again, which suggests that the music industry is using both new and traditional technologies to continue to appeal to audiences. The Contemporary Music Artists You will have studied a set music video (and associated online, social and participatory media) for two contemporary artists: • Either Katy Perry or Taylor Swift and • Either Pharrell Williams or Bruno Mars. Which of the artists… (There might be more than one.) 1 Is signed to Capitol Records, part of the Universal Music Group? 2 Is signed to Columbia Records, a label owned by Sony? 3 Has won several Grammy awards? 4 Completely rebranded their website and social media sites in 2017, revealing a new image? 5 Has more Twitter followers than anyone else in the world (107 million as of December 2018)? 6 Has written songs for film soundtracks and produced the film Hidden Figures in 2016? Checklist of Key Points Quickfire Revision 5.42 For an overview of the current music industry, see page 155 of the student book. Link Key points about each artist are given on pages 161–163 of the student book. Link Taylor Swift at the 58th Grammy Awards. WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Media Studies Revision Guide 136