A recent post, “Shaping the Future of Music in the Creator Economy,” from D^3 blackbox Lab, described how the music industry is undergoing a transformation driven by digital tools and shifting business models. The blog outlined a panel discussion hosted by James Riley, Principal Investigator of the lab and Assistant Professor at HBS, that featured George Monger, CEO of Connect Music Group, and Jabari Evans, Assistant Professor of the University of South Carolina. The panel discussed the evolving landscape of artist representation, revenue distribution, and challenges in the creator economy.
Connect Music pioneers an artist-centered model that allows creators to retain 100% ownership of their intellectual property, versus traditional industry norms that often exploit minority artists. By leveraging platforms like TikTok and YouTube, artists gain greater autonomy and financial independence while bypassing corporate gatekeepers. This model also emphasizes localized storytelling and personalized support and empowers artists from underrepresented communities to control their careers and navigate the “monetization maze” in the industry today.
By combining data-driven insights, trust-building, and equitable revenue-sharing practices, Connect Music and similar models aim to foster a more inclusive, creator-driven future, redefining success in the modern music industry.