This book is a comprehensive examination of the industry that drives the music business. It is about how and why the industry is now centralized in six international entertainment conglomerates. From both a macro and micro perspective, the forces that drive the industry are explained in an economic (and often historical) context. It is organized around the central concept of three income streams: the sale of recordings, music publishing, and live performances. This book explores the relationships of these three streams to each other, to other media, and to the overall recording industry.

It is written in a clear, straightforward style designed to help students comprehend difficult concepts.