Disruption is the future of business and the creative industries. Discuss with reference
to relevant case studies and drawing on the theory of change.
In the dynamic landscape of the creative industries, the concept of disruption has emerged as
a powerful force in shaping the trajectory of success and innovation. Driven by technological
advancements and shifts in consumer behaviour, disruption challenges traditional models and
compels creative businesses to adapt to surpass their competitors. In this essay, I will delve
into the dynamic interplay between disruptive innovation and the music industry. I will frame
my discussion by exploring the digital revolution and its effect on how music is consumed. In
discussing the transformation of the music industry, Vaizey observes that as music
consumption methods have evolved, ‘so too have the ways in which artists are discovered
and marketed, and their music distributed’ (Vaizey, 2022). I will analyse this notion through
music distributors, specifically focusing on the case study of Spotify and its creative
disruption within the industry through the creation of its music streaming platform. Before
delving into the analysis of disruption caused by the implementation of streaming platforms,
it is essential to comprehend the definition of creative disruption. In explaining the impact of
disruption, the concept refers to ‘the innovative and frequently unconventional strategies
utilised by entrepreneurs to challenge established norms and disrupt traditional business
models within creative sectors’ (Faster Capital, n.d.). Spotify employs such innovative
technological strategies to fulfil its mission of fostering ‘human creativity by giving artists
the opportunity to live off their art and billions of fans the opportunity to enjoy and be
inspired by it’ (Spotify, 2023). Furthermore, discussing the development of the music
industry ‘allows us to understand why streaming has become the most prominent market for
owners of music recording rights’ (Hesmondhalgh et al., 2021: 14). Moreover, through
discussing the past evolution of music distribution and consumption, I can analyse how
disruption shapes the future of business within the creative industries.