Technology Challenging Society; Is Music On the Right Track?

PRESS RELEASE: Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand

Technology Challenging Society; Is Music On the Right Track?

Technology is opening doors for music consumers and musicians, cutting out the middle man and attracting more money and opportunity than ever, says NZ music legend Dave Dobbyn and other industry leaders predicting the next 25 years.

In a free public panel discussion, 5.30pm Wednesday 22 May 2013, the panel of industry experts will examine the evolving relationship between music and technology, predict future trends, and identify the greatest challenges for consumers, musicians and industry – now and in the next 25 years.

“In the near future most consumers will buy songs via wire streaming, listen to them on portable devices – IPod/smartphones, tablets or Google glasses – doing away with the need for CD’s and records,” says music industry veteran Simon Grigg (who developed and released OMC's global hit 'How Bizarre' and Audio Culture, a music history site which launches in June).

The Institution of Professional Engineers and the New Zealand Music Commission are teaming up to host the public discussion, bringing together some of the country’s top music leaders;

• musician Dave Dobbyn

• industry veteran Simon Grigg

• composer and lecturer Dugal McKinnon, NZ School of Music

• music commentator, writer and radio host Martyn Pepperell.

Panellists Simon Grigg and Martyn Pepperell say some of those changes are already happening; they will simply accelerate and happen faster as technology improves.

Subscription online streaming, already commonly used by youth and music enthusiasts, will become the main way music is paid for and accessed by most consumers.

“I’m pretty positive about it. I don’t buy into the negativity. There is still music being made and the middle man is increasingly being cut out,” says Grigg.

Pepperell agreed, saying “Physical copies of music will only be there for nostalgic reasons or niche groups.”

The panel discussion is the first of a Technology Challenging Society Series hosted by IPENZ, high-lighting how technology and engineering impact on society with another three panels later this year - health, food and the environment.

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