Online Masterclass 31: Thomas Meadowcroft on Two Case Studies

Thomas Meadowcroft is an Australian composer and musician. His music often examines aspects of cultural memory in contemporary society, as well as the social and political economies of music in its realisation. Thomas’ orchestral music has been performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the SWR Symphony Orchestra, while his chamber music has been performed internationally with some of the world’s leading ensembles dedicated to contemporary music.

In his Online Masterclass series for Sounds Unheard, ‘An Introduction to the Value of Music’, Thomas provides an introductory lecture for young students on the political economy of music – examining how we produce and consume music in the modern world, and what value music might hold in today’s society.

In the final of Thomas’ three episodes, specifically intended for students and young artists, we examine two case studies showing how musical artists have disrupted the economic status quo: the meteoric rise of Lil Nas X’s ‘Old Town Road’, and Vulfpeck’s disruption of streaming royalties with their 2014 album ‘Sleepify’. How have these artists worked both inside and outside of existing capitalist systems to support their music?

Thanks to Thomas for taking us through a brief introduction to the political economy of music in this fascinating series! To learn more about Thomas, please visit his website or Australian Music Centre Profile.

With thanks to our Online Masterclass partners Pughouse Studios.