Music

Our Work

Music is an essential aspect of culture, bringing people together and fostering creativity and connection. It is also an industry that provides jobs and is an economic engine for many communities. In recent decades, the music industry has changed significantly, with the rise of platforms, monopolized venues, and systematic profiteering. These developments have created significant problems for musicians, music industry participants, and listeners. Our work on the political economy of the music industry aims to ensure that music continues to be innovative and accessible to all, and that its industry works for all of its participants, not only a small few.

Sold Out: How State and Local Governments Pay for Live Nation’s Monopoly

9/24/26

This survey of public records finds that local and state governments have spent over $420 million subsidizing Live Nation’s amphitheaters. Moreover, governments actually own 50% of these venues, and Live Nation merely operates them through highly preferential government contracts. In light of the recent court case finding Live Nation liable for monopolizing the amphitheater market, this white paper proposes that states and local governments stop subsidizing Live Nation and operate their public-option venues in-house, or at least open up the contracts to competitive bidding with terms designed to protect the public.

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How to Save Audiences $11 Billion on Live Events

8/25/26

This white paper proposes to prohibit ticket resale for prices above face value and cap online ticket platform fees at 10%. These two policies would lower the cost of live sports and music by $11 billion every year.

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Join our team of scholars, policy experts, and students working on cutting-edge issues in political economy and regulation.

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