Music Industry Veteran Cites Spotify as Potential Industry Threat

By Dillon Koenig

MURFREESBORO, Tenn.-- Music industry veteran Michael Knox talked about the challenges music makers face during a speech at Middle Tennessee State University on Nov. 11, saying Spotify is “killing the recording industry.”

            Knox, who graduated from MTSU in 1991, said he wasn’t sure which career field to pursue. He graduated with an uncertain career path and limited resources. Knox eventually founded his own company, Hit Pluggers, providing song plug-ins software that provides effects for recordings. Warner/Chapel Music later offered him a job, and within six months he was named the vice-president of the company. Knox, who has been a music publisher for 25 years, now works for Peer Music. He has placed 13 songs with Jason Aldean that hit the top of the charts.

During Tuesday’s speech, Knox talked about his experiences and personal observations about the recording industry to an audience of approximately 100 people.

No path is the right way,” Knox told the crowd. “It’s whatever works for you.”

Knox refers to this on his website when he writes, "I don't do things in a traditional way. I want to be the guy who may do the unexpected because it taps into the heart of the creative process.”

            A controversial question was asked about artists deciding to use or not to use Spotify for song distribution. At first, Knox seemed hesitant to answer. After a long pause, he said he believes that Spotify is “killing the recording industry” because it only gives 0.008 of a cent in royalties each time a song is played. Knox said collaboration between the songwriter and publisher are essential to creating the best product possible.

           During the question and answer phase of the event, one attendee asked how Knox approaches potential clients.

“You have to have complete faith in what they’re doing,” Knox said. “They also have to have complete faith in you.”

            “The question and answer session was very informative, providing helpful insights about the music industry,” said MTSU Recording Industry student Marissa Dant. “I really enjoyed the event and hope we can do something like it again.”

For more information about Know you can visit his website at www.michaelknoxmusic.com.

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