Presentation at the International Association for the Study of Popular Music-United States , 21st May 2020 - 23rd May 2020, in Ann Arbor, MI.

Abstract:

Traditional mechanisms for measuring success include tallying their album sales, their number one hits, and their concert attendance records. These mechanisms, however, do not account for the reality of today’s music industry. With social media and online collaboration and promotion platforms like ReverbNation, independent artists can gain a following, distribute their music, and connect with producers and audiences alike. In addition, many niche musicians build their careers on such platforms by reaching international audiences. As well, so-called one-hit wonders and ‘washed up’ artists continue to connect with their fan base and perform long past their time in the limelight.

Within this context, this paper argues that the time has come to move beyond purely quantitative mechanisms for assessing success in the music industry. Through an analysis of the career of reggae icon Sean Paul, this paper tests several non-traditional mechanisms for in the hope of broadening our understanding of this changing definition of success. Among other metrics, this paper considers the longevity of Sean Paul’s career, the number and caliber of his collaborations, the frequency with which he releases new songs, the number of times he’s performed, his lyrical relevance, his social media following and interventions, and his recognizability. The findings of this paper could be applied to other musical genres and artists, as well as to other cultural industries, all of which have also undergone transformation due to technological developments.