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Posthumous Music Between Meaning and Money : Ethical Dilemmas in a Changing Technological Landscape
Waenink, Janneke (2025) Posthumous Music Between Meaning and Money : Ethical Dilemmas in a Changing Technological Landscape.
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| Abstract: | Posthumous music releases have become increasingly common, especially in hip hop, sparking debates over whether they respectfully preserve an artist’s legacy or exploit it for profit, a tension increasingly intensified by AI technologies. This study investigates how fans and artists justify their support for or opposition to posthumous releases, considering the tension between cultural and economic values. Mac Miller serves as a case study, with his posthumous releases widely seen as respectfully managed. Using a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews, 16 participants (artists and fans) shared their views on posthumous music. An abductive thematic approach was used to analyse the data. Fans and artists voiced shared concerns about exploitation in posthumous music, especially when commercial motives overshadow respect for an artist’s legacy. While fans were more critical of profit-driven releases, artists saw commercial structures as necessary to preserve and share their work. AI technologies intensified fears of exploitation due to the loss of human creativity and control. Clear consent mechanisms—like musical wills—were viewed as important ways to protect artists’ autonomy and ensure releases remain meaningful tributes. Overall, posthumous releases involve balancing cultural and economic values. Ethical approaches balance profit with respect for an artist’s legacy through transparency, musical wills, and clear agreements about AI use. These strategies help ensure these releases remain genuine tributes that honour, rather than exploit, the artist’s legacy. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 05 communication studies |
| Programme: | Communication Science BSc (56615) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107046 |
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