Here are three distinct paper "pitches" you can use as a starting point: 1. The "Democratization" Angle
Case studies of artists who went viral without a budget (e.g., Lil Nas X or Billie Eilish).
Breaking the Gatekeepers: How Free Online Platforms Have Democratized Music Production and Consumption.
The "freemium" model, while effective for user growth, creates a precarious economic environment for mid-tier artists and relies on controversial data-mining practices [27, 36]. Key Points:
How interactive theory tools (e.g., musictheory.net) provide foundational knowledge for free [2].
"Free online music" is a broad topic that can be approached through several lenses, ranging from the business models of streaming giants to the legal complexities of copyright.
The social impact of high-quality music becoming accessible to lower-income demographics. 2. The Economics & Ethics Angle
The rise of "bedroom producers" using free browser-based tools like Audiotool or Chrome Music Lab [7, 12].