Originally hailing from France, our alumnus Arthur Ehlinger studied Music Business at SAE Glasgow.
He then completed a Master’s Degree in Music Industries at the University of Glasgow where he has also undertaken a PhD.
We previously spoke to Arthur to explore his research into musicians who utilise Twitch as a new way to showcase their work and reach audiences.
He’s now publishing new research into independent creators and authors in the digital age.
Find out more about Arthur’s time at SAE in our interview and get in contact with our team now if you’d like to follow in his footsteps and take on one of our courses…
How did your time at SAE prep you to take on a PhD and launch this career in academia?
My time at SAE in Glasgow was truly the foundation of my academic and professional journey.
Moving from France to study Music Business at SAE was a big step, but it was there that I met Dr John Markey, a lecturer who became an important mentor.
His support and encouragement were instrumental throughout my bachelor’s degree. As I neared graduation, he suggested I consider a master’s program, and a year later, he encouraged me again to pursue a PhD. His guidance and belief in my potential were crucial, and I’m certain that without his support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Congratulations on the latest piece of research you’ve published – could you talk a little about it and how it came together?
Thank you! Currently, I’m working at CREATe, the UK centre for regulation of the creative economy based at the University of Glasgow. We’re working with my colleagues Dr Amy Thomas and Professor Martin Kretschmer on a series of reports that explore the challenges facing the creative industries, especially the creators themselves – authors, performers, visual artists, and others.
Our research highlights how these creators are often on the front lines, experiencing the immediate impacts of rapid changes in the world. These pressures can be quite significant, affecting their livelihoods and creative processes. Our goal is to understand these challenges and provide insights and recommendations that can help support and sustain these vital contributors to our economy and culture.
What are the challenges and opportunities facing indie authors in the digital age? Copyright and IP seem to be a big issue for creators of all kinds in this new landscape?
Authors, like many other creators, are facing significant challenges in today’s digital age. Their income is often decreasing in a market that is increasingly competitive and difficult to navigate. To stay competitive, they need to rely heavily on technology and master a broader range of skills, effectively becoming entrepreneurs in addition to being creators.
Copyright and intellectual property (IP) are indeed central issues in these discussions, especially with the rise of AI. The rapid advancements in technology raise questions about whether our current understanding of these concepts will remain relevant in the coming years. It’s a fascinating yet daunting time!
What were the most important things you learned at SAE?
I learned a great deal during my time at SAE. It was the perfect environment to develop essential academic skills such as public speaking, writing effectively, and collaborating with others. These are all daunting tasks for a young student, but they have become valuable life skills that I still carry with me today.
How has Glasgow been as a place to launch your academic year?
Glasgow has been a great place to launch my academic career, especially as someone interested in the creative industries. The city is vibrant and culturally rich, with exciting events happening year-round and a diverse range of stakeholders involved in the creative sectors. On a more personal level, I’ve found Glasgow to be a particularly inclusive city where I’ve always felt at home, which provided the perfect environment to study.
What are your future plans? Do you have other projects running alongside your academic work?
I plan to continue working hard (just in case my boss reads this). We have new reports scheduled for release later this year, so it’s a busy time, but I genuinely enjoy what I do, so I can’t complain. Outside of work, I love running. So, my plan is to keep working, running, and enjoying life in Glasgow.
Read Arthur’s latest research, Re-defining Indie: Charting the course of independent authors in the digital age.
Study Music Business at SAE
At SAE, our Music Business Degree can help students learn the best ways to develop a network in the music industry.
As we’ve seen above, it’s an essential skill that will take you a long way on your journey within the sector.
Honing this ability alongside discovering more about various areas of the business such as publishing, copyright and more will give you the edge when it comes to forging your own path or looking for music industry opportunities.
