This course explores the music industry to examine how popular music influences global social, cultural and technological trends. Through multimedia presentations, readings, debates and interactions with artists and tastemakers, students explore the relevance of popular music as an expressive culture and the role of New York and London as gateways to music genres from around the world. The course provides a historical overview of contemporary popular music and a critical evaluation of the music industry as catalyzer for self-expression, tradition and media stardom.