The cultural economy of death: advertising and popular music

The chapter explores the triple concoction of advertising, music and death, ‘an intoxicating mix which harnesses the intense and dynamic relationship between a listener, a dead musician and the music itself.’ The chapter explores the use of posthumous musical releases, the re-packaging of material to coincide with anniversaries of a musician’s death and the release of biopics, soundtracks and back catalogues which aim to increase sales by advertising the demise of the musician. From Elvis to Amy Winehouse, the ‘industry of death requires all elements of the relationship to work in synchronicity: the advertising industry, the popular music industry, musicians and audiences.’