The study of the socio-cultural approaches of the music industry is motivated by the topicality and importance of the targeted phenomenon. Through our scientifi c approach we aim to systematize the theories that provide scientifi c answers to the existing problems of the music industry. The comprehensive assessment of the significance and confluence between music and industry was made by analyzing the theories and socio-cultural concepts framed in diff erent socio-cultural and socio-economic paradigms, which focused on research both evolutionary aspects of music activity in the world and aspects of content, functionality and cultural impact on society. The research result, obtained from the analysis of over a hundred thematic bibliographic sources, establishes the evolution of different concepts and theories about the music industry, highlights the most relevant theories and systematizes the reference bibliography for a reconsideration of the term music industry.