A quick note about Making Places Better

(small) changes are coming...

Sep 29 • Shain Shapiro, PhD

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Introducing Move Afrika & Why It Matters

Welcome again to Making Places Better, my Substack, where I look at how music can address and solve big global problems and, in doing so, make places…

Sep 22 • Shain Shapiro, PhD, Move Afrika, and Jake Obeng-Bediako

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I hope Dolly Won’t Be The Last American Everyone Liked

We will never replace her. But we can reinforce what she teaches us.

Sep 3 • Shain Shapiro, PhD

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August 2026

The Problem With Music Tourism

And how to fix it.

Aug 7 • Shain Shapiro, PhD

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July 2026

Opportunity Cost Versus Opportunity Lost

Music as an artform will survive. Without change, I'm not so sure about the broader industry. But this is an opportunity

Jul 28 • Shain Shapiro, PhD

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From Making Places Better To Saving The World

Ten years of music policy taught us that places listen. The next ten have to prove it mattered.

Jul 14 • Shain Shapiro, PhD

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June 2026

How We Improve The Global Music Industry

Make access to it more geographically diverse. That is my mission. Join me.

Jun 4 • Shain Shapiro, PhD

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April 2026

Three Ways a Streaming Upload Fee Could Actually Work

Here are some ideas to establish circular economic principles in streaming, similar to what's happening in live music

Apr 16 • Shain Shapiro, PhD

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February 2026

Introducing The Sound of Recovery

A guest post from my friend and true expert, Carlo Ruiz

Feb 24 • Shain Shapiro, PhD and The Sound of Recovery

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January 2026

Could an Upload Fee Help Fix Music Streaming

An idea borrowed from airline tickets, hotel stays and now live show tickets.

Jan 29 • Shain Shapiro, PhD

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Making Places Better Is Changing: My Plan For 2026

Some thoughts on 2025 and ideas for 2026

Jan 8 • Shain Shapiro, PhD

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November 2025

This Has Been The Place: Reflections on My Two Year Tour Learning How Music Is Making Cities Better

The tour is over. Two years, 90+ dates in 17 countries. There's a lot to say and be thankful for.

Nov 24, 2025 • Shain Shapiro, PhD

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