THE DIGITAL AGE {opinion}

The Digital Age

In the direct step with the dawn of the digital age, there has been an extraordinary increase in the amount of internet piracy occurring around the world (primarily in the more technologically advanced nations). The reason that this is occurring more often now than in the past is that it is so much simpler to achieve than before that it is illogical (by the consumer's perspective) not to. Not only is it simple to find songs on certain file-sharing websites, music has also available all throughout the internet (YouTube, Pandora, Spotify). No longer are people locked into buying an album or settling on the limited songs of the radio. 

TurnTable.fm 

While I write this, I am listening (and DJing) on a website called Turntable™ where I can listen to music uploaded by 'music aficionados' and producers looking for input by a digital audience on whether the song is 'awesome' or 'lame'. Even though it is beneficial for upcoming artist to have their music grow, these websites impede on their profits. This seems to be the fork in the road for the media industry. As it is hard to truly crack down on piracy, due to the fact that the majority of music sharing isn't illegal and is operated by legal corporations. The profit center for this industry has transitioned to live entertainment, ad revenue of YouTube (and other music sharing websites with adverts), and merchandise. The two options are: to adjust the business model, or fight to keep the status quo. The more progressive option is to adapt to the new world of music. 

Many new artist have. Certain promoters on user-uploaded media platforms to get the word out and link the song to their bandpage (either on SoundCloud, Facebook or BeatPort). This can help them get recognized by record labels, but more importantly event organizers. As a active, social man in my 20s i often frequent small venues to see artists and occasionally spend (extra) money to go a large venue with a lot of artists. These concerts are large revenue streams for these artist for a long time to come (and isn't a one time purchase like a song). If people don't have to pay to listen to an artist's song, they can download (then listen to) this artist's songs. If they have a liking to them and share it to their fans, thus increasing their fan base within weeks (due to the exponential 'tree' increase of the internet). This not only will lead to more ad revenue, but more attention in other regards as well. Its all about how they adapt to the new landscape of music, rather than condemning the audiophiles that are just in search of musical exploration without the costs. It makes people more willing to explore and take a chance on an unknown artist, then settling for the safe overplayed artist.