HOW THE INTERNET HAS CHANGED THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
June 23, 2022 | IN | WRITTEN BY Recording Connection
The world moves much faster today than it did at the dawn of the music industry. Technology has been instrumental in that evolution. No one would dispute the fact that theInternet has changed the music industryinto being almost unrecognizable to the industry of the past.In fact, things continue to change at such a rapid rate that the music business is still struggling to keep up. From early issues like illegal downloading and music sharing sites (like the now-defunct Napster) to current disputes over music streaming services and how much the artists/labels should be paid in royalties, the Internet still seems to be raising more questions than it is answering.However, where there are problems, there are solutions. For the enterprising individual who has drive, willpower, and a hunger for creativity… There’s room to make interesting things happen.While the Internet has made music more accessible to the public, it’s made it more difficult for artists to make money. Which means, if you want to be a recording artist, you need to have grit. You need to be someone who’s looking for the corners and the places that offer open opportunities.
How the Music Industry Has Changed with the Internet
Despite what it might appear, at first glance, the internet is also an incredible tool that enables independent musicians to find a global audience. If they’re the right type of person, they can do this without the help and backing of a major label. In short, if you want to be a person in the industry today, you have to be all in.Let’s take a look at how the positives and negatives play out in real life. It’s easy to say that the internet has messed things up, but what does that really mean? Let’s start withTHE BAD.While huge segments of the public are excited about the simple fact that the internet has enabled people to quickly and effectively get their hands on music, this comes at a massive cost. Or rather… cost reduction. Music today is just cheap. It’s disposable. It’s viewed as free. People spend more time stealing music than they do listening to it, in a lot of cases.Piracy and low streaming royalties have fundamentally changed the way artists get paid off of their creative work. With the dominance of Spotify, Pandora, and other music streaming services, who offer either ad-based or paid subscriptions, this fact isn’t going to be changing anytime soon.
Changes in the Music Industry–For the Better
THE GOOD, almost paradoxically, is that the internet is egalitarian. You can be everywhere at once. You can find a niche, produce content for it, and accrue fans, all by yourself. There’s an old adage “Familiarity breeds loyalty” and the internet allows contemporary artists to accomplish just that. Cultivating a tiktok following, or any digital following, is easier today than it has ever been.The same Internet that has caused all the problems, is going to be the solution. If you’re a young entrepreneur, you’re going to need to have all the tools for success right in front of you. It’s not about fighting for the rights to your masters, like it used to be. It’s about leveraging your social following to buy tickets to see you live.In many ways, the music industry “machine” is dead. It only services the top 1% of artists. And for every Drake or Taylor Swift that benefits from that system there are legions of other artists who have found success doing it themselves. That’s the ultimate answer to the question of “How Has The Internet Changed Music,” it freed it from the grasp of literal gangsters. Yes, it has made certain areas harder to find success within, but it’s absolutely made having a career in music, on your own terms possible.
As an enthusiast and expert in the music industry, I've been deeply involved in various facets of music production, marketing, and distribution for over a decade. I've worked with both major labels and independent artists, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of the internet on the music business.
The article "How the Internet Has Changed the Music Industry" delineates the seismic shifts brought about by technological advancements, particularly the internet, in the realm of music. Let's break down the concepts mentioned:
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Technology and Evolution of the Music Industry: The article rightly points out how technology has been instrumental in reshaping the music industry, making it nearly unrecognizable compared to its earlier forms. This evolution has been driven by the internet's influence.
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Challenges and Changes Due to the Internet:
- Illegal Downloading and Music Sharing: Early issues like Napster and illegal downloading significantly disrupted traditional revenue streams for artists and labels.
- Streaming Services and Royalties: Current disputes revolve around fair compensation for artists and labels from music streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, etc. Low royalties from these platforms have shifted revenue models, posing challenges to artists' earnings.
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Impact on Artists and Industry:
- Accessibility vs. Monetization: The internet has made music more accessible to the public, but it has simultaneously made it harder for artists to earn a substantial income from their work. This has necessitated a resilient and adaptable attitude among artists to navigate these challenges.
- Egalitarian Nature: Despite the challenges, the internet has provided an egalitarian platform for independent artists to reach a global audience without the support of major labels. Artists can now cultivate their fanbase through digital platforms and niche audiences.
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Shift to Independence and Entrepreneurship:
- Emergence of Independent Success: The internet has liberated artists from traditional industry structures, enabling them to find success on their terms. Artists can leverage their social media followings and engage directly with fans to sell tickets for live shows, shifting the focus from label control to self-driven entrepreneurship.
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Transformation of the Music Industry: The article emphasizes a fundamental change in the music industry's dynamics, moving away from servicing only the top 1% of artists supported by major labels. It highlights the empowerment of numerous other artists who have found success by leveraging the opportunities provided by the internet.
In essence, the internet has revolutionized the music industry, introducing both challenges and opportunities. It has democratized access to audiences while altering the traditional revenue streams, necessitating a paradigm shift in how artists approach their careers and engage with their fanbase.
