The Real Cost of Digital

I recently came across an article on Digital Cowboys that outlined the true impact of the digital era on the sale of music. The article, found here, stated, “Music is a much smaller and less significant part of many people’s lives than 10-20 years ago”. I beg to differ in the following respect. I don’t think music has a lesser role in our live but I do think that less of our resources go into purchasing music. There are so many other ways to hear the music we love and ownership, as defined by this article, isn’t as important as enjoyment.

I use Spotify to listen to music online. The library is diverse enough that it allows me to hear the music I love without having to spend thousands of dollars on CDs or downloads. I don’t have to worry about my music taking up space on my hard drive or in bins in my closet. Through this service, I have been able to regain access to music that had previously been lost or stolen from me. I realize that this does not translate to sales for major record labels but I think that this makes more room for the little guy to be seen and heard.

No doubt, I am all for the little guy. That is one reason why I fully embrace the digital revolution. I would love nothing more than to see the music industry delivered into the hands of the people. Permit me my soapbox for a moment… I, for one have grown weary of the cookie cutter dynamic of major labels. Real talent and innovation in music has too long been stifled. I support almost any movement that deems to turn the “business as usual” concept on its head.

I digress. I think that it is incumbent upon major labels to figure out a better way to navigate what the digital era and, particularly, cloud music and music streaming have manifested. I, personally, can’t fathom paying for a lot of new music that comes out. For me, it’s not a question of cost but of quality. Additionally, I am so oversaturated with the same tunes on traditional radio that I don’t need to own the tracks to even play in my car. What it boils down to is this; major labels need to find a new formula. Until they have one, the canvas is wide open for dedicate indies to take a stake in the game.