Digital Media vs Music Industry

Rayshawn Parrilla

  Over the years, the world of music has progressed due to the impact of new technology.  Considering the format in which it’s displayed, music has transitioned from 8-track to cassettes, records to CD’s and now the biggest delivery content of them all; digital downloads.  As we know, the music industry can be extremely competitive; however it’s no competition in a world of digital media.  Digital media provides consumers with multiple technology services including Spotify, Beats, Apple Music etc; allowing them the opportunity to stream and download their music choice.  Streaming music has dominantly become a trend including access that enables delivery through devices such as smart phones, computers and tablets.  With music at your finger tips, digital media has changed the perception on how music is bought and delivered.

It is evident, streaming services is taking over the music industry.  Technology is implanted in devices and online services, providing people with a broad range of entertaining their listening experience.  Their features give customers’ unlimited access to listen to their favorite music or artist within amount of seconds.  Features also include playlists for a particular mood as well as play back options.  While new technology is rapidly progressing, more and more people are crossing over to digital media.  People no longer go to your local store and buy music like they use too. CD’s, cassettes and records are considered obsolete.  Streaming music is the new trend and has become more accessible to our new generation. 

 As many believe digital media will be the death of the music industry, artists such as Jay-z, Kanye West and much more, joined forces with streaming services “Tidal.”  For a long period of time, artist felt they are in a losing battle with streaming services.  With just a click of a button, their albums or music is downloaded, resulting to lost in sales.  Tidal grants artist more right and control over their music as well as financial benefits.  At first, artists were not complying with the idea of paying for streaming services.  However, once sales began to drop, jumping on board was their only outlet in saving the music industry. As digital media revenues rise in the world of music, it will continue to have a major impact on the music industry.