How the Internet Revolutionized the Music Industry

How the Internet Revolutionized the Music Industry

The Internet revolutionizing the music industry is old news. At the dawn of the millenium century, it was obvious that things were changing — quickly. Now, the digital revolution is fully upon us. One need not look any further than artists like Drake, Soulja Boy, Wale and even R&B singers such as Ryan Leslie (who’s YouTubed himself making beats and talking randomly in his studio), to understand that the music industry will never be the same again. Here’s why:

1. Instant Access. Once upon a time, music fans had to wait until Tuesday to buy their favorite artist’s music. They would get up early in the morning, head to their favorite record store and eagerly unwrap the packaging of their favorite CD. Those days are long gone —much like Tevin Campbell’s career. These days are all about the search and click. Search the song you want (rarely an entire album) click on it and wait for it to download to your i-pod or computer.


2. The introduction of throw-away music. Just as it’s easy to get music, it’s even easier to throw it away, or drag it to your computer’s recycle bin. Songs suddenly have a lifespan of a couple of days at best, while albums get maybe a week or two, tops. This is a total break away from the days when albums would remain in rotation for months and months.


3. Computer music. These days, artists like Charles Hamilton make computer music, which are songs that even the artists doesn’t expect to make it to the home studio — or even the car. It’s strictly for the computer.

4. A new kind of fan. Live shows and tours are no longer necessary to establish a fan base, although they may still be necessary to maintain one — but that’s a different issue. Soulja Boy had millions of fans before he had a record deal using his Myspace and YouTube pages. Drake has become an international phenomenon strictly off of his Lil Wayne co-sign and his Internet presence.


5. Labels are irrelevant. Back in the day, rappers and singers clamored for a record deal. They sent demos, sat in the lobbies of label offices and did all that they could to get the attention of a label A&R. Nowadays? Not so much. Artists are able to maneuver their way into the limelight without backing from the majors. Drake, who remains unsigned but sells out venues where ever he goes, has gained the attention of everyone from Lil Wayne to Jay-Z. His success is a prime example of the irrelevancy of labels in this new musical climate. -jacinta howard

 

 

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