So many changes have happened over the years in the music
industry. The way fans are able to listen to music going from 8 tracks, to
cassettes, to cd’s, and now mp3’s. With the progression of technology came the
progression of the way music is presented to the masses. The change in
technology has also changed the way music is produced from analog to digital.
Consumers can buy music instantly from sites like iTunes and
Amazon, no longer do they have to wait in line at a record store for a new
album release. With streaming applications like Pandora, Rhapsody, and Spotify
fans can stream their favorite music for free with advertisements or pay a
monthly fee for advertisement free music streaming. Social media has brought
the artist and the fan closer with instant responses and reactions to their
music or any current events.
Buy with the new digital age has the relationship between
fan and artist been watered down. Many fans will stand in line for hours for
the new album of their favorite artist and that showed their loyalty. Yes artists can reach their fans faster and
easier but that also includes their music as well. With the changes in
technology came the new laws and new ways of doing business in the
industry. Making sure the artist is
still making money off of their work no matter how it was sold.