Music in the Digital Age

http://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/academics/communications/research/vol1no2/09staffordejfall10.pdf

The music industry is rapidly changing as technology advances. These advances can benefit musicians and listeners greatly. Musicians are able to post content and promote for free through a variety of online avenues. It is easier to share your music with the masses. Where this is an advantage it is also a disadvantage. Since MP3 were created pirated music has skyrocketed. About this time is when sites like Napster also emerged. As technology continues to develop it is even easier to steal music online through sites like YouTube, and artists fail to make a commission from plays that would have otherwise been monetized. Other technology advances have changed the way labels operate. This includes artists not having to rely on labels as heavily to promote their music. Musicians can promote through social media and be in control of the image they want to portray. This benefits the artist greatly by giving them control of their music and distribution, as it cuts out the label. The development of technology has become a sort of double edged sword, making the music industry change the way it operates and continues in the future.