JUST DOWNLOAD IT!: The Internet's Massive Influence on The Music

It?s all about a buzz! In the music industry, an artist?s name and brand is built from recorded material, word of mouth, and yes, Internet presence. Music, just like every other industry has had to learn to keep up with the times. From subject matter, to coming up with new and imaginative (and cost effective), and ways to promote to the public, music has to continually recreate itself.

This is where the Internet has stepped in and completely changed the dynamics of the game. The strategy of using the online world to their advantage has become embedded in record labels? marketing plans these days. However, with change comes expected advantages, but also unexpected downsides. More efficient advertising via the web to a worldwide audience for next to nothing was almost immediately followed by record lows for in-store album sales.

According to Business Week, researchers and industry consultants say online music sites are being used by a growing number of listeners as a substitute for buying music. The initial purpose of these sites was to serve as a catalyst for higher record sales. The online world can?t take all the blame though; the fact remains that if quality were put out fans will put their hard earned money behind it. All of the various types of sales can peak again with a stronger focus on what is lacking, good music to choose from.

While the business side has changed because of the ?Net, the art has flourished in a sense. With the influx of sites geared toward new artists and underground lyricists, gone are the days of a deal to prove your worthiness. The Internet has made it easier to self-promote and self-sign ? checks that is. Sites like iTunes feature all types of music and artists the consumer can purchase material from and it isn?t based on them being the biggest name. There is now an almost even ground for musicians to be heard and at times discovered; YouTube is an obvious example of that. The future of the industry seems to be building off the options the Internet provides.

Read complete article at AllHipHop.com

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