A debate which has raged online since the early 2000s is whether or not music should be available online. There has been a marked rise in the number of free music websites as well as streaming services over the years which have led to huge changes overall within the music industry as a whole.
Changes In How We Listen To Music
One of the main reasons why the debate around free music is raging is because of the way many of us listen to music. Traditionally , radio has always been free to listen. In the 20th century the radio was a source of music for people across the world and allowed people to listen to and access music almost anywhere.
Access to digital media has completely changed media consumption and the way that many people now choose to listen to music. One of the main drivers behind these changes has been the development of the mobile phones. Mobile phones now enable billions of people across the world to access music media within a click of a button. Often songs can be bought on online stores or alternatively through apps such as Itunes.
There has also been a rise in the number of people across the world choosing to access music through video sharing sites such as YouTube. Here music can be watched for free providing that advertisements are also watched. This ensures that some revenue is still made by the artist as well as record label.
Why Are People Pressing For Change?
There are a number of reasons as to why people are pressing for change overall within the music industry. One of the main reasons why people are pressing for change is cost of music. Many people simply cannot afford to buy music cd’s or albums and therefore need a more sustainable and low cost way of consuming music on-demand.