Will Music Survive the Digital Age?

It seems like it was much easier to record music a couple of decades ago. A record company would finance and sell an artist’s recording, and both made money. Even though that it seems that with technology advancing everything is more available to us – take for instance movies and books – believe it or not, it’s more difficult for artists to find a record company that will finance them. Artists spend years supporting themselves, recording and putting their music out into the world, with none or some feedback.

A Brief Lookback

Not a lot of things have gone upstream for struggling artists in the last twenty years. Illegal downloading and sharing of music took a toll. These days streaming takes the first place. Streaming makes sense for both artists and fans. Even older music lovers are turning to music streaming because of its easy access. 

But what about the excitement of holding a new CD or smelling a vintage vinyl? These ways of playing music are becoming less convenient for people on the go. CD and audio cassette shops rarely exist anymore. On the other hand, vinyl is making a comeback with younger generations. True fans seem to appreciate the realistic vinyl sound, and nothing can replace that.

Additionally, with the constant use of the internet, music has become a daily part of it. Maybe you’ve noticed that a newly opened tab on your browser would immediately start playing a song when you open it. They fulfill their purpose.

Casino-used Music

Online sites are made with music in mind. Imagine playing a came in an online casino. You will hear background music or sounds made when you win something. So, how would you feel if there was no music playing in a real casino? Usually, you can hear high-energy music used to keep you on the site and gambling. 

It is the same in real-life casinos.  You would probably hear some smooth jazz playing that will keep you calm and collected while playing a high-stakes game. To keep the player engaged, the music used is specially picked. There is something called ‘The Sound of Victory.’ This sound you hear is in the form of a rock anthem which signals victory. Interestingly, no sound is connected to losing. Only positive melodies are allowed.

This kind of thinking goes with the modern way of playing music. Every song is hand-picked and added to a playlist to fit a certain crowd. This would not be possible with vinyl records, and it would not be very easy to manage with CDs or audio cassettes. This is why music needs to keep progressing.

What’s Next?

An artist’s primary goal is to connect with people through music. With today’s advanced technology doing that is much easier. Modern users expect a lot of things quickly and efficiently. They want their food delivered in 30 minutes or less or their packages to arrive in a day. The same goes for music. And even quicker. There’s an expectation to be attained, and CDs and audio cassettes do not make the cut. 

Real music fans with love for the original vinyl should not despair. Vinyl records are making a comeback with more open market offers on a Sunday morning or online garage sales. Many new artists would instead choose a combination of putting their album on vinyl and online, rather than a CD.

The future is not that bleak for music. Streaming is finding a way to people’s hearts because of its accessibility and constant updates. You can listen to a new song in a matter of seconds. Twenty-five years ago, you would’ve had to wait in line to get a physical copy.

Artists are also getting on with the trend of streaming music. Many find it a cheaper way to get their music out there to the fans without having to spend money on thousands of physical copies. And for lovers of the original sound, there’s always a live gig somewhere.