Entertainment
Ch-Ch-Changin’
Jack Klipsch
May 11, 2007 - 12:30:39 AM

To ‘make it’ in today’s music biz, technology and media influences make pursuits extremely difficult to achieve.

Over time, new technological changes how people get their music.

A new wave in music accessories, has thrown the industry for a loop.

Artists thrived (in ‘70s) from eight tracks, then (‘80s) cassette tapes, and then CDs, a seemingly milestone not to be surpassed.

Then, the mp3 player was introduced. Some iPods can hold up to 80GB (20,000 songs). It’s an upgrade from carrying a thick walkman and a case holding a massive CD collection.

"It’s easier with an iPod because you don’t have to go anywhere and buy full CDs," said Sarah Kuehn (9).

It’s becoming easier to purchase products today, and music is no exception. People can now buy music on iTunes; no longer must a full CD be purchased for a single song. Individual songs and entire albums generally cost less, so there are fewer people who buy actual CDs at music stores anymore. Music stores are dropping like flies, due to less walk in customers.

"There’s the internet, iTunes, and Limewire. You can put what you want on a burned CD," said Stephanie Frigerio (11).

Sites such as Limewire allow users to trade files without purchase. Students jump at the opportunity of getting free music, thus killing the CD. Internet makes the world a smaller place, and as a result, musicians’ pockets are effected.

Musicians are becoming independent with marketing. Artists have opportunities to record at school and get music out on profile websites. Record labels lose money from this independence.

Today’s music industry must change the way they distribute and adapt with time, technology, and teens.