In 1999 a music streaming service called Napster premiered. As a result, this invention created a multi-billion dollar music-sharing industry that literally changed the way fans listen to their favorite artists.
However, as with any new industry, there have been some pros and cons that have made music streaming as celebrated as it is controversial.
The Pros
- Streaming makes music more accessible to everyone anywhere on the planet.
- Many times the sound quality of streamed music will be far superior to that of songs on CDs.
- Subscribers will have access to out-of-print recordings.
- Streaming doesn’t take up space on the user’s hard drive.
- Streaming services offer customers a vast selection of music to choose from.
- Subscribers can easily create their own playlists.
- New artists and genres of music are more accessible to customers.
- Streaming services make customers aware of new releases from their favorite artists.
- Up and coming artists stand a much better chance of being discovered.
- Subscribers can use their playlist to help make new releases potential hits.
- Streaming gives new artists the chance to create their own marketing campaigns.
- New artists have a greater chance of making profits off their music.
The Cons
- Subscribers don’t own a copy of the music they’ve streamed.
- Those who profit the most from music streaming services are big corporate entities and tech companies.
- Many music streaming services collect user information.
- Music that has been streamed can’t be digitally reproduced.
- Streaming ultimately causes established artists to lose potential earnings.
- Most music streaming services use and depend on ads to stay in business.
- Many times “free” music streaming services have hidden subscription fees.
- Often, music catalogues on streaming services are very disorganized.
- Subscribers never get to see, or appreciate, the work that got put into creating an original album cover.
- The overabundance of competition from other established musicians means new artists will have a harder time getting noticed.
- Many times during the remastering process, music that has been digitally reproduced for streaming purposes ends up being distorted.
- New artists might have to wait years to see a profit on their investment.
Interested in a Career in the Music Industry?
If you think you might like to pursue a career in the music industry, perhaps you should consider enrolling in Hocking College’s Music Management program. In only four semesters, you could learn about music theory, how to book and promote concerts, ways to obtain a music industry-oriented internship, and graduate with an Associate of Applied Business in Music Management.
For more information on this program contact the Hocking College Admissions Team at (740) 753-3591 or email admissions@hocking.edu.