For the majority of the listening population

For the majority of the listening population, music isn't entertaining enough on its own to support the industry the way it did years ago. These people would be content with the large body of music that has already been recorded and the few token new songs that catch their ear during a TV commercial. A subscription based service would suit them very nicely.

For a smaller group of the listening population, new records are a necessity. Part of the enjoyment for them is seeking out new music and owning a copy of it. A subscription based system won't work for them; some type of physical distribution will have to remain. And even if they become rare or the price goes up dramatically, they will find them and they will pay.

If anything, this is a great time for the credibility of the musician. Soon, "entertainers" will not need to make albums anymore, allowing musicians to take over the art form and restore some of its validity.

The question is if there is a way to juggle both of these worlds under the existing music industry, or if it just needs to come crumbling down.


-Rick Kwan