WEEK 4. Music sharing A

a) How do filesharing, online downloading and the ‘networking’ of new material change the way music is consumed?

Prior to the internet being used as a source to download and listen to music, music was traditionally bought in hard/physical forms-vinyl, cassette, CD etc. The ability to listen to and download music online has meant, for me, that there is a lot more experimentation, and dipping in and out of various music. To buy a CD requires a greater level of commitment that to listen online and then to download if desired. I initially listen online (myspace, youtube), downloading is the next stage and if i really like something will i either pay for the music on Itunes or actually buy the CD. It could either be argued that this reduces the chance of music being bought or increases the chance as more music is available online.

For me, this hasn't effected the amount of music I actually pay for. It simply allows me to listen to more music and decide what I like. Instead of simply having to hear music on TV or read reviews etc, it is a way that allows me to sample a much greated variety of music. As I go on to talk about, this means that not only music which is powered by big labels who have the finances to nationally/globably advertise, but also that smaller labels/artists can compete.

See 3b for more.